CSLB Advertising Guidelines for California Contractors

The promotion of a contractors business should be a top priority for all California construction professionals looking to grow their enterprise.  However, to maintain compliance with Contractors State License Board regulations, contractors in California should become familiar with acceptable advertising guidelines prior to engaging in any marketing activities.  Otherwise, contractors could find themselves in the doghouse with the CSLB including possible criminal charges or worse, an infamous spot on the CSLB Most Wanted List.  Change the text itself to “Below is an outline of advertising guidelines as provided by the CSLB in its “Advertising Guidelines For Contractors.”  While the bulletin provides a general outline of practices considered acceptable and unacceptable, contractors should contact the state license board regarding specific marketing questions as they may arise.  Also, these guidelines are subject to change without notice, so keep an eye out for CSLB press releases and notifications as they are posted on the License Board website in real time.

CSLB License and Consumer Protections

The CSLB requires nearly all contractors in the state to carry a license. This is done to protect the consumers and to ensure that all contractors are qualified and conduct their business ethically.

In order to qualify for the CSLB license, an applicant would need to have at least four full years of verifiable experience. The board also requires the applicant to carry a contractors license bond and in some instances, general liability insurance. These are a few ways that consumers can find some degree of protection.

Not only does the CSLB regulate the contractors, but they also educate consumers. They provide routine releases of their consumer guides to ensure that they know how to prequalify contractors and protect consumers from malpractice.

Never Promote Yourself or Business as Being Bonded

As a provider of California Contractors License Bonds, we would like to emphasize that contractors should never advertise that they are bonded as this is strictly prohibited by the CSLB.  The reason is relatively straight forward as state officials seek to protect consumers who may mistakenly assume that the presence of a contractors bond provides a level of protection greater than may actually exist.

Contractors Must Include Their CSLB License Number in All Advertisements

CSLB advertising guidelines require a contractor’s license number to be referenced in all forms of marketing including business cards, newspapers, radio, TV and online publications.  Advertising mediums may also include less obvious formats including contract proposals, clothing or promotional items and even lettering on the side of a company vehicle.  To be on the safe side, contractors should include their CSLB license number on any business materials that mention themselves or their construction business.

Contractors that properly promote themselves as being licensed not only distance themselves from potential compliance violations, but also establish themselves as legitimate contractors as compared to those that operate in an illegal manner.   Contractors that are caught operating outside of acceptable advertising guidelines face a first time offense fine of as much as $1,000.  (Business and Professions code 7030.5)

Do Not Advertise for Work you’re Not Licensed to Perform

Contractors should be very careful about advertising for work which they may not be licensed to perform.  For example, a contractor with a C-39 roofer’s license cannot advertise for masonry work unless the contractor also has the proper licensing for that classification.  With this in mind, class “A” general engineering contractors or class “B” general building contractors are permitted to advertise as general contractors.  Also, it goes without saying that unlicensed contractors should not be doing any advertising for construction work that requires a CSLB license, as this is perhaps the easiest way to invite criminal prosecution. (Business and Professions code 7027.1)

For information on how to get a CSLB license, you can view our (application and exam study guide).

Contractors Business Vehicles Must Be Properly Identified

All contractors with commercially registered vehicles must clearly display their business name and CSLB license number on all vehicles.  In addition, C-36, C-45 and C-57 contractors have additional requirements in regards to properly identifying vehicles.  All contractors with business vehicles should read section Business and Professions code 7029.6 for specific advertising guidelines.

Additional advertising guidelines apply that pertain specifically to unlicensed contractors, home improvement contractors, as well as those engaged in asbestos removal.  For a comprehensive guide to CSLB advertising guidelines, please download and review the official CSLB Advertising Guidelines For California Contractors pamphlet.

By Jeremy Schaedler

 Disclaimer