C-9 Drywall Contractor license in California
Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list
- 3,335licenses hold C-9
- 95.3%Clear (CA addresses)
- 38.6%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
- 100%contractor's bond on file
- 13 yrsmedian time licensed
- 57.3%businesses, not sole owners
Drywall contractors lay out and hang gypsum board, including the nonstructural metal studs that often hold it up. They also tape, mud and texture the joints into a smooth or patterned surface ready for paint.
Homeowners call a C-9 for a garage conversion, a new interior wall, water-damage patches or a ceiling retexture. If the job also needs electrical, plumbing and framing, a general building contractor may be the better fit.
Typical work under C-9
- Hanging drywall on walls and ceilings
- Nonstructural metal stud framing for partitions
- Taping, mudding and sanding joints
- Orange peel, knockdown and other textures
- Patching holes and water-damaged sections
Work that needs a different license
- Scraping a popcorn ceiling that may contain asbestos: C-22 Asbestos Abatement
- Painting the finished walls: C-33 Painting and Decorating
- Wood framing for a new room: C-5 Framing or B General Building
Tips before hiring
- Ask which finish level the price assumes. A level 5 smooth finish costs more than a light texture.
- In an older house, ask whether old texture or joint compound will be tested before anyone sands it.
- Ask how dust will be contained, especially if you are living in the house during the work.
Where C-9 contractors are
The cities with the most C-9 license holders in CSLB's current file:
- Drywall Contractors in San Diego: 92
- Drywall Contractors in San Jose: 76
- Drywall Contractors in Sacramento: 73
- Drywall Contractors in Bakersfield: 62
- Drywall Contractors in Riverside: 56
- Drywall Contractors in Los Angeles: 52
- Drywall Contractors in Santa Rosa: 52
- Drywall Contractors in Fresno: 48
- Drywall Contractors in Chula Vista: 39
- Drywall Contractors in Escondido: 36
All drywall contractors lists
Cities with at least 20 C-9 license holders, largest first:
- San Diego (92)
- San Jose (76)
- Sacramento (73)
- Bakersfield (62)
- Riverside (56)
- Los Angeles (52)
- Santa Rosa (52)
- Fresno (48)
- Chula Vista (39)
- Escondido (36)
- Anaheim (34)
- San Francisco (32)
- Oxnard (31)
- Corona (29)
- Santa Maria (29)
- Orange (28)
- Simi Valley (24)
- El Cajon (23)
- Hollister (22)
- Stockton (22)
- Clovis (21)
- Fontana (21)
- Modesto (21)
- Palmdale (21)
- Van Nuys (21)
- Oakland (20)
- Ontario (20)
- Vista (20)
How to verify a C-9 license
- Search the business or license number here and confirm C-9 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-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor
- C-5 Framing and Rough Carpentry Contractor
- C-35 Lathing and Plastering Contractor
- C-2 Insulation and Acoustical 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-8 Concrete Contractor · C-10 Electrical Contractor →