C-10 Electrical Contractor license in California

Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list

29,124licenses hold C-10
96.3%Clear (CA addresses)
51.3%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
100%contractor's bond on file
14.7 yrsmedian time licensed
52.9%businesses, not sole owners

The C-10 is the broad electrical license. It covers placing, installing and connecting wires, fixtures, appliances, conduit, raceways and other equipment that generates, transmits, transforms or uses electricity. Solar photovoltaic cells are named in the description, and the 2024 rule update lists battery energy storage systems too.

That makes a C-10 the right call for a panel upgrade, an EV charger, a hot tub circuit or a standalone home battery. It is also one of two licenses that can do solar; see our solar license guide. For low-voltage data and audio work, a C-7 may be enough.

Typical work under C-10

Service panel upgrades and subpanels
EV charger circuits
New outlets, switches and lighting circuits
Whole-house rewiring
Solar PV systems
Battery energy storage systems
Fire alarm wiring

Work that needs a different license

Gas line to a range or dryer: C-36 Plumbing
Installing a furnace or heat pump: C-20 HVAC
A lighted business sign built and wired as one job: C-45 Sign

Tips before hiring

Ask who pulls the permit and schedules the inspection. It should be the contractor, not you.
For an EV charger, ask whether your panel has room for the circuit or will need an upgrade first.
A home battery has a separate set of rules. A C-10 can install one on its own, while a solar contractor can't.
Look up the C-10 on the CSLB record even if the company advertises as "electricians." A handyman under the $1,000 minor-work limit can't take jobs that need a permit.

Where C-10 contractors are

The cities with the most C-10 license holders in CSLB's current file:

All electricians lists

Cities with at least 20 C-10 license holders, largest first:

How to verify a C-10 license

Search the business or license number here and confirm C-10 is listed on the profile.
Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.

More license types: ← C-9 Drywall Contractor · C-11 Elevator Contractor →