Does California recognize contractors’ licenses issued by other states or countries?
No. However, California does have reciprocal agreements with some states that recognize the experience qualifications for certain trades. It is only after the Registrar of Contractors has entered into a reciprocal agreement with the other state and under certain conditions that the Registrar may waive the written trade examination for a contractor licensed in another state. Applicants must still qualify by taking and passing the Law and Business Examination. If you have trade experience or a contractor’s license issued by another state or country and you want to contract for work in ’’’’California’’, this experience may be acceptable. In any case, you must apply for and be issued a license by the California Contractors State License Board.
