Roofing license
Roofing license requirements in California
Yes — California requires a CSLB C-39 Roofing contractor license for any roofing job of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, which in practice covers nearly all roofing work.
The short answer
Yes — California requires a CSLB C-39 Roofing contractor license for any roofing job of $1,000 or more in combined labor and materials, which in practice covers nearly all roofing work.
Do you need a license to roof in California?
C-39 Roofing Contractor classification, issued by the CSLB. The $1,000 licensing threshold was raised from $500 by AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025, and roofing almost always needs the license because it typically requires a building permit.
Who issues it: Contractors State License Board (CSLB).
Last verified: 2026-07-19
California roofing license at a glance
Every figure here is a plain-English starting point read from the official state board — always confirm the current requirements at the source before you rely on them.
License type / class
C-39 Roofing Contractor classification, issued by the CSLB. The $1,000 licensing threshold was raised from $500 by AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025, and roofing almost always needs the license because it typically requires a building permit.
Issuing board
Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — cslb.ca.gov
Exam required
Yes
Experience / qualification
Four years of journeyman-level (or higher) roofing experience within the last ten years; approved education can substitute for up to three years.
Bond
A $25,000 contractor bond filed with the CSLB is required to activate the license.
Insurance minimum
Roofing (C-39) contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance even with no employees; general liability is strongly recommended.
Application fee
About $450 to apply for the original license, plus the license issuance fee.
Renewal
Renew every two years; the active renewal fee is set by the CSLB.
Reciprocity
Reciprocity exists with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for qualifying individuals — confirm current terms with the CSLB.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| License type / class | C-39 Roofing Contractor classification, issued by the CSLB. The $1,000 licensing threshold was raised from $500 by AB 2622, effective January 1, 2025, and roofing almost always needs the license because it typically requires a building permit. |
| Issuing board | Contractors State License Board (CSLB) — cslb.ca.gov |
| Exam required | Yes |
| Experience / qualification | Four years of journeyman-level (or higher) roofing experience within the last ten years; approved education can substitute for up to three years. |
| Bond | A $25,000 contractor bond filed with the CSLB is required to activate the license. |
| Insurance minimum | Roofing (C-39) contractors must carry workers' compensation insurance even with no employees; general liability is strongly recommended. |
| Application fee | About $450 to apply for the original license, plus the license issuance fee. |
| Renewal | Renew every two years; the active renewal fee is set by the CSLB. |
| Reciprocity | Reciprocity exists with Arizona, Nevada, and Utah for qualifying individuals — confirm current terms with the CSLB. |
How to get a roofing license in California
- Document four years of journeyman-or-higher roofing experience within the last ten years.
- Submit the CSLB application with the fee and have your experience certified.
- Pass the Law & Business exam and the C-39 Roofing trade exam.
- File a $25,000 contractor bond and your workers' compensation coverage (or exemption).
- Pay the issuance fee to activate your C-39 license.
Working without a license in California
Contracting without a license is a misdemeanor in California, with steeper penalties for repeat offenses and in declared disaster areas.
Last verified: 2026-07-19
Roofing license rules change and often vary by city and county. This page is a plain-English starting point, not legal advice — always confirm the current requirements with the state board linked below before you rely on them.
Verify at the source: cslb.ca.gov
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