How often do I need to renew my Masonry Contractor (C-29) in California?

The Masonry Contractor (C-29) in California must be renewed every 24 months.

How much does it cost to renew a Masonry Contractor (C-29) in California?

The renewal cost for a Masonry Contractor (C-29) in California ranges from $450.00 to $700.00 depending on entity type (Sole Owner: $450.00; Partnership / Corporation / LLC / Joint Venture: $700.00).

What happens if my Masonry Contractor (C-29) expires in California?

CSLB says a California contractor license is required when a project needs a permit, uses employee labor, or totals $1,000 or more in labor and materials. 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.

California renewal guide

Masonry Contractor (C-29)

If this license is up for renewal, this page gives you the fee, the timeline, and the items that usually hold the filing up.

Start here

What matters before you file.

Check the fee, the renewal window, and the documents or insurance records that can slow approval down.

Issuing authority

California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Renewal period

Every 24 months

Renewal fee

$450.00–$700.00

Late penalty

$225.00

Bond requirement

Yes — $25,000.00

Insurance requirement

Yes — Workers' Compensation

Before you renew

Get the filing straight.

1
Make sure the bond still clears

The $25,000.00 bond requirement needs to stay active through the renewal.
2
Check the insurance certificates

Make sure the required policies are current and match what the board or agency expects before you file.
3
File with the board

File through California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) and pay the $450.00 renewal fee once the supporting proof is ready.
Renew online

If you miss the deadline, the late penalty is $225.00.

Fees by entity type

Entity type	Renewal fee	Late penalty
Sole Owner	$450.00	$225.00
Partnership / Corporation / LLC / Joint Venture	$700.00	$350.00

Detailed notes

The fine print is here.

California Masonry Contractor License (C-29)

The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) issues the C-29 Masonry Contractor license. CSLB defines the trade as installing concrete units and baked clay products, concrete, glass and clay block, natural and manufactured stone, terra cotta, and fire brick or other material for refractory work.

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 for the qualifying individual
Examinations: Pass the Law and Business exam and the C-29 trade exam unless CSLB grants a waiver
Original application fee: CSLB's current fee schedule lists $450 for the original application for one classification, with an additional $230 per additional classification beyond the first
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 CSLB will issue the license
Fingerprints: Live Scan fingerprinting is part of the application process
Workers' compensation: Proof of coverage is required unless the business qualifies to file an exemption
Asbestos open-book exam: After passing the license exams, applicants must submit the asbestos open-book exam verification before CSLB issues the license

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: CSLB's delinquent totals 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 if CSLB receives the renewal after expiration
Continuing education: CSLB does not publish a general continuing-education requirement for C-29 renewals

Scope of Work

A C-29 contractor installs masonry components for both structural and non-load-bearing walls, fences, ceramic veneer, thin brick facing, paving, and refractory work, plus the waterproofing, cleaning, and caulking work directly related to masonry construction. Pure concrete-forming work and structural concrete pours generally belong to a C-8 concrete contractor; ceramic-tile setting is a C-54 trade.

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.*

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