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California plumber license & renewal

The requirements, the timing and the official sources. Everything we’ve verified, in one place.

Sources verifiedLast verified 2026-10-24
Visit the official agencyReview the sources

License fee

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Not verified yet

Required hours

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Not verified yet

Exam

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Not verified yet

Renewal

An acceptable renewal application must be received at CSLB's Headquarters Office prior to the expiration date of the license to avoid any unlicensed time.

View official source

Before you begin

Agency guidance

The C-36 contractor classification covers water supply, waste disposal and related plumbing systems.

Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water ... and the proper disposal of fluid waste
Official source

Agency guidance

Initial license fee: sole owner USD 200; other entities USD 350.

Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Initial License Fee (Sole Owner) | $200 ... Initial License Fee (Non-Sole Owner) | $350
Official source

Agency guidance

Renewal instructions: https://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/renew_license/general_renewal_information.aspx

Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
Step 1: General Renewal Information
Official source

How to get this license

Use the agency’s requirements below to plan your next steps. Missing details stay marked.

  1. Start with the licensing authority

    Licensing board

    California Contractors State License Board

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
    Official source

    Official agency page

    Open the official agency page

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    C-36 - Plumbing Contractor
    Official source

  2. Check the qualifications

    Age

    18

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    an individual must be 18 years of age or older
    Official source

    Experience

    The qualifying individual needs four years of journey-level, foreman, supervisor or contractor experience in the classification within the ten years before application.

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    within the ten years immediately before the filing of the application, at least four full years of experience at a journey level, or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor
    Official source

    Bond

    Contractor bond: USD 25,000. A separate qualifying-individual bond may also be required.

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    The bond must be in the amount of $25,000. ... In addition to a Contractor's Bond, a Bond of Qualifying Individual may be required
    Official source

    Insurance

    Employers must carry workers' compensation insurance, including when they have only one employee.

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    California law requires that employers, including those in the construction industry, carry workers' compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee.
    Official source

  3. Review fees and apply

    Application fee

    $450.00

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    Original Application (exam or waiver for one classification) | $450
    Official source

    Exam fee

    Not verified yet

    License fee

    Not verified yet

    Apply with the agency

    Open the official agency page

    Verified 2026-10-24 — source and quotation
    Step 1: Before Applying for the Examination
    Official source

Reciprocity

Not verified yet

Official sources and verification (13)

Last verified 2026-10-24. Each quotation supports the corresponding published value.

Official agency
C-36 - Plumbing Contractor
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Application
Step 1: Before Applying for the Examination
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Requirements / Age
an individual must be 18 years of age or older
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Requirements / Experience
within the ten years immediately before the filing of the application, at least four full years of experience at a journey level, or as a foreman, supervisor, or contractor
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Requirements / Bond
The bond must be in the amount of $25,000. ... In addition to a Contractor's Bond, a Bond of Qualifying Individual may be required
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Requirements / Insurance
California law requires that employers, including those in the construction industry, carry workers' compensation insurance, even if they have only one employee.
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Fees / Application
Original Application (exam or waiver for one classification) | $450
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

License term
Active licenses expire every two years.
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Renewal
An acceptable renewal application must be received at CSLB's Headquarters Office prior to the expiration date of the license to avoid any unlicensed time.
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Agency guidance
A plumbing contractor provides a means for a supply of safe water ... and the proper disposal of fluid waste
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Agency guidance
Initial License Fee (Sole Owner) | $200 ... Initial License Fee (Non-Sole Owner) | $350
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Agency guidance
Step 1: General Renewal Information
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Board
licensed by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Official source

Verified 2026-10-24

Keep exploring.

Same license in other states

Last verified 2026-10-24.

Official sources (6)

Not legal or tax advice. Confirm with the official agency before filing.