Plain-language guides to licensing, public bidding and getting paid in California, written from the statutes, rules and agency pages and linked to them.
Licensing
California's Contractors State License Board licenses general engineering, general building, residential remodeling and specialty contractors. Here is what each classification covers and where the small-job exemption stops.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Bidding
Caltrans posts every advertised district project on its Contracting Opportunities Portal, with the license classes the job needs and the bid date. Before you bid, check your CSLB license and your DIR public works registration.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Payment
California runs on short clocks: 20 days for preliminary notice, 90 days to record most liens, and 90 days to sue once a lien is recorded. Public jobs use stop payment notices and payment bonds instead.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Procurement
State agencies post bids on Cal eProcure. Construction firms also need a DIR public works registration, and Caltrans highway work is advertised separately on its own portal.
Reviewed Oct 30, 2026
Guides are general information, not legal advice.