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California HVAC Contractor License Requirements [2026]

Requirements, fees, and steps to get your hvac contractor license in California. Last updated 2025-01-01. Source

State License
Required
Application Fee
$450
Bond Required
$15,000 surety bond
License Details
License Name HVAC Contractor License
Issuing Authority California Contractors State License Board
Exam Required Yes
Exam Type C-20 or C-38 Trade Exam + Law & Business Exam
Bond Amount $15,000 surety bond
GL Insurance $1,000,000 GL per occurrence
Workers Comp Required if employees
Initial Fee $450
Renewal Fee $450
Renewal Period Biennial
CE Required no
CE Hours 0
Reciprocity States None listed
Experience Required 4
Financial Requirement None
Note: EPA 608 required federally for refrigerant handling. California requires C-20 (Warm-Air Heating/Ventilating/AC) or C-38 (Refrigeration) license. 4 years experience + exams. $15,000 bond. No state CE requirement.

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