C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor license in California

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

16,194licenses hold C-33
95.2%Clear (CA addresses)
53%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
100%contractor's bond on file
14.1 yrsmedian time licensed
41.3%businesses, not sole owners

C-33 contractors prepare surfaces by scraping, sandblasting or other means, then apply paint, wallpaper, stains, varnish, sealers and other coatings. CSLB's description includes coatings for fireproofing and waterproofing, not just looks.

Painting is a trade where unlicensed crews are common. The minor-work exemption lets someone without a license take jobs under $1,000 total, but only if no permit is needed and they work alone. A whole-house repaint almost always goes over that line. Our license check guide walks through the lookup.

Typical work under C-33

Interior and exterior house painting
Cabinet painting and refinishing
Wallpaper hanging and removal
Deck and fence staining
Pressure washing and scraping before paint
Elastomeric and protective coatings

Work that needs a different license

Stucco repair before painting: C-35 Lathing and Plastering
Replacing rotted siding or trim: C-5 Framing or C-6 Finish Carpentry
Sandblasting as a stand-alone job: C-61/D-38 Sand and Water Blasting

Tips before hiring

In an older home, ask how the crew tests for lead paint and contains the dust.
Get the paint brand, product line and number of coats in writing.
Ask whether prep, caulking and minor wood repair are included or extra.
If the price is over $1,000, the painter needs a license. Look up the number on the bid.

Where C-33 contractors are

The cities with the most C-33 license holders in CSLB's current file:

All painters lists

Cities with at least 20 C-33 license holders, largest first:

How to verify a C-33 license

Search the business or license number here and confirm C-33 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-32 Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor · C-34 Pipeline Contractor →