• Contractors
• Maintain License
• Workers' Compensation Requirements

Workers' Compensation Requirements

Workers' compensation insurance is a requirement for the issuance of an active license, reactivation of an inactive license, and for the maintanance of an actively renewed license, unless the licensee does not employ anyone in a manner that is subject to the workers' compensation laws of California (Business and Professions Code, Section 7125). Workers' compensation insurance is not required for expired or inactive licenses.

Licensees are required to submit proof of their workers' compensation insurance coverage to the CSLB. If the licensee does not employ anyone in a manner that is subject to the workers' compensation laws of California, they are required to submit an Exemption from Workers' Compensation form to the CSLB. You can download or order an exemption form online or by calling the CSLB at 1-800-321-CSLB (2752).

Acceptable Documents for Compliance with Workers' Compensation Requirements

Certificate of Workers's Compensation Insurance

• The certificate must be written through an insurance company licensed through the California Department of Insurance.
• The CSLB must be listed as the Certificate Holder.
• The Contractor's Business Name and License Number must be listed.
• The policy number must be listed.
• The effective date and expiration date of the policy must be listed.
• The certificate must have the signature of an Authorized Representative of the insurance company.

Certification of Self Insurance

• The certification must be written through the California Department of Industrial Relations.
• The Contractor's Business Name and License Number must be listed.
• The self-insured number must be listed.
• The effective date and expiration date must be listed.
• The certificate must have the signature of an Authorized Representative of the insurance company.

Exemption from Workers' Compensation

You cannot file an Exemption from Workers' Compensation form, if any of the following conditions exist:

• You employ anyone in a manner that is subject to the workers' compensation laws of California.
• Your license is qualified by a Responsible Managing Employee (RME).
• You hold a C39 Roofing classification.

If you meet the exemption requirements, complete the exemption form and send it to the CSLB Headquarter's Office.

Upon employing anyone in a manner that is subject to the workers' compensation laws of California, the exemption form on file will no longer be valid and you will be required to obtain and submit proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage. This proof must be received at the CSLB Headquarter's Office within 90 days of the hire.

Exemption from Workers' Compensation - Out of State Contractors

If you are an out of state contractor licensed in California, but do not hire employees who reside in California, you must complete and submit the exemption form and provide a certificate of insurance from your workers' compensation insurance carrier.

Workers Compensation Suspension

Failure to maintain workers' compensation insurance coverage will result in the license being suspended. Any work performed while the license is suspended is considered to be unlicensed and disciplinary action can be taken against you.

Once acceptable proof of workers' compensation insurance coverage is received at the CSLB's Headquarters Office, the workers' compensation suspension will be lifted. To avoid a break in licensing time, the workers' compensation coverage must be continuous.