C-38 Refrigeration Contractor license in California

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

• 1,662licenses hold C-38
• 95.8%Clear (CA addresses)
• 23.5%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 99.9%contractor's bond on file
• 18.6 yrsmedian time licensed
• 62.5%businesses, not sole owners

Refrigeration contractors build, install and service equipment that holds air, liquid or gas below 50°F (10°C). That includes refrigerators, refrigerated rooms, insulated cold spaces and the units, ducts, blowers, registers and controls that serve them.

The temperature line is what separates C-38 from C-20 HVAC. Most C-38 work is commercial: restaurant walk-ins, grocery cases, wine rooms and process cooling. A homeowner might call one for a custom wine cellar.

Typical work under C-38

• Walk-in coolers and freezers
• Commercial display cases
• Wine cellar cooling systems
• Ice machines and process refrigeration
• Insulated refrigerated rooms

Work that needs a different license

• Central air conditioning for comfort: C-20 HVAC
• Prefabricated walk-in panels set without refrigeration work: C-61/D-34 Prefabricated Equipment
• New electrical service for the compressor: C-10 Electrical

Tips before hiring

• Ask about service response time. A failed walk-in can spoil inventory within hours.
• Get the refrigerant type in writing, so a future service tech knows what the system uses.
• For a wine room, ask how condensation and vapor barriers are handled.
• Ask whether the bid includes a maintenance plan with coil cleaning and leak checks.
• For a restaurant or store, ask whether the contractor can work after hours so you can keep selling.

Where C-38 contractors are

The cities with the most C-38 license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. Refrigeration Contractors in Los Angeles: 40
2. Refrigeration Contractors in Fresno: 34
3. Refrigeration Contractors in San Jose: 31
4. Refrigeration Contractors in Bakersfield: 25
5. Refrigeration Contractors in Riverside: 25
6. Refrigeration Contractors in Sacramento: 25
7. Refrigeration Contractors in San Diego: 23
8. Anaheim: 19
9. Corona: 18
10. El Cajon: 18

All refrigeration contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-38 license holders, largest first:

• Los Angeles (40)
• Fresno (34)
• San Jose (31)
• Bakersfield (25)
• Riverside (25)
• Sacramento (25)
• San Diego (23)

How to verify a C-38 license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm C-38 is listed on the profile.
2. Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
3. Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

• C-20 Warm-Air Heating, Ventilating and Air-Conditioning Contractor
• C-2 Insulation and Acoustical Contractor
• C-61 Limited Specialty
• C-10 Electrical Contractor

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-36 Plumbing Contractor · C-39 Roofing Contractor →