Every legitimate California contractor has a Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license number. What do the numbers mean? Is C-33 better than C-61? Does a 6-digit license mean more experience than an 8-digit one? And how do you verify the person showing up at your door is actually the licensed contractor they claim to be?

This guide explains California contractor license numbers, classifications and verification, so whether you're hiring a painter, remodeler or builder, you can avoid the unlicensed operators who target Peninsula homeowners.

License Number Anatomy

A California contractor license looks like this:

803672 C-33: Painting and Decorating Contractor
License #
803672: The 7-digit number assigned when the license was first issued. Lower numbers indicate older licenses (issued earlier). McDermaid's license was issued in 2002.
Classification
C-33: The trade classification indicating what work the contractor is qualified to perform. C-33 specifically covers painting and decorating.
Description
Painting and Decorating Contractor: The official CSLB description of the classification scope.

License Classifications Explained

California contractor licenses are organized into three main categories:

Class Type Scope
A General Engineering Fixed works requiring specialized engineering knowledge (bridges, dams, power plants)
B General Building Construction of structures requiring at least two unrelated trades
B-2 Residential Remodeling Improvements to existing residential structures (limited to 3 trades)
C Specialty Specific trades (C-33 Painting, C-36 Plumbing, C-10 Electrical, etc.)
C-61 Limited Specialty Narrow scope specialties (D-49 Tree Service, D-63 Construction Clean-up)

Common C-Classifications for Homeowners

Class Trade Typical Work
C-33 Painting and Decorating Interior/exterior painting, staining, wallpaper, decorative finishes
C-36 Plumbing Water, gas, drainage systems, fixtures
C-10 Electrical Wiring, panels, fixtures, low-voltage systems
C-39 Roofing Roof installation, repair, waterproofing
C-54 Tile Ceramic, mosaic, marble tile installation
C-17 Glazing Windows, glass, mirrors
C-6 Cabinet, Millwork Cabinets, countertops, finish carpentry
C-15 Flooring Hardwood, carpet, vinyl, tile flooring

Dual Licensing: Why It Matters

McDermaid holds both C-33 Painting and B-2 Residential Remodeling licenses:

  • C-33 (Painting): Authorizes all painting and decorating work, including fine finishes, cabinet refinishing, and specialty coatings
  • B-2 (Residential Remodeling): Authorizes improvements to existing homes, allowing us to coordinate multiple trades on kitchen, bath, and whole-home projects

A contractor with only C-33 cannot legally perform general remodeling work. A contractor with only B-2 cannot legally perform painting work as a standalone service. Holding both lets us handle projects that span them, like a kitchen remodel with cabinet refinishing.

How to Verify a License

Verify before hiring. It takes 30 seconds:

  1. Visit cslb.ca.gov
  2. Click "Check License" in the top navigation
  3. Enter the license number, business name, or contractor's personal name
  4. Review the license details

What to check in the results:

  • License Status: Should show "Active"
  • Expiration Date: Should be current
  • Classification: Should match the work being performed
  • Bond: Should show current bond on file
  • Workers Comp: Should show current (if they have employees)
  • Complaints: Review any disciplinary actions

Red Flags

Walk away if the license status shows "Suspended" or "Revoked," classification doesn't match the work being quoted, no workers comp listed for a company with employees, recent disciplinary actions, or the contractor refuses to provide a license number.

Bond and Insurance Requirements

California contractors must maintain:

  • Contractor Bond: $25,000 (protects consumers against incomplete work or code violations)
  • Workers Compensation: Required if the contractor has employees (covers worker injuries)
  • General Liability: Not required by CSLB but essential (covers property damage and third-party injuries)

Ask for certificates of insurance naming you as additional insured, so coverage applies to your project.

Our Licenses

McDermaid Restoration & Remodeling holds:

  • CSLB #803672: C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor
  • CSLB #803672: B-2 Residential Remodeling Contractor (dual classification)
  • $25,000 Contractor Bond: Current and active
  • Workers Compensation: Full coverage for all employees
  • General Liability: $2 million coverage

Verify our licenses anytime at cslb.ca.gov. We're proud of our 34-year record of compliance.

"A CSLB license number tells you far more than whether a contractor is licensed. It tells you how a contractor approaches their work."

Sources (1)
  1. cslb.ca.gov (https://www.cslb.ca.gov) Back
Written by McDermaid Restoration & Remodeling, a family run painting and remodeling company on the Bay Area Peninsula.Updated