06/12/2026
California contractors are strictly prohibited by law (Business and Professions Code Section 7071.13) from advertising or presenting to the public that they are bonded. The Contractors State License Board (CSLB) enforces this rule to prevent consumers from misunderstanding the actual level of protection a standard contractor's license bond provides.Key CSLB Advertising RulesWhile mentioning your bond is illegal, you must follow other specific advertising guidelines:License Numbers Must Be Displayed: Your CSLB license number must be included in all forms of advertising, including business cards, flyers, websites, commercial vehicles, and social media platforms.Commercial Vehicle ID: Any commercial vehicle used for construction must display your business name and license number clearly on both sides of the vehicle in print that is at least 0.75 inches high and wide.Work Within Your Classification: You can only advertise services that fall within the specific classification(s) for which you are actively licensed.
