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California contractor verification

Verify any California contractor before you sign.

BuildSafe runs a forensic background check on any contractor operating in California — pulling the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) record, permit history, OSHA citations, DOL wage judgments, court records, and BBB / Yelp / Google review intelligence into one citation-linked report.

Run a CA investigation — $79 View a sample report

Powered by authoritative public-record sources

  • State License Boards
  • CourtListener
  • OSHA
  • DOL WHISARD
  • Shovels Permits
  • BBB
  • Secretary of State
  • Yelp · Google

What Scout checks for California contractors

California requires a CSLB license for any project over $500. Scout pulls the license status, bond, workers' comp, and disciplinary history directly from CSLB.

Popular California cities we cover

  • Los Angeles contractor check
  • San Diego contractor check
  • San Francisco contractor check
  • Sacramento contractor check
  • San Jose contractor check
  • Fresno contractor check

Scout works in every county of California — these are the metros our customers run most often.

FAQ

How do I verify a contractor's license in California?
The official lookup is the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). BuildSafe pulls that record directly, plus permit history, OSHA, DOL, and court records, so you have everything in one place.
Is BuildSafe legal to use in California?
Yes. BuildSafe only uses publicly available records and information you provide. We do not run consumer credit checks or background investigations under the FCRA.
How long does a report take?
Most BuildSafe reports finish in under five minutes. Heavy court / permit pulls can take a little longer.
What does a report cost?
One investigation is $79. Teams that run multiple checks per month should look at Scout Pro ($199/mo) or the BuildSafe API.
What public records does Scout check for California contractors?
The California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) record, Secretary of State entity status, CourtListener federal & state dockets, mechanics liens, OSHA citations, DOL wage-theft judgments, Shovels permit history, subcontractor network, sex-offender / felony registries, BBB, Yelp, and Google.
Can I check an unlicensed contractor in California?
Yes — even when no license exists, Scout still pulls court records, OSHA, DOL judgments, permits, and review intelligence. "Unable to verify" is reported explicitly so you know exactly what's missing.
How do I check OSHA violations for a California contractor?
OSHA's Establishment Search is name-indexed and misses DBAs. Scout normalizes the business name across variants, pulls every matching inspection, and surfaces serious / willful / repeat citations with dates and penalty amounts.
Does BuildSafe auto-monitor California contractors over time?
Yes — Scout Pro and API customers can enable weekly auto-monitoring. You'll get an email the moment a new lawsuit, license lapse, OSHA citation, or DOL judgment appears.
Start your California investigation Visit California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)

Other states: Verify a contractor in Texas · Verify a contractor in Florida · Verify a contractor in New York