How to Check a Roofing License in California (C-39)

In California, a roofer needs a contractor license from the Contractors State License Board (CSLB), and the roofing license class is called C-39. You can check any license for free with CSLB's Check a License ↗ tool or by calling (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

CSLB's own advice is worth repeating: "Seeing a license number doesn't necessarily mean the license is valid" (CSLB ↗). Look it up yourself before you sign.

How to look up a California roofing license

1. Go to CSLB Check a License ↗.
2. Search by license number (up to 8 digits), business name, or personnel name (an owner or officer). You can also look up a home improvement salesperson's registration (CSLB ↗).
3. Open the record. Check the status, the classifications (look for C-39), the bond and the workers' compensation information.
4. Look at the complaint disclosure. CSLB says the lookup lets you "verify information, including complaint disclosure" (CSLB ↗).

If the license number isn't on the bid, CSLB says you can search by the business name or the contractor's name instead (CSLB ↗). The online database is down for maintenance from Sunday at 8 p.m. to Monday at 6 a.m. (CSLB ↗).

What the C-39 Roofing license covers

CSLB describes it this way: "A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures." The listed materials include asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, shakes, shingles, roof tile and slate, "or any other roofing, waterproofing, weatherproofing or membrane material(s)" (CSLB C-39 ↗).

Can a B General Building contractor take a roof-only job?

Not by itself. California law says a general building contractor "shall not take a prime contract for any project involving trades other than framing or carpentry" unless one of these is true (B&P 7057 ↗):

• the contract requires at least two unrelated building trades other than framing or carpentry;
• the B contractor also holds the right license classification (for roofing, C-39); or
• the B contractor subcontracts the work to a contractor with the right license.

For a subcontract, the B contractor must hold the classification itself unless the subcontract involves at least two unrelated trades (B&P 7057 ↗).

What this means for you: if a company with only a B license bids just your roof, ask which C-39 contractor will do the work, and look up that license too. If the job is a larger remodel that includes the roof, a B contractor may be able to take the whole contract.

The minor-work exemption: $1,000, not $500

California exempts small jobs only when all of these are true (B&P 7048 ↗):

• the total price for labor, materials and everything else on the project is less than $1,000;
• the work is "of casual, minor, or inconsequential nature"; and
• the work does not require a building permit.

The exemption does not apply if the job is part of a larger project, or if it's split into contracts under $1,000 to get around the law. It also doesn't apply to anyone who advertises or puts out a sign or card saying they're a contractor, or who employs someone else to do or help with the work (B&P 7048 ↗).

You may see a $500 figure on older websites. The current text of Section 7048 on the California Legislature's site says $1,000 (last amended by Stats. 2025, ch. 67, effective January 1, 2026) (B&P 7048 ↗).

Bond and workers' comp: what to look for

• License bond. CSLB says licensed contractors must have a contractor license bond of $25,000, and warns that the bond "is often not enough to cover multiple complaints" (CSLB ↗).
• Workers' compensation. In California, a contractor with employees must carry workers' compensation insurance. CSLB lists C-39 roofing contractors among the classes that must carry it whether or not they have employees (CSLB ↗). The workers' comp status shows on the license record.
• General insurance. Ask for proof of insurance as well (FTC ↗).

Check the person, not just the number

CSLB suggests that when a contractor comes to give you a bid, you ask to see their pocket license and a photo ID, and make sure "the person you're dealing with is the same person on the license." For a salesperson, ask for the registration card and a photo ID (CSLB ↗).

Contractors must also put their license number on their business card and on all bids and contracts, and contractor ads must include it (CSLB ↗). A missing number is a reason to ask questions.

After a wildfire, storm or other declared disaster

Unlicensed contracting on repairs for damage from a natural disaster that the Governor or the President has declared can be punished by a fine of up to $10,000, prison time, or both. The law also says a person who used the unlicensed contractor "is a victim of crime regardless of whether that person had knowledge that the contractor was unlicensed" (B&P 7028.16 ↗).

Crews from out of state often arrive after big events. A license from another state is not a CSLB license. See out-of-town roofers after a storm for California's deposit and cancellation rules.

Your roofer should not handle your insurance claim

In California, anyone who, for pay, helps you negotiate or settle a property insurance claim is a "public insurance adjuster" under the law (Ins. Code 15007 ↗), and must be licensed. If you sign with someone acting as one without a license, you may void the contract and owe nothing for the services (Ins. Code 15006 ↗). Several other states bar contractors from acting as public adjusters outright; see the license guide for all states. For help with the claim itself, here is how to verify a public adjuster's license ↗.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a dispute with a contractor, contact CSLB or talk to a California attorney. You can also see our California page.

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Frequently asked questions

Does a roofer need a license in California?

Yes, unless the whole job is under $1,000, minor, needs no building permit, and the person doesn't advertise as a contractor or use employees (B&P 7048 ↗).

Is the California exemption $500 or $1,000?

$1,000. That's what the current text of Business and Professions Code 7048 says (B&P 7048 ↗). Older pages may still say $500.

What is a C-39 license?

It's CSLB's Roofing classification, for contractors who install and repair products that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures (CSLB C-39 ↗).

Can a general contractor replace my roof in California?

A B General Building contractor can't take a roof-only prime contract unless it also holds C-39 or subcontracts the roofing to a licensed roofer (B&P 7057 ↗).

Does a roofer need workers' comp if it has no employees?

Yes. CSLB lists C-39 roofing contractors among the classes that must carry workers' compensation whether or not they have employees (CSLB ↗).

How do I check a California roofing license by phone?

Call CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752) (CSLB ↗).