California Plumbing License: Requirements, Costs, and Bond Obligations

If you’re planning to work as a plumber in California, understanding the licensing process, costs, and bonding requirements is essential for staying compliant with state laws and building a trustworthy reputation in the industry. The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) oversees the licensing of plumbers, ensuring that they meet the required qualifications, maintain proper insurance, and carry the necessary contractor license bond.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the California plumbing license requirements, the costs involved, and the bond obligations you must fulfill to operate legally and successfully.

Why a Plumbing License is Required in California

In California, any plumbing work that exceeds a total value of $500 (labor and materials combined) requires a C-36 Plumbing Contractor License issued by the CSLB. This law is in place to protect consumers, ensure that work meets building and safety codes, and hold contractors accountable for the quality of their work.

Operating without a license can lead to fines between $200 and $15,000, misdemeanor charges, and even suspension of your ability to apply for a license in the future. A valid plumbing license also helps build trust with customers, suppliers, and general contractors.

Step-by-Step Requirements to Get Your Plumbing License in California

1. Meet Basic Eligibility Requirements

To apply for a C-36 Plumbing License, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old.

• Have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).

• Possess at least four years of journeyman-level experience in plumbing within the last 10 years.

• Show proof of work experience verified by a licensed contractor, employer, foreman, or union representative.

2. Submit the Application to CSLB

Your application package must include:

• Application for Original Contractor License form.

• A qualifying individual designation (owner, partner, RME, or RMO).

• Proof of required work experience.

• Applicable fees (see “License Costs” section below).

• Contractor License Bond for $25,000 (more details later in this blog).

3. Pass the Required Exams

Applicants must pass two CSLB-administered exams:

• Law and Business Exam – Covers state regulations, contract law, safety, and business management.

• Trade Exam – Focuses on plumbing codes, materials, safety protocols, and installation techniques.

You’ll also need to complete fingerprinting for a background check.

4. Obtain a Contractor License Bond

California requires all contractors, including plumbers, to maintain an active $25,000 contractor license bond. This protects consumers and employees against financial harm from violations of state contracting laws.

Learn more in our detailed guide: California Contractor License Bonds

Costs of Getting and Maintaining Your Plumbing License

Getting a plumbing license in California involves several costs, including:

ExpenseEstimated CostApplication Fee$450Law & Trade ExamsIncluded in application feeContractor License Bond (annual premium)$125 – $1,250 (varies by credit)Fingerprinting/Live Scan$50 – $75Initial License Fee (2 years)$200License Renewal Fee (every 2 years)$450Workers’ Compensation Insurance (if applicable)Varies based on payroll

📌 Pro Tip: Partnering with a bond provider like Budget Bonds ensures your bond meets CSLB compliance standards and is processed quickly to avoid delays.

California Plumbing Contractor Bond Obligations

Why the Bond is Required

The $25,000 contractor license bond serves as a financial guarantee that you will comply with state laws and regulations. If you fail to fulfill contractual obligations, perform faulty work, or fail to pay subcontractors or employees, a claim can be made against your bond.

Key Bond Requirements

According to CSLB rules:

• Must be issued by a California Department of Insurance–licensed surety company.

• Business name and license number on the bond must match CSLB records exactly.

• Must remain active for your license to stay in good standing.

• Must be on a CSLB-approved form.

Read our guide on Bonding Process for Contractors for detailed steps.

What Happens if Your Bond Lapses

If your plumbing contractor bond expires or is canceled:

• Your license will be automatically suspended.

• You cannot legally perform or bid on plumbing work.

• CSLB may take disciplinary action, including fines.

• You may lose ongoing contracts and damage your professional reputation.

To prevent lapses:

• Set renewal reminders 60–90 days before expiration.

• Work with a provider offering automatic renewal notifications.

• Bundle your bond renewal with insurance renewals for efficiency.

Additional Insurance Requirements for California Plumbers

In addition to the contractor license bond:

• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – Required if you have employees.

• General Liability Insurance – Not legally required but highly recommended for coverage against third-party claims of property damage or bodily injury.

Learn more in our California Contractor Insurance Guide.

Renewal of Your Plumbing License

Your plumbing license must be renewed every two years. Failure to renew on time can result in fines, bond lapses, and a suspension of your ability to work legally.

Check out our detailed article on Contractor License Renewal in California to avoid costly mistakes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for a Plumbing License

• Submitting incomplete or inaccurate applications.

• Not verifying that your bond matches CSLB records exactly.

• Allowing your workers’ compensation policy to lapse.

• Missing renewal deadlines for both license and bond.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long does it take to get a plumbing license in California?
It typically takes 6–8 weeks from the time you submit your application, provided there are no errors or missing information.

2. Can I work while my license application is pending?
No. You must wait until the CSLB issues your license number before performing any work requiring a license.

3. How much does a $25,000 plumbing contractor bond cost?
The cost (premium) ranges from 0.5% to 5% of the bond amount, depending on your credit and business history.

4. What happens if I fail the plumbing trade exam?
You can retake the exam, but you may need to pay a re-exam fee.

Final Thoughts

Obtaining and maintaining your California C-36 Plumbing License is essential for building a compliant, trustworthy, and profitable plumbing business. The process involves meeting eligibility requirements, passing exams, paying fees, and most importantly, maintaining your $25,000 contractor license bond.

By staying on top of renewal deadlines, working with a trusted bond provider like Budget Bonds, and keeping your insurance coverage current, you can avoid costly fines, suspension, and project delays — ensuring your plumbing business continues to grow.