What a C-10 license allows
CSLB defines the C-10 Electrical Contractor classification as follows: “An electrical contractor places, installs, erects or connects any electrical wires, fixtures, appliances, apparatus, raceways, conduits, solar photovoltaic cells or any part thereof, which generate, transmit, transform or utilize electrical energy in any form or for any purpose.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.
C-10 licenses in California by the numbers
As of September 2026, CSLB lists 26,741 current licenses that include C-10. 46% have workers' comp on file, 52% are filed exempt, and 1,666 were issued in the last 12 months.
Ownership: 48% sole owners, 45% corporations, 6% LLCs. Suspensions today: 206 for workers' comp, 919 for bonds.
Insurance and bonds a C-10 contractor needs
- $25,000 contractor license bond — required for every active license.
- Workers' comp — A license with employees must carry workers' comp. With no employees you can currently file an exemption; from January 1, 2028 (SB 1455), CSLB will require workers' comp for all active licenses except joint ventures.
- LLC licenses — liability insurance of at least $1 million (up to $5 million by member count) plus a $100,000 employee/worker bond.
- General liability and commercial auto — not required by CSLB for most licenses, but required by nearly every GC, owner and public agency contract.
Electrical GL pricing depends heavily on your residential/commercial mix, new construction vs. service, and specialty work such as solar, battery storage, EV chargers or high-voltage. Many GCs require additional insured and waiver-of-subrogation endorsements before you can start work.
Get a quote
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for electrical 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.