Roofing license requirements in California

Who needs a license

State license required. The state issues a license for roofing work. The roofer meets the state’s rules to get it, and you can look the license up.

The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues the C-39 Roofing Contractor license. A license is required when a job totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials, or whenever a permit is required, or when the worker employs anyone (B&P Code 7048, as of 2025-01-01). Cities and counties do not add their own roofing license. Ask to see the CSLB license number and check it online.

Bond and insurance

A license or registration is not insurance. Ask every roofer for a certificate of general liability and workers' compensation insurance. Then call the insurer to confirm the policy is active. If the state asks a roofer for a bond, the rules above say so.

Roof insurance rules in California

If your policy pays replacement cost and the new roofing does not match the old in quality, color or size, the insurer must replace all items in the damaged area so it looks reasonably uniform. Under the state's Safer from Wildfires rules, insurers must give discounts for wildfire safety work, and a Class A fire-rated roof is one of the listed steps. Tell your insurer when the new roof is on, and keep proof.

Permits

Confirm roof permit requirements with the building department responsible for your address and scope of work. Agree with your contractor who will obtain any required permit and arrange inspections before work begins.

How to verify a roofer's license

Ask the roofer for the license or registration number. Then look it up yourself on the state's own site, the CSLB Check a License. Check that the name and the status match the company you talk to.

Open the CSLB Check a License