Plumbing Contractor Permit Requirements in Los Angeles, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a plumbing contractor in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California.

Updated 2026-02-15 6 stops $1,200–$3,500 est. 3–6 months (dominated by CSLB exam scheduling)
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Not legal advice. Requirements may change — always verify with your local government authority before applying. This guide was compiled from public and official sources (last updated ) and has not yet been independently source-verified — confirm each requirement before acting on it.

Federal — start here

1 stop

  1. EIN (Employer Identification Number)

    Required if you have employees or operate as an LLC/corporation. Free from the IRS.

    Official government source

    FreeImmediate (online application)

State of California

3 stops

  1. California C-36 Plumbing Contractor License

    Required to contract for plumbing work in California. Issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Applicants must pass a trade exam and law/business exam, have at least 4 years of journey-level experience, and provide proof of a $25,000 contractor's bond and workers' compensation insurance.

    Official government source

    $450 application fee + $200 exam fee3–6 months (application review, exam scheduling)

  2. California Contractor's Bond ($25,000)

    All licensed contractors in California must maintain a $25,000 surety bond filed with the CSLB. The bond is required for initial licensure and must be kept current for license renewal.

    Official government source

    $100–$300/year (bond premium)1–3 days

  3. California Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Required for all contractors with employees in California. Even sole owners are required to carry workers' comp or file a certification of exemption with the CSLB.

    Official government source

    Varies by payroll and classification1–5 days to obtain policy

City of Los Angeles / Los Angeles County

2 stops

  1. City of Los Angeles Business Tax Registration Certificate

    All businesses operating in Los Angeles must register with the Office of Finance and obtain a Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC). Plumbing contractors are taxed based on gross receipts. Register online at finance.lacity.org.

    Official government source

    $34 registration fee + annual gross receipts tax (varies)1–5 days

  2. Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety — Contractor Registration

    Plumbing contractors pulling permits in the City of Los Angeles must be registered with the LA Department of Building and Safety (LADBS). The contractor's state C-36 license must be on file. Registration is required before permits are issued.

    Official government source

    $165/year1–2 weeks

Terminus

Open for business — est. $1,200–$3,500 · 3–6 months (dominated by CSLB exam scheduling)

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Official Sources

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