What a C-6 license allows
CSLB defines the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry Contractor classification as follows: “A cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry contractor makes cabinets, cases, sashes, doors, trims, nonbearing partitions and other items of "finish carpentry" by cutting, surfacing, joining, gluing and fabricating wood or other products to provide a functional surface. This contractor also places, erects, and finishes such cabinets and millwork in structures. The amendments made to this section in 2002 shall become operative January 1, 2003, or as soon thereafter as administratively feasible, whereupon the C-6 Cabinet, Millwork and Finish Carpentry classification shall replace the C-5 Carpentry, Cabinet and Millwork classification on any license unless the qualifier for the license has passed the C-5 Carpentry, Cabinet and Millwork trade exam on or after January 10, 2000, or held the C-5 classification prior to that date.” Source: cslb.ca.gov licensing classifications.
C-6 licenses in California by the numbers
As of September 2026, CSLB lists 4,121 current licenses that include C-6. 44% have workers' comp on file, 53% are filed exempt, and 192 were issued in the last 12 months.
Ownership: 53% sole owners, 41% corporations, 4% LLCs. Suspensions today: 50 for workers' comp, 193 for bonds.
Insurance and bonds a C-6 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.
Carriers underwrite based on the work you actually perform under this classification, your residential/commercial mix, subcontracting and claims history.
Get a quote
Asena Capital Insurance Services compares multiple markets for cabinet, millwork and finish carpentry 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.