California Lathing and Plastering Contractor License (C-35)

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues the C-35 Lathing and Plastering Contractor license. CSLB defines the trade as one that coats surfaces with a mixture of sand, gypsum plaster, quick-lime or hydrated lime and water, or sand and cement and water, or a combination of such other materials that create a permanent surface coating — including coatings for the purpose of soundproofing and fireproofing — and that installs lath (including metal studs) or any other material prepared or manufactured to provide a base or bond for such coating.

When a CSLB license is required

CSLB says a California contractor license is required when:

• the project requires a building permit
• the work uses employee labor
• the combined labor-and-material cost is $1,000 or more

Requirements

• Experience: At least 4 years of journey-level or equivalent experience within the last 10 years
• Examinations: Pass the Law and Business exam and the C-35 trade exam unless CSLB grants a waiver
• Original application fee: $450 for the original application for one classification; $230 per additional classification
• Initial license fee: $200 for sole owners or $350 for non-sole owners after exam approval
• Bond: A $25,000 contractor license bond is required before issuance
• Fingerprints: Live Scan fingerprinting required
• Workers' compensation: Proof of coverage required unless an exemption is filed
• Asbestos open-book exam: Verification required before issuance

Renewal Information

• Renewal Period: Active licenses expire every 2 years
• Timely Active Renewal Fee: $450 for sole owners or $700 for non-sole owners
• Late Renewal Penalty: Delinquent renewals add $225 for sole owners or $350 for non-sole owners
• Delinquent Active Renewal Fee: $675 for sole owners or $1,050 for non-sole owners
• Continuing education: CSLB does not publish a general CE requirement for C-35 renewals

Scope of Work

A C-35 contractor handles interior and exterior plaster systems, three-coat stucco, integrally colored cementitious finishes, EIFS-adjacent gypsum-board lath assemblies, soundproofing and fireproofing coatings, and the metal studs and channel work that hold the lath assemblies in place. Solid plaster partitions and the channel work supporting them fall in scope. Drywall work is a separate C-9 classification.

Compliance Risk

California treats unlicensed contracting as a serious enforcement issue. CSLB says first-time unlicensed contracting offenses are usually misdemeanors that can bring up to six months in jail, a $500 criminal fine, and an administrative fine of $200 to $15,000.

*Disclaimer: This information is provided for general reference only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify current requirements directly with the CSLB before applying, bidding, or renewing.*