Electrical Contractor Permit Requirements in San Diego, CA

Complete permit and license guide for starting a electrical contractor in San Diego, San Diego 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-10 Electrical Contractor License

    Required to contract for electrical 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 and 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.

    Official government source

    $100–$300/year1–3 days

  3. California Workers' Compensation Insurance

    Required for all contractors with employees. Sole owners must carry workers' comp or file a certification of exemption with the CSLB.

    Official government source

    Varies by payroll1–5 days

City of San Diego / San Diego County

2 stops

  1. City of San Diego Business Tax Certificate

    All businesses operating in San Diego must obtain a Business Tax Certificate from the City of San Diego Development Services Department. Electrical contractors must list their California C-10 license number. Renew annually.

    Official government source

    $75–$150/year1–5 days (online application)

  2. San Diego Development Services — Contractor Registration

    Contractors pulling permits in San Diego must register with the City of San Diego Development Services Department. The state C-10 license must be verified on file. No separate city electrical contractor exam is required.

    Official government source

    No additional fee1–3 days

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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