Check a contractor's license in California

The best check is a live one on the state's own site. It shows today's status, which no copy can.

California's lookup

Covers: General and specialty contractors, and home improvement salespeople. Link checked October 11, 2026.

What to confirm

Ask the company for its license number and the exact business name on the license.
Search the state's lookup by that number or name.
Confirm that the name matches your contract, the license is active, and it covers the work you're hiring for.