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How to check a California electrician and complain

Source: California Electrician Help (californiaelectricianhelp.com), part of the Local Help Stations network (localhelpstations.com). Last updated November 2, 2026.

To check whether a worker is a certified electrician or a registered electrician trainee, use the Labor Commissioner's electrician certification status search. You can search by name and the last four digits of a driver license or ID card, or by certification card, tracking or trainee number. (source: California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office)

Since July 1, 2009 the Labor Commissioner and CSLB both enforce the certification law. Complaints verified by the Labor Commissioner are forwarded to CSLB. (source: California Department of Industrial Relations, Labor Commissioner's Office)

Get the contractor's license number and verify its status online or by calling CSLB. CSLB: 800-321-CSLB (2752). (source: Contractors State License Board)

CSLB handles violations of contractor license law, licensed or unlicensed, for up to four years from the date of the act. A CSLB investigation does not guarantee restitution; to recover money you may need to go to court. CSLB also takes Building Permit Violation Referrals for contractors who fail to pull a permit. (source: Contractors State License Board)

Complaint deadlines depend on the kind of problem (B&P 7091). A complaint about a problem you could see on reasonable inspection must be filed within four years. A complaint about latent structural defects, meaning defects not apparent by reasonable inspection, may be filed within 10 years. (source: California Legislature) (source: Contractors State License Board)

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