What the C-39 license covers
CSLB's definition: “A roofing contractor installs products and repairs surfaces that seal, waterproof and weatherproof structures. This work is performed to prevent water or its derivatives, compounds or solids from penetrating such protection and gaining access to material or space beyond. In the course of this work, the contractor examines and/or prepares surfaces and uses the following material: asphaltum, pitch, tar, felt, glass fabric, urethane foam, metal roofing systems, flax, shakes, shingles, roof tile, slate or any other roofing, waterproofing, weatherproofing or membrane material(s) or a combination thereof.” (California Code of Regulations / Business and Professions Code, via cslb.ca.gov).
C-39 licenses in California — CSLB data
CSLB's public license file (September 2026) shows 5,432 current C-39 licenses statewide. 89% have a workers' comp policy on file and 0% are filed exempt. 32% are sole owners, 62% corporations and 6% LLCs; 563 were issued in the last 12 months.
Right now 172 C-39 licenses are suspended for workers' comp and 42 for bond problems — a suspended license cannot legally contract.
Workers' comp rules
C-39 is one of the classifications (along with C-8, C-20, C-22, C-61/D-49) that CSLB does not allow to file a workers' comp exemption: every active license must have workers' comp or a valid Certification of Self-Insurance on file, with or without employees.
Roofing payroll is reported under WCIRB class 5552 or 5553 (roofing, all kinds), depending on each employee's hourly wage, and roofing is one of the higher-rated construction classes in California.
License bond and LLC rules
Every active California contractor license needs a $25,000 contractor license bond on file with CSLB (raised from $15,000 on January 1, 2023). For owners with good credit, the bond commonly costs about $140–$250 a year; price depends mainly on credit.
LLC licenses also need a $100,000 employee/worker bond and liability insurance of at least $1 million (plus $100,000 per member over five, up to $5 million).