What "SOS Suspension" means on a California contractor license
Updated November 1, 2026 · Primary status
CSLB's license page wording: "License is suspended for failure to maintain active corporate status with the California Secretary of State."
Suspended because the corporation or LLC holding the license is not in good standing with the California Secretary of State.
- 174licenses statewide
- 0.1%of all licenses in the file
- 160with a California address
When a license belongs to a corporation or LLC, the business itself has to stay in good standing with the California Secretary of State. If that standing lapses, CSLB suspends the license. Its page says the license "is suspended for failure to maintain active corporate status with the California Secretary of State."
The suspension is automatic under B&P Code §7076.2, which was amended by SB 1455 effective January 1, 2025. It ends when the business shows proof that its good standing is restored.
So this is a problem with the legal entity, not the trade skills of the people in it. Still, the license can't be used to contract right now, and a contract signed with an entity that isn't in good standing is a complication you don't need.
What to do if a contractor you're considering shows this status
- Hold off on signing until the license shows as active on CSLB's page.
- Ask the contractor when the business expects its standing to be restored.
- Make sure the entity name on any contract matches the license exactly.
- Recheck the license before paying anything.
Always confirm the current status on CSLB's Instant License Check; it can change between our weekly refreshes.
Legal basis
Counties with the highest rate
| County | Licenses with this status | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles County | 53 | 0.1% |
| Orange County | 16 | 0.1% |
| San Bernardino County | 16 | 0.1% |
| Alameda County | 8 | 0.1% |
| Contra Costa County | 7 | 0.1% |
| Kern County | 4 | 0.1% |
| Marin County | 4 | 0.1% |
| Stanislaus County | 4 | 0.1% |
| San Francisco County | 3 | 0.1% |
| San Luis Obispo County | 3 | 0.1% |
Counties with at least 300 licenses. Rate = share of local licenses showing this status.
City and trade lists where it is most common
- Licensed general contractors in Pico Rivera: 2 of 81 (2.5%)
- Licensed general contractors in Panorama City: 2 of 84 (2.4%)
- Licensed plumbers in Lancaster: 2 of 83 (2.4%)
- Licensed electricians in Compton: 1 of 42 (2.4%)
- Licensed plumbers in Encino: 1 of 44 (2.3%)
- Licensed general contractors in Corte Madera: 1 of 45 (2.2%)
- Licensed painters in Reseda: 1 of 45 (2.2%)
- Licensed boiler and steam fitting contractors in San Francisco: 1 of 45 (2.2%)
- Licensed pool contractors in San Diego: 1 of 51 (2%)
- Licensed plumbers in Canyon Country: 1 of 50 (2%)
We started tracking week-to-week changes with the November 1, 2026 file. Trend data will appear here as history builds up.
Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.