California Roofer License Requirements

Official classification: C-39 Roofing Contractor · Issued by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB).

🏠 RooferCA ✔ Verified 2026-09-30

In California, roofers must hold the C-39 Roofing 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 roofer in California

Follow these steps to earn your C-39 Roofing 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 roofing 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-39 Roofing 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. Workers' compensation: Required for ALL C-39 roofers even with no employees (B&P Code §7125). Roofers cannot file a workers' comp exemption — coverage (or self-insurance certification) must be maintained as a condition of licensure.
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.

California roofer license lookup

To confirm a roofer 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.

Verify a license now: Search the official cslb.ca.gov database →

License types

C-39 Roofing Contractor — Statewide license to install and repair surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures — asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate and other roofing or membrane materials.

Requirements at a glance

Experience required	4 years of journey-level roofing 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
Property damage	—
Workers' comp	Required for ALL C-39 roofers even with no employees (B&P Code §7125). Roofers cannot file a workers' comp exemption — coverage (or self-insurance certification) must be maintained as a condition of licensure.
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 (trade exam may be waived); Nevada · compare all states
Processing time	Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website

What a California roofer license costs

Application fee	$450 (nonrefundable).
License fee	$200 (sole owner) / $350 (non-sole owner).
Law & Business	Included in application.
C-39 Roofing 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-39 Roofing 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 roofer license

The C-39 Roofing 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 roofer 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 roofer 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 roofers 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 roofer license?

4 years of journey-level roofing 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 roofers in California?

Liability: Not state-mandated, but commonly required by clients. Workers' compensation: Required for ALL C-39 roofers even with no employees (B&P Code §7125). Roofers cannot file a workers' comp exemption — coverage (or self-insurance certification) must be maintained as a condition of licensure.

How long does it take to get a California roofer license?

Processing time: Variable; status checkable on the CSLB website.

Is a background check required for roofers 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 roofer license be renewed?

Every 2 years. Continuing education: None required.

Fees and rules change frequently (often annually). This page was last verified on 2026-09-30 — always confirm current requirements directly with the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) before applying. This is not legal advice.