California licensing

Who and what this applies to

Contractor licensing under Business and Professions Code §§7028 and 7048, including the exemption effective January 1, 2025.

Thresholds and scope

Less than $1,000, only with all stated exemption conditions.

The rules

• Section 7028 requires a contractor license for covered contracting unless a statutory exemption applies. Source
• Section 7048’s casual, minor or inconsequential-work exemption requires an aggregate price below $1,000 and no required building permit. It does not apply to part of a larger undertaking or work divided to evade the law, to a person advertising or holding out as a contractor, or to a person employing anyone to perform or assist with the work. Source

Primary sources

• Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §7028
• Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §7048

Sources reviewed 2026-09-30. This guide covers the projects and rules stated above.

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