{
  "url": "https://scopeofcover.com/requirements/ca/roofing-contractor-license",
  "title": "California Roofer License (C-39) Requirements",
  "template": "requirements",
  "published": "2026-10-06",
  "updated": "2026-10-06",
  "last_verified": "2026-10-06",
  "answer": "Yes, California requires roofing contractors to hold a state license. Scope of Cover found that the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) requires a license for any project valued at $1,000 or more, that uses employees, or requires a building permit. Licensed roofers must also file a $25,000 contractor's bond. Failure to maintain continuous workers' compensation insurance results in automatic license suspension.",
  "editor": {
    "name": "Eric Dawson",
    "title": "Editor"
  },
  "publisher": "scopeofcover.com",
  "claims": [
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-roofer-license-required",
      "statement": "In California, a license from the CSLB is required for anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that requires a building permit, uses employee labor or workers, or has a value of $1,000 or more for combined labor and materials.",
      "value": "1000",
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/What_Kind_Of_Contractor.aspx",
      "quote": "In California, anyone who contracts to perform work on a project that requires a building permit, or uses employee labor or worker(s), or contracts for work valued at $1,000 or more for combined labor and materials costs must hold a current, valid license from CSLB.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-roofing-contractor-classification",
      "statement": "The license classification for a roofing contractor in California is C-39.",
      "value": "C-39",
      "unit": "classification",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/",
      "quote": "C-39 - Roofing Contractor",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-roofing-contractor-definition",
      "statement": "A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof, and weatherproof structures to prevent water penetration.",
      "value": "Roofing Contractor",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C39",
      "quote": "A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures. This work is performed to prevent water or its derivatives, compounds or solids from penetrating such protection and gaining access to material or space beyond.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-bond-amount",
      "statement": "A contractor's bond of $25,000 is required for licensing in California.",
      "value": "25000",
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "You must file a Contractor's Bond or Information on Alternatives in Lieu of Bond Requirements with the Registrar in the amount of $25,000 .",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-bond-qualifying-individual-amount",
      "statement": "A separate Bond of Qualifying Individual of $25,000 may be required for the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).",
      "value": "25000",
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "In addition, you may need to submit a separate Bond of Qualifying Individual or Information on Alternatives in Lieu of Bond Requirements in the amount of $25,000 for the Responsible Managing Employee (RME) or the Responsible Managing Officer (RMO).",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-unlicensed-contracting-misdemeanor-penalty",
      "statement": "A first offense for contracting without a license is typically a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, and an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.",
      "value": "misdemeanor",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "quote": "Those who are caught contracting without a license likely will have to appear before a Superior Court judge to answer to misdemeanor charges that can carry a potential sentence of up to six months in jail and/or a $5,000 fine, as well as an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-unlicensed-contracting-second-offense-penalty",
      "statement": "A second offense for unlicensed contracting results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000.",
      "value": "90-day jail sentence",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "quote": "A second offense results in a mandatory 90-day jail sentence and a fine of 20 percent of the contract price or $5,000.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-unlicensed-contracting-felony-charges",
      "statement": "Felony charges are filed against individuals who illegally use another person's contractor license or attempt to mislead consumers into believing they are licensed contractors.",
      "value": "Yes",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "quote": "Felony charges are filed against anyone who illegally uses another person’s contractor license or who tries to mislead consumers into believing that he or she is a licensed contractor.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-unlicensed-contracting-disaster-area-felony",
      "statement": "Contracting for work in a state or federal natural disaster area without an active state contractor license could lead to felony charges.",
      "value": "Yes",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "quote": "Anyone who contracts for work in a state or federal natural disaster area without an active state contractor license also could face felony charges.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-consumer-payment-unlicensed",
      "statement": "Consumers are not legally required to pay a person who is not state-licensed and cannot be sued for non-payment.",
      "value": "No",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "quote": "Also be aware that consumers are not legally required to pay a person who is not state-licensed, and cannot be sued for non-payment.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-unlicensed-definition",
      "statement": "It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project requiring a building permit, using employee labor, or valued at $1,000 or more in combined labor and material costs.",
      "value": "1000",
      "unit": "USD",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/report_unlicensed_activity/What_Is_Illegal_Contractor_Activity.aspx",
      "quote": "It is illegal for an unlicensed person to perform contracting work on any project which requires a building permit, or employee labor is used or the project is valued at $1,000, or more in combined labor and material costs.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-renewal-active",
      "statement": "An active contractor license is issued for a two-year period and can be renewed for two years at a time.",
      "value": "two years",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "A contractor license initially is issued for a two-year period. It will expire two years from the last day of the month in which it was issued. Licenses may be renewed for two years at a time if renewed on active status, or for four years if renewed on inactive status.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-renewal-inactive",
      "statement": "An inactive contractor license can be renewed for four years at a time.",
      "value": "four years",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "quote": "Licenses may be renewed for two years at a time if renewed on active status, or for four years if renewed on inactive status.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-license-age-requirement",
      "statement": "To qualify for a licensed contractor, an individual must be 18 years of age or older.",
      "value": "18",
      "unit": "years of age",
      "as_of": "2026-10-06",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/before_applying_for_license.aspx",
      "quote": "To qualify to become a licensed contractor an individual must be 18 years of age or older and have the experience and skills necessary to manage the daily activities of a construction business, including field supervision.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "claim_id": "ca-workers-comp-continuous-coverage",
      "statement": "Workers' compensation coverage must be continuous, and failure to maintain it will result in license suspension.",
      "value": "Yes",
      "as_of": "2026-10-02",
      "jurisdiction": "CA",
      "source_url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/workers_compensation.aspx",
      "quote": "Workers' compensation coverage must be continuous. Failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage will result in the license being suspended.",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "sources": [
    {
      "title": "CSLB: What kind of contractor do I need",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/hire_a_contractor/What_Kind_Of_Contractor.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Licensing classifications",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/About_Us/Library/Licensing_Classifications/",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: C-39 Roofing classification",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/about_us/library/licensing_classifications/Licensing_Classifications_Detail.aspx?Class=C39",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Issuing my license",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/Issuing_My_License.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Consequences of contracting without a license",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/journeymen/journeymen_unlicensed_consequences.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: What is illegal contractor activity",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/consumers/report_unlicensed_activity/What_Is_Illegal_Contractor_Activity.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Before applying for the examination",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/applicants/contractors_license/exam_application/before_applying_for_license.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-06"
    },
    {
      "title": "CSLB: Workers' compensation insurance for licensees",
      "url": "https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/workers_compensation.aspx",
      "publisher": "Contractors State License Board",
      "retrieved": "2026-10-02"
    }
  ],
  "license": "CC BY 4.0. Attribute to Scope of Cover (https://scopeofcover.com/)."
}