The most common suspensions right now
The CSLB license file (September 2026) shows 220,638 licenses in good standing and thousands more suspended. Almost all of the suspensions on the file come from a coverage lapse, not from a complaint.
| Suspension reason on the CSLB record | Licenses |
|---|---|
| Contractor bond suspended | 8,996 |
| Workers' comp suspended | 2,812 |
| LLC liability insurance suspended | 565 |
| No qualifier (qualifying individual missing) | 239 |
| Family support suspension | 221 |
| Secretary of State suspension (LLC/corp not in good standing) | 185 |
| LLC employee/worker bond suspended | 132 |
| Judgment suspension | 139 |
Note: Source: CSLB master license file, September 2026. A license can show more than one suspension code.
What each suspension means and what lifts it
| Suspension | What happened | What CSLB needs to lift it |
|---|---|---|
| Bond | The $25,000 contractor bond was cancelled and a replacement was not on file at the end of the 30-day notice period | A new bond (or a bond reinstatement) filed with CSLB. Make the new bond's effective date the same as the old bond's cancellation date to avoid a gap |
| Workers' comp | Coverage must be continuous. A cancelled or lapsed policy suspends the license | Acceptable proof of workers' comp coverage, received and processed at CSLB headquarters |
| LLC liability insurance | The LLC's required liability policy ($1 million minimum for five or fewer personnel of record) was cancelled | A new policy written by a California-admitted or eligible surplus-lines insurer |
| LLC employee/worker bond | The $100,000 employee/worker bond lapsed | A replacement $100,000 employee/worker bond |
| Disciplinary action | A citation or accusation was upheld | Follow the terms of the citation or order. CSLB may also require a disciplinary bond |
Rules while the license is suspended
- You are not allowed to operate during the suspension. Work performed while suspended is considered unlicensed work, and CSLB can take disciplinary action
- Unlicensed work can also affect your right to collect payment on a contract (Business and Professions Code section 7031)
- A suspension caused by missing coverage ends when CSLB processes the replacement. Do not start new jobs before the record shows the license as active
How to avoid a suspension
- Renew your bond promptly and make the new bond's effective date match the old bond's cancellation date
- Keep workers' comp continuous: if you switch carriers, bind the new policy before the old one ends
- LLCs: keep the liability policy, the $100,000 employee/worker bond and your Secretary of State good standing current
- Check your CSLB record after every renewal. The record, not the carrier, is what a client or building department sees
Where we can help
Asena places the CSLB contractor bond, workers' comp (through markets that take your class), LLC liability coverage and, where CSLB requires one, a disciplinary bond. If your license is inactive rather than suspended, see our guide to reactivating a license. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a review online — only your name, phone and email are required; we collect project details by phone. Asena Capital Insurance Services, CA License #6008596.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to lift a CSLB suspension?
A bond or workers' comp suspension is lifted once CSLB receives and processes acceptable proof of the replacement coverage. The speed depends on how fast the surety or insurer files with CSLB, so tell us the same day coverage is bound.
Can I work while my license is suspended?
No. CSLB treats work performed during a suspension as unlicensed work and can take disciplinary action.
What is the difference between inactive and suspended?
An inactive license is one you chose to make inactive. A suspended license was suspended by CSLB, usually because required coverage lapsed. Each has its own path back to active.
Does a workers' comp lapse suspend my license even with no employees?
If your license is filed exempt because you have no employees, there is no policy to lapse. Licenses that are required to carry workers' comp now (C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39 and C-61/D-49) and, from January 1, 2028, every active license except joint ventures with no employees, are suspended if coverage lapses.