The Contractors State License Board (“CSLB”) has been holding stings in the Coachella Valley in an attempt to crack-down on people illegally acting as contractors without a license. This article provides an overview of contractor license requirements. While there are exemptions, you must be licensed by the Contractor’s State License Board (“CSLB”) if the total cost of labor and material under the construction contract for the project is $500 or more. The Contractors State License Board offers approximately 43 different classifications ranging from general contractor to landscape, painting, plumbing, electrical, swimming pool contractors and more.

An individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture, and limited liability company can be issued a contractor’s license. In order to qualify for a contractor’s license individually, you must meet the following requirements:

1. You must be 18 years of age or older;
2. You must have a valid social security number; and
3. You must be able to show you have the experience and skills necessary to supervise the project and handle the daily activities of the construction business.

Experience is shown if you have at least four years of journey-level experience over the last ten years immediately preceding the application for a license. If you do not have the requisite experience, a written law and business examination and a specific trade examination will be required. In addition to your application, you must obtain the following: (1) a contractor bond (currently $12,500); and (2) Proof of workers’ compensation Insurance or an exemption certificate certifying you have no employees. Reviewing applications takes time so be prepared to wait three months or more for the CSLB to process your application.

For assistance obtaining a license or dealing with Contractor State License Board (“CSLB”) related claims, citations, and complaints, contact Amir H. Afsar, Esq. an attorney and the founder of Afsar Law Group, A.P.C. which represents clients in business, real estate, and construction matters throughout the Coachella Valley including Palm Desert, Palm Springs, La Quinta, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Cathedral City, Banning, Joshua Tree, and other cities located within Riverside and San Bernardino County. Mr. Afsar can be reached at Afsar Law Group, A.P.C. at 760.345.3110.

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