How to Verify a Contractor is Licensed in Long Beach (Step-by-Step Guide)
When talking about home improvement in Long Beach, one of the most important steps you can take is confirming that the person you plan to work with is legally allowed to do the job.
Whether you're planning a kitchen remodel, adding a room, or repairing your roof, it's essential to hire a general contractor in Long Beach who holds a valid state license. An unlicensed contractor may offer lower prices, but the risks—poor work, legal issues, and lack of insurance coverage—can cost far more in the long run.
This guide walks you through a clear, step-by-step process to verify a contractor’s license, understand what the information means, and protect yourself throughout your project.
In California, most construction work that costs $500 or more in labor and materials requires a licensed contractor. This rule applies across all cities, including Long Beach. The purpose of licensing is to ensure that contractors meet minimum standards for knowledge, experience, and financial responsibility.
Without a license, a contractor cannot pull permits, pass inspections, or legally sign contracts for major projects. Even if the work seems to go smoothly, hiring someone unlicensed can lead to serious problems:
By verifying a contractor’s license, you protect your investment, your property, and your peace of mind.
The first and most important step is to ask the contractor directly for their Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license number. This is a unique 6- or 7-digit number assigned by the state.
Every licensed contractor in California must display this number in advertisements, on vehicles, and in written contracts. If a contractor avoids giving you their license number or says they “don’t have one because they’re small,” that’s a major red flag.
✅ Pro Tip: Write down the full name of the contractor as it appears on their business card or contract. The name must match exactly what’s on file with the CSLB.
Once you have the license number, visit the official CSLB website: www.cslb.ca.gov . Use the “Check a License” tool to look up the contractor.
Here’s how to use it:
The search will return a detailed license profile.
After searching, you’ll see a summary of the contractor’s license information. Here’s what to look for:
Only work with contractors who have an Active license.
California issues different license classifications:
For full home renovations, a Class B or B-2 license is ideal. If the contractor only has a specialty license, confirm they will hire licensed subs for other trades.
Check when the license expires. An expired license is not valid, even if it was once active. Renewals happen every two years.
Make sure the business name matches what the contractor provided. Be cautious if the name is vague (e.g., “Best Builders CA”) or if the address is a P.O. box with no physical location.
The CSLB listing will show whether the contractor has active workers’ comp coverage. Look for:
If the contractor says they’re “exempt,” ask to see a copy of their Certificate of Workers’ Compensation Exemption (Form CSDB 1110).
The CSLB tracks complaints, fines, and enforcement actions. On the contractor’s license page, scroll down to the “History” section.
Look for:
A single minor citation may not be a dealbreaker, but multiple unresolved complaints or recent suspensions should raise concerns.
🔍 Note: Not all complaints lead to action. Some are dismissed after investigation. Focus on final decisions and enforcement outcomes.
While the CSLB does not require general liability insurance, most cities—including Long Beach—require it for permits. This insurance covers damage to your property or injuries to third parties during the project.
Ask the contractor to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI) that lists:
Call the insurance company to confirm the policy is active. A legitimate contractor will not hesitate to provide this.
In addition to a state license, contractors working in Long Beach must have a City Business Operations Permit. This ensures they are registered to do business locally and pay applicable taxes.
You can verify this by:
While not all small contractors may have this (e.g., those with “exempt” status), larger firms or those pulling permits should be registered.
A valid license doesn’t guarantee quality work. To get a full picture, check:
Ask references:
Be cautious if the contractor refuses to provide references or has numerous unresolved negative reviews.
Even with a valid license, some contractors may still be risky to hire. Common warning signs include:
If something feels off, trust your instincts and keep looking.
Unfortunately, some individuals misuse or fake licenses. Be aware of these common scams:
One licensed contractor allows others to use their number. Only the license holder is authorized to use it. If the person on-site is not the licensee, the work may be considered unlicensed.
Some contractors continue working after their license expires. Always check the current status online—don’t rely on a photocopy.
Scammers create websites that look like the CSLB to trick users. Always use the official .ca.gov domain.
A contractor licensed in another state cannot legally work in California without a CSLB license, even for small jobs.
If you discover that a contractor is unlicensed, stop work immediately. Here’s what to do:
The CSLB can help recover funds in some cases and may pursue criminal charges against repeat offenders.
Long Beach has unique factors that make licensed contractors even more important.
Homes near the ocean face salt air, high humidity, and wind loads. Licensed contractors understand how to use corrosion-resistant materials and meet structural requirements.
Adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), expanding a kitchen, or changing a roof design requires permits from the Long Beach Building and Safety Division. Only licensed contractors can legally apply for these.
Neighborhoods like Bluff Park and Rose Park have design review boards. Licensed contractors familiar with these rules can help you get approval faster.
Yes. Even if the general contractor is licensed, subcontractors (like electricians or plumbers) must also be licensed for their specific trade. Ask for their license numbers and verify them separately.
For jobs under $500 (labor and materials combined), you can hire an unlicensed handyman. But if the work involves structural changes, electrical, or plumbing, a license is required.
This phrase is common but meaningless without documentation. Always ask for the CSLB license number, workers’ comp status, and a certificate of liability insurance.
Every two years. The CSLB sends renewal notices, but it’s the contractor’s responsibility to complete the process.
No. CSLB licenses are tied to a specific individual or business entity. They cannot be sold or transferred.
Taking the time to verify a contractor’s license is one of the smartest decisions you can make when planning a home improvement project in Long Beach. It ensures the work is done to code, protects you from liability, and increases the chances of a successful outcome.
By following this step-by-step guide—checking the CSLB website, reviewing insurance, confirming city registration, and watching for red flags—you can hire with confidence.