Making Changes to a CA Contractor License

So—you’ve filled out all of the applications, studied for and passed the CSLB licensing exam, and finally obtained your contractors license in California. But what if something changes down the line? For example, you need a new classification for new work you’ll be doing. Or, you need to change your business entity. One difficult thing about owning and operating a business adapting to changes, and there’s no exceptions for contractors. 

In order to make changes to a contractor license in California, there are specific guidelines and criteria that must be followed. This article will guide you through a step by step process of how to make changes to your contractor license.

Adding a classification to a license

One common change that contractors make is adding a classification to their license. To do this, they must:

  1. Have a current license
  2. Pass the Trade exam and Law & Business exam for the new classification
  3. Submit a description of four years of relevant work experience within the last 10 years
  4. Provide verification for this experience

Additionally, they must submit the Application for Additional Classification, along with the required $330 processing fee and file any required contractor license bonds, including bonds specific to the new classification they will be applying for.

Changing your business entity

Another change that may be necessary is a change in business entity. This could involve changing from a sole owner to a corporation, a sole owner to a partnership, a partnership to a corporation, or other similar changes in business structure.

It is important to note that licenses are associated with a specific business entity and are not transferable to another entity, even if the qualifying individual remains the same.

The CSLB issues licenses to five types of business entities, listed below:

  • Sole Owner
  • Partnership
  • Corporation
  • Joint Venture
  • Limited Liability Company (LLC)

In accordance with these business entities, there are 5 licenses issued:

Sole Owner Licenses

 A sole owner license is issued to a specific individual and cannot be sold or transferred to another individual. The license can be qualified by the Owner or an Responsible Managing Employee (RME).

Partnership Licenses

A partnership license is a contractors license issued to a specific General Partnership or Limited Partnership structure. The license can be qualified by a Qualifying Partner or Responsible Managing Employee (RME). A Qualifying Partner must be a General Partner of the partnership structure. An RME is an employee of the company, and not considered a part of the partnership structure.

General Partnership Licenses

General Partnership license consists of two or more general partners.

  • If a general partner or qualifying partner leaves the partnership, the partnership license must be canceled.
  • If a qualifying partner leaves the partnership, the partnership license must be canceled.
  • Partners cannot be added to or deleted from a partnership license. A new license would be required for the new partnership structure.

Limited Partnership Licenses

Limited Partnership license consists of one or more general partners and one or more limited partners. A limited partner is responsible for a business only in proportion to his or her financial interest, and does not take part in the day-to-day operation of the business.

  • When a general partner leaves the limited partnership, the partnership license must be canceled.
  • When a qualifying partner leaves the limited partnership, the partnership license must be canceled.
  • General partners cannot be added to or deleted from a limited partnership license. A new license would be required for the new partnership structure.
  • Limited partners can be removed from a limited partnership license by completing and submitting an Application to Change Limited Partners of a Partnership. At least one limited partner must be listed on the license to continue as a limited partnership.
  • Limited partners can be added to a limited partnership license by completing and submitting an Application to Change Limited Partners of a Partnership.
  • If all limited partners leave the limited partnership, the partnership license must be canceled.

Corporate Licenses

Corporate licenses are issued to specific corporate registration numbers assigned by the Secretary of State's Office. If there are any changes to the corporate registration number, a new contractor license will be required. It is important to notify the Contractors State License Board (CSLB) of any changes to a license within 90 days of the change, according to Business and Professions Code 7083..

New License

A new license is required whenever the business entity changes (such as sole owner to corporation, sole owner to partnership, partnership to corporation, etc.) or when specific changes occur with the business structure. You will need to submit an Application for Original Contractor License or an Application for Original Contractor License (Exam Waived) in order to apply for a new license. You must pay all fees, post new bond(s), and provide proof of workers' compensation insurance or file a workers' compensation exemption form for the new business.

License reassignment

The Business and Professions Code section 7075.1 (c) provides for the reassignment of a license number under certain conditions.

A sole owner license may be reassigned to another individual, if all of the following conditions exist.

  • The individual is an immediate family member of the licensed individual.
  • The licensed individual is deceased or absent.
  • The license is required to continue the existing (currently active and operating) family business.
  • A written request for license reassignment is submitted along with an Original Application for Contractor License and the required fees.

A sole owner license may be reassigned to a corporation, if all of the following conditions exist.

  • The corporation was formed by the licensed individual.
  • The licensed individual maintains ownership of at least 51% of the corporation.
  • A Licensed Sole Owner Applying for Corporate License form (13A-1h) must be submitted along with an Original Application for Contractor License and the required fees.
  • Once a sole owner license number is reassigned to a corporation, it cannot be changed back to a sole owner license at a later date. Once reassigned, the number will belong exclusively to the corporation.

A corporate license may be reassigned to a different corporate registration number…

If one of the following conditions exists and the new entity is being formed to continue the business of the formerly licensed corporation. (You must submit a written request for license reassignment, specifying which condition exists, along with an Original Application for Contractor License and the required fees.)

  • The parent corporation has merged or created a subsidiary.
  • The subsidiary has merged into the parent corporation.
  • The corporation has changed its filing status with the Secretary of State's Office from a domestic corporation to a foreign corporation.
  • The corporation has changed its filing status with the Secretary of State's Office from a foreign corporation to a domestic corporation.
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Changing a Business Name and/or Address

If there are changes to the business name or address, this must also be reported to the CSLB within 90 days. You must also complete the Application to Change Business Name or Address, which must be completed and signed by an owner, partner, or officer of the corporation.

Important Information Regarding Name Changes

According to the CSLB,

  • The new business name cannot indicate a change in entity.
  • The new business name cannot indicate that you qualify for a classification other than the one for which you currently are licensed.
  • The new business name cannot indicate a personnel change.
  • For corporate name changes, you must first register the corporate name change with the Secretary of State's Office. If you are only adding a "DBA" to the existing corporate name, you do not need to make any changes with the Secretary of State's Office. The "DBA" cannot indicate a second corporation.
  • A corporate license number is issued exclusively to a specific corporate registration number. If the corporate name change results in a new registration number with the Secretary of State, a new contractor license will be required for the new corporation. An Application for Original Contractors License must be submitted.

Important Information Regarding Address Changes

The CSLB also requires that:

  • If the new business address is a Post Office Box, a business street address is required.
  • Mailing addresses and business street addresses are considered public information.

Verifying your application status

To verify that your application was received and processed, check your license information online or call CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Processing times can vary significantly. You can check the current processing times online. If CSLB is processing name and address changes received after the date you submitted your application, you should check the status of your application by calling CSLB at (800) 321-CSLB (2752).

Making Changes to Business Personnel

According to Business and Professions Code section 7083, any changes in personnel listed on a license must be reported within 90 days of the effective date. The specific requirements for personnel changes depend on the type of business entity.

For sole owners, if the owner passes away, the license must be cancelled. If the owner decides to close the business, they have the option to either cancel or deactivate the license. If the business is sold, the new owner must obtain their own license as sole owner license numbers are not transferable. Forms such as the License Cancellation Request Form and the Application to Inactivate Contractor's License can be used in this process.

In the case of a general partnership, the license cannot be altered. Any changes to the partnership structure require the cancellation of the license. General partners cannot be added to an existing partnership license. If a new partnership is formed, a new license is necessary. The California State License Board (CSLB) must be informed of any partner dissolutions within 90 days through the Disassociation Request Application.

For limited partnerships, licenses are specific to partnership structures containing general partners and limited partners. Limited partners can be added or removed from licenses without canceling and reissuing the license, as long as all general partners remain unchanged. The Application to Change Limited Partners of a Partnership is used for this purpose.

When a Responsible Managing Officer (RMO) leaves a company or is replaced, a Disassociation Request Application must be submitted to the CSLB within 90 days of the disassociation date. Failure to provide notice and replace the RMO within this time period can result in the removal or suspension of the license.

Unlike RMOs, corporate officers can be added or removed from a corporate license without affecting the license's status.

Conclusion

Overall, it is important to understand the guidelines and criteria for making changes to a contractor license in California, as proper notification and application submission is necessary. If there are any questions or concerns regarding licensing, contacting the Contractors State License Board at (800) 321-2752 is recommended.