TradeGuardCalifornia subcontractor insurance & compliance requirements
If you're a general contractor hiring subcontractors in California, here are the certificates and documents you should collect and keep current, and how TradeGuard tracks them automatically.
Documents to collect from subcontractors in California
The core compliance documents a GC should require and keep current for each sub.
Required for work over $500. Verify license number at cslb.ca.gov
Certificate of Insurance for General Liability coverage
Certificate of Insurance for Workers Compensation coverage, required for any sub with employees
Required for tax reporting on payments over $600
California has additional injury prevention program requirements
Required for supervisors on many commercial and public projects
Verify sub is not debarred from federal contracting
Required on public works projects over $25,000
Required alongside performance bond on public projects
Required when bidding on public construction contracts; guarantees contractor will honor the bid if awarded
State-required surety bond posted as part of contractor license or registration; collect certificate from sub
The CSLB licenses contractors for work over $500 (labor and materials combined). Over 50 license classifications. All subs must hold appropriate CSLB license.
California operates an approved state OSHA plan. California has an approved state OSHA plan (Cal/OSHA), some of the strictest standards in the nation
$25,000 contractor's bond required (as of 2023)
- CSLB: Contractors State License Board
- Cal/OSHA: California Division of Occupational Safety and Health
- DIR: Dept of Industrial Relations (Workers Comp & Public Works)
- DLSE: Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
Summary for California
California has very strict requirements. All subs must be registered with DIR for public works. Cal/OSHA standards exceed federal OSHA. Workers comp required for all employees.
Track all of this automatically in California
TradeGuard collects every subcontractor's COI, license, and OSHA docs, flags California compliance gaps, and warns you before anything expires. Stop tracking it in a spreadsheet.
No credit card required · Cancel anytime · See how COI tracking works
California compliance FAQ
Do subcontractors need a contractor license in California?+
The CSLB licenses contractors for work over $500 (labor and materials combined). Over 50 license classifications. All subs must hold appropriate CSLB license.
Does California follow federal OSHA or a state OSHA plan?+
California runs its own OSHA-approved state plan. California has an approved state OSHA plan (Cal/OSHA), some of the strictest standards in the nation
Is a surety bond required for contractors in California?+
Yes. $25,000 contractor's bond required (as of 2023)
This page is general information, not legal advice. Requirements change; confirm current rules with the relevant California agencies before relying on them.