Expert Business Registration in California
Ready to Start Your Contracting Business?
Why Registering Your Business is Important
Keeps You Compliant
California requires contractors to hold a valid license for work over $1,000, but also expects you to operate under a properly registered business. Without it, you could face fines, delays, or even be barred from certain contracts.
Protects Your Personal Assets
With the right business structure, you’ll keep your personal savings, home, and vehicles protected if something ever goes wrong. That means fewer risks and more security.
Builds Trust and Professional Image
Clients feel safer hiring a contractor who’s registered, bonded, insured, and shows up with a real business name. It shows you’re serious, stable, and qualified.
Sets Up Long-Term Success
When your business is structured correctly, you’re ready to hire employees, expand into multiple crews, or even bring on partners. It lays the groundwork for growth.
Our Business Registration Process
Initial Consultation
Choosing the Right Entity
Handling the Paperwork
Insurance, Bonds, and Compliance
Ongoing Support
Full Range of Contractor Support Services
Online Contractor License Classes
Want to study at your own pace with expert guidance? Our online programs are led by certified instructors and designed to help you pass the CSLB exam on the first try. You’ll get state-specific prep, live Q and A segments, and plenty of practice tests.
Paperwork and Application Processing
Tired of stressing over forms? We handle all your contractor license applications and paperwork from start to finish, reducing errors and preventing costly delays or rejections.
Get help understanding standard contracts, lien laws, and change orders so you’re always covered on the legal side. We’ll show you how to protect your work and make sure you get paid on time.
Prefer hands-on learning? Join us at in-person workshops in key California cities for focused study sessions, personal Q and A, and practice exams that sharpen your skills for the licensing test.
Not sure which license classification fits the work you plan to do? We walk you through the options and handle the paperwork so you’re properly covered for the exact projects you want to take on.
CSLB Contractor License Requirements
You must be at least 22 years old
Have 4 years of journeyman-level experience in your trade
Hold a Social Security Number or ITIN
Business Structures for California Contractors
Sole Proprietorship
This is the simplest and most common option, especially for new contractors. You’ll run everything under your own name or a registered DBA (“Doing Business As”).
Insurance & Bonds: You’ll still need a contractor license bond required by CSLB, and if you have workers, you’ll need workers’ comp insurance.
Liability: A sole proprietorship doesn’t separate your personal assets from business debts. If something goes wrong, your home or savings could be at risk.
FAQ Highlights:
Yes, you can get a contractor license as a sole proprietor.
You’re taxed personally on profits.
No separate legal entity, so you’re on the hook for all business debts.
C Corporation
If you want stronger liability protection, the ability to issue stock, and a structure that stands apart from your personal finances, a C Corporation could be the way to go.
CSLB Bond Requirements: Contractors need to file a bond (usually $15,000 to $25,000 depending on classification and type of work).
Double Taxation: C Corps pay taxes on profits, plus shareholders pay taxes on dividends. This matters if you’re planning to reinvest or grow quickly.
FAQ Highlights:
Keeps business completely separate from personal assets.
Allows for multiple shareholders.
Better if you plan to bring on partners or eventually sell.
S Corporation
An S Corporation gives you liability protection like a C Corp, but profits are only taxed once at the personal level. Many small-to-medium contractors like this balance.
Saves on Self-Employment Taxes: S Corps let you take part of income as salary and the rest as distributions, which may reduce taxes.
Eligibility Rules: You must be a U.S. citizen or resident, have fewer than 100 shareholders, and only issue one class of stock.
FAQ Highlights:
Good option to protect personal assets while avoiding double taxation.
Still need the same CSLB bonds and insurance.
Ideal for contractors growing beyond sole proprietor but not ready for the full structure of a big corporation.
LLC for Contractors in California
An LLC (Limited Liability Company) is hugely popular with contractors across California because it mixes the liability protection of a corporation with the tax simplicity of a sole proprietorship.
Protects Your Home and Savings: Keeps personal assets shielded from business debts or lawsuits.
Flexible Management: You can run it yourself or with partners without complex board rules.
FAQ Highlights:
Can be single or multi-member.
Works perfectly for licensed contractors as long as it meets CSLB bond and insurance requirements.
5-Star Reviews from Our California Students
- José Acuña
- Sergio Michua
- Jose
- Alex Ramirez
What Sets Blue Collar Licensing Apart
Focused on Contractors
We don’t just file paperwork, we specialize in contractor licensing and business compliance. You’ll get insights on CSLB rules, bond amounts, classifications, and contract requirements you won’t find with a generic service.
Everything In-House
From guiding you on insurance to reviewing your CSLB license paperwork, our team handles it all. That means no chasing down different providers and fewer headaches for you.
Bilingual Help
We offer complete Spanish-speaking support so you and your crew always feel understood and confident.
Honest Pricing
You’ll get clear costs upfront, plus payment options to keep things manageable.
Real-World Expertise
We know what local inspectors, customers, and insurance companies want to see. We’re here to make sure your new business checks every box.
Business Registration FAQs
Can I get licensed as a sole proprietor and switch later?
Yes. Many contractors start as sole proprietors, then move to an LLC or corporation later as they grow.
Do I need a bond for my business?
Absolutely. CSLB requires a contractor bond, and the amount depends on your classification.
What’s better for taxes, LLC or S Corp?
It depends on how much you plan to earn. We’ll help you understand the options so you can pick the best fit.
Can I have employees under any structure?
Yes. No matter your business type, you can hire. Just be sure you have workers’ comp insurance in place.
