What a C-33 license allows
CSLB defines the C-33 Painting and Decorating Contractor classification as follows: “A painting and decorating contractor prepares by scraping, sandblasting or other means and applies any of the following: paints, papers, textures, fabrics, pigments, oils, turpentines, japans, driers, thinners, varnishes, shellacs, stains, fillers, waxes, adhesives, water and any other vehicles, mediums and materials which adhere by evaporation and may be mixed, used and applied to the surfaces of structures and the appurtenances thereto for purposes of decorating, protecting, fireproofing and waterproofing.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.
C-33 licenses in California by the numbers
As of September 2026, CSLB lists 15,279 current licenses that include C-33. 44% have workers' comp on file, 53% are filed exempt, and 913 were issued in the last 12 months.
Ownership: 59% sole owners, 36% corporations, 3% LLCs. Suspensions today: 158 for workers' comp, 645 for bonds.
Insurance and bonds a C-33 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.
Painting GL pricing depends on interior vs. exterior work, residential vs. commercial, maximum working height, and specialty work such as industrial coatings, waterproofing or lead abatement. Exterior spray work draws more questions than interior brush-and-roll.
Get a quote
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for painting and decorating 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.