California Plumber License Requirements
Official classification: C-36 Plumbing Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
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In California, plumbers must hold the C-36 Plumbing Contractor, issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and a $25,000 surety bond is required. Full requirements — experience, exams, fees, insurance, renewal and reciprocity — are detailed below.
How to become a licensed plumber in California
Follow these steps to earn your C-36 Plumbing Contractor. Every figure is verified against the Contractors State License Board (CSLB); full detail for each step is further down the page.
- Build the required experience. 4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
- Pass the Law & Business and C-36 Plumbing Trade exams. Providers, passing scores and fees are in the Exams section below.
- Secure your surety bond. California requires $25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company.
- Check the insurance rules. Liability: Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients and general contractors. Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption.
- Clear the background check. Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ ($32) + FBI ($17) criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties.
- Submit your application and fees. Apply through the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — $450 (nonrefundable) application fee, plus a $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner) license fee. Processing time: Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website.
- Keep the license active. Renewal: Every 2 years.
For the general path in every state, see the Plumber guide →
California plumber license lookup
To confirm a plumber is properly licensed in California — or to check the status of your own license — search the issuing agency's official license database. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
License types
- C-36 Plumbing Contractor — Statewide license to install and service water-supply and gas piping from the utility meter, fixtures, water heaters, gas appliances, flues, on-site waste-disposal systems, venting and storage tanks, plus backflow preventers and gas earthquake valves.
Requirements at a glance
| Experience required | 4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; at least 1 year must be practical experience. |
|---|---|
| Application fee | $450 (nonrefundable) |
| License fee | $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner) |
| Renewal fee | $450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner) |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Bond required | $25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company. |
| Liability insurance | Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients and general contractors |
| Property damage | — |
| Workers' comp | Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption. |
| Background check | Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ ($32) + FBI ($17) criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties. |
| Credit requirement | None |
| Reciprocity | Arizona (C-37 or C-37R Plumbing; trade exam may be waived) · compare all states |
| Processing time | Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website |
What a California plumber license costs
| Application fee | $450 (nonrefundable). |
|---|---|
| License fee | $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner). |
| Law & Business | Included in application. |
| C-36 Plumbing Trade | Included in application. |
| Surety bond | $25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company. A bond's premium is a percentage of the bond amount, set by the surety. |
| Renewal fee | $450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner). |
| Renewal period | Every 2 years. |
Exams
| Law & Business | Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application |
|---|---|
| C-36 Plumbing Trade | Provider: PSI (for CSLB) · Passing: Not publicly disclosed by CSLB (candidates are notified at the test site) · Fee: Included in application |
Renewing a California plumber license
The C-36 Plumbing Contractor renews on a fixed cycle set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Late and lapsed renewals are handled differently by every board, so check the renewal page linked below before the deadline passes.
| Renewal period | Every 2 years |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner) |
| Continuing education | None required |
| Where to renew | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) |
Frequently asked questions
How much does a California plumber license cost?
Application: $450 (nonrefundable). License: $200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner). Renewal: $450 (sole owner) / $700 (non-sole owner).
How do I look up a plumber license in California?
Search the official license database at cslb.ca.gov. The record shows whether the license is active and in good standing.
Do plumbers in California need a surety bond?
$25,000 contractor bond (since Jan 1, 2023). Additional $25,000 Bond of Qualifying Individual if qualified by an RME or by an RMO who owns less than 10% of the company.
What experience is required for a California plumber license?
4 years of journey-level plumbing experience within the last 10 years. Up to 3 years may be credited for approved apprenticeship, technical training or education; at least 1 year must be practical experience.
Is insurance required for plumbers in California?
Liability: Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients and general contractors. Workers' compensation: Required if you have employees; sole owners with none may file a Workers' Compensation Exemption.
How long does it take to get a California plumber license?
Processing time: Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website.
Is a background check required for plumbers in California?
Background check: Live Scan fingerprints; DOJ ($32) + FBI ($17) criminal background check. Convictions reviewed case-by-case for substantial relation to contractor duties.
How often must a California plumber license be renewed?
Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.
Official sources
cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/reciprocity/reciprocal_classifications_list.aspx
cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C36
cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/fees.aspx
cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/bond_information/bond_requirements.aspx