C-33 Painting Licenses in San Diego: Bond, Workers' Comp & Compliance

C-33 compliance in San Diego — CSLB data

San Diego: 471 active C-33 licenses per CSLB (September 2026). Workers' comp on file — 43%. Exempt — 53%.

32 of them are suspended (7 workers' comp / 25 bond) — a suspended license cannot legally contract.

Across San Diego County the count is 1,398, and 76 are suspended for coverage or bond lapses.

Median time licensed: 10.0 years. 20% are under three years old; 34% have 20+ years. 31 were issued in the last 12 months.

3% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).

What CSLB requires for a C-33 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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Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for San Diego contractors and requests additional insured endorsements for you when a contract calls for them. Call (858) 925-9555 or request a quote — only your name, phone and email are required. CA License #6008596.

Frequently asked questions

How many C-33 licenses in San Diego are suspended?

As of September 2026, 7 for workers' comp and 25 for bond issues, out of 471 active C-33 licenses based in San Diego.

How many new C-33 licenses were issued in San Diego last year?

31 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.

Do C-33 painters need workers' comp if I work alone?

Not today — a solo painter can file an exemption with CSLB. Beginning January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses, except joint ventures.

Related pages

• Insurance For Painters California
• License Class — C33
• Contractor Insurance San Diego
• Painter Truck Insurance San Diego