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Plumber License Requirements in California

Issued by: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)Verified: April 2026
License Required
Required
Application Fee
450.0
Renewal
2 years
Exam Required
Yes
Bond Required
Yes

Requirements

  1. 1Be 18 years of age or older
  2. 2Have at least 4 years of journeyman-level plumbing experience in the past 10 years (C-36 classification)
  3. 3Pass the CSLB contractor's law exam
  4. 4Pass the CSLB C-36 plumbing trade exam
  5. 5Obtain a contractor's license bond
  6. 6Submit fingerprints (Live Scan) for DOJ/FBI background check
  7. 7Pay the original application fee ($450) and initial license fee ($200 for sole owner)

How to Apply

Plumbing contractors in California must hold a CSLB C-36 (Plumbing) contractor license. Applicants need at least 4 years of journeyman-level plumbing experience in the past 10 years, must pass law and trade exams, obtain a contractor bond, and submit fingerprints.
Apply at California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Costs

Application Fee
450.0
Renewal Fee
450.0
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Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a license to work as a plumber in California?
Yes. Plumbing contractors must hold a CSLB C-36 (Plumbing) contractor license. Unlicensed plumbing work valued at $500 or more is a misdemeanor in California.
What is the C-36 plumbing license in California?
The C-36 is the Plumbing contractor license classification issued by the CSLB. It authorizes the licensee to install, alter, and repair plumbing systems.
How much experience do I need for a California plumber's license?
You need at least 4 years of journeyman-level experience in plumbing within the past 10 years to qualify for a C-36 contractor's license.
How much does a California plumbing contractor license cost?
The original application fee is $450. The initial license fee for a sole owner is $200, totaling $650. Renewal costs $450 every 2 years.
How do I apply for a California plumbing contractor license?
Submit the Application for Original Contractors License to CSLB, documenting your 4 years of plumbing experience. Pass the law and C-36 trade exams, then pay the license fee. Information at cslb.ca.gov.

Related pages

Plumber in other states
Other licenses in California
Data sourced from official state government portal. Last verified April 2026.
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