Record interpretation
CSLB License Statuses Explained
Understand active, expired, suspended, and revoked California contractor license records and what to check next.
Updated July 30, 2026
The status field is a starting point, not a complete hiring decision. Read it together with the expiration date, classification, business identity, bond, workers’ compensation, and any official disclosure.
Active
An active record generally indicates that the license is currently in good standing for licensing purposes. Still verify that the named business is the contractor you are dealing with and that the classification covers the proposed work.
Expired
An expired license has passed its recorded expiration date without a current renewal reflected in the record. Do not assume that a pending renewal authorizes work; confirm current status with CSLB.
Suspended
A suspension means the license is not currently usable while the suspension applies. The reason can matter, so review the official record and supporting details rather than relying on the short label alone.
Revoked
A revoked license has been withdrawn by the licensing authority. Treat this as an adverse result and verify the record directly with CSLB before taking any action.
A practical decision rule
- Require an identity match.
- Require an acceptable current status.
- Require a classification appropriate to the work.
- Review bond, workers’ compensation, disclosures, and freshness.
- Send ambiguous or adverse results to a person for review.
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