C-39 Roofing Contractor license in California
Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list
- 5,805licenses hold C-39
- 95.7%Clear (CA addresses)
- 0%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
- 99.9%contractor's bond on file
- 9.8 yrsmedian time licensed
- 68.9%businesses, not sole owners
C-39 roofers install and repair surfaces that seal and weatherproof a structure so water can't get through. CSLB lists the materials: asphalt and tar systems, felt, shingles, shakes, tile, slate, metal roofing, urethane foam and membranes.
Roofing was the first trade where California dropped the no-employee exemption. Since January 1, 2013, a C-39 has had to carry workers' comp whether or not it has employees. Check the policy before you sign; our workers' comp guide explains how.
Typical work under C-39
- Full roof replacement
- Shingle, tile and slate repair
- Flat-roof membranes and coatings
- Metal roofing
- Foam roofing systems
- Roof leak diagnosis and patching
Work that needs a different license
- Replacing rotted rafters or trusses: C-5 Framing or B General Building
- Solar panels on the new roof: C-46 Solar or C-10 Electrical
- Gutters and downspouts as a separate job: C-43 Sheet Metal
Tips before hiring
- Look for an active workers' comp policy on the license. A C-39 can't legally rely on an exemption.
- Ask whether the bid is a tear-off or an overlay, and how many layers are already on the roof.
- Get a price per sheet for any damaged decking found once the old roof comes off.
- Ask for both the manufacturer warranty and the contractor's own workmanship warranty in writing.
Where C-39 contractors are
The cities with the most C-39 license holders in CSLB's current file:
- Roofers in Los Angeles: 181
- Roofers in San Jose: 137
- Roofers in Sacramento: 120
- Roofers in San Diego: 101
- Roofers in Fresno: 91
- Roofers in San Francisco: 80
- Roofers in Bakersfield: 71
- Roofers in Riverside: 70
- Roofers in Anaheim: 64
- Roofers in Santa Ana: 60
All roofers lists
Cities with at least 20 C-39 license holders, largest first:
- Los Angeles (181)
- San Jose (137)
- Sacramento (120)
- San Diego (101)
- Fresno (91)
- San Francisco (80)
- Bakersfield (71)
- Riverside (70)
- Anaheim (64)
- Santa Ana (60)
- Escondido (58)
- Oakland (54)
- Oxnard (54)
- Orange (52)
- Vista (49)
- Santa Rosa (46)
- Stockton (46)
- Long Beach (42)
- Modesto (41)
- El Cajon (40)
- Salinas (40)
- Concord (37)
- San Bernardino (37)
- Corona (36)
- Hayward (35)
- Simi Valley (35)
- Van Nuys (35)
- Torrance (33)
- Woodland Hills (33)
- Rancho Cucamonga (32)
- Costa Mesa (31)
- San Marcos (31)
- Santa Maria (30)
- Fullerton (29)
- Roseville (29)
- Santa Barbara (29)
- Glendale (28)
- Huntington Beach (28)
- Visalia (28)
- Burbank (27)
- Palmdale (27)
- Clovis (26)
- Ontario (26)
- San Leandro (26)
- Ventura (26)
- Redding (25)
- Sylmar (25)
- Garden Grove (24)
- Lancaster (24)
- North Hollywood (24)
- Sherman Oaks (24)
- Temecula (24)
- Chico (23)
- Fontana (23)
- Irvine (23)
- Perris (23)
- Rocklin (23)
- Upland (23)
- Downey (22)
- Livermore (22)
- Rancho Cordova (22)
- Fremont (21)
- Gardena (21)
- Tarzana (21)
- Whittier (21)
- Elk Grove (20)
- Hesperia (20)
- Napa (20)
- Walnut Creek (20)
How to verify a C-39 license
- Search the business or license number here and confirm C-39 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
- C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor
- C-46 Solar Contractor
- C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
- B General Building 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-38 Refrigeration Contractor · C-42 Sanitation System Contractor →