B compliance in Oakland — CSLB data
Oakland: 825 active B licenses per CSLB (September 2026). Workers' comp on file — 41%. Exempt — 57%.
43 of them are suspended (8 workers' comp / 35 bond) — a suspended license cannot legally contract.
County-wide, Alameda County has 3,532 B licenses, with 35 workers' comp and 137 bond suspensions.
39% of Oakland's B licenses are 20+ years old, 19% are newer than three years (median 16.0 years). 58 were issued in the last 12 months.
5% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).
What CSLB requires for a B license
- License bond: $25,000 on file with CSLB.
- Workers' comp: required with employees; mandatory for all active licenses from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455).
- LLC licenses: $1M+ liability insurance and a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
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Frequently asked questions
How many B licenses in Oakland are suspended?
As of September 2026, 8 for workers' comp and 35 for bond issues, out of 825 active B licenses based in Oakland.
How many new B licenses were issued in Oakland last year?
58 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.
Do general contractors need workers' comp with no employees?
Today a B license with no employees can file an exemption. Beginning January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses, except joint ventures.