C-36 compliance in Costa Mesa — CSLB data
Costa Mesa: 71 active C-36 licenses per CSLB (September 2026). Workers' comp on file — 41%. Exempt — 55%.
9 of them are suspended (1 workers' comp / 8 bond) — a suspended license cannot legally contract.
Orange County totals: 1,468 C-36 licenses; 15 suspended for workers' comp, 51 for bonds.
34% of Costa Mesa's C-36 licenses are 20+ years old, 24% are newer than three years (median 14.0 years). 7 were issued in the last 12 months.
4% are LLCs, which carry extra CSLB insurance and bond rules (below).
What CSLB requires for a C-36 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.
Get a quote
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Frequently asked questions
How many C-36 licenses in Costa Mesa are suspended?
As of September 2026, 1 for workers' comp and 8 for bond issues, out of 71 active C-36 licenses based in Costa Mesa.
How many new C-36 licenses were issued in Costa Mesa last year?
7 in the 12 months to September 2026. Each needed a $25,000 bond on file before CSLB issued the license.
Do C-36 plumbers need workers' comp?
Yes if you have employees. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; beginning January 1, 2028, CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses under SB 1455, except joint ventures.