Do you need to apply for a license continuance with the Contractors State License Board in California?
There are times when a license continuance is needed, especially when a licensee of a sole ownership license has passed away. The spouse or immediate family member can request the license continuance to keep the business in operation while a new qualifier is found and added to the license. Or while the family member is applying to take over the license. Depending on the qualifications of the family member, they may qualify for a waiver of the exams.
Who may apply for a continuance?
The rules on who may apply for a continuance vary depending on the type of license:
- Sole Ownership
If the licensee dies, a member of his or her immediate family may apply to continue the family business;
- Partnership
The remaining partners, as listed in CSLB records, may apply;
- Joint Venture
The remaining businesses listed in CSLB records as those who formed the joint venture may apply. NOTE: Since corporate and limited liability company licenses are granted to the corporation or LLC as a whole, the status of the license is not affected if one of the officers, members, or managers leaves. Therefore, continuances are not granted for corporate or LLC licenses.
How do I apply for a continuance?
To apply for a continuance, submit a written request to CSLB as soon as possible but no later than 90 days from the date of a death or disassociation, stating why a continuance is necessary.
What does a continuance allow me to do?
Under a continuance of a sole owner or of a partnership license (when one of the partners has died), you may continue normal business operations and enter into new contracts during the period for which the continuance is granted.
Under a continuance of a joint venture license or of a partnership license (when one of the partners has disassociated), you may conduct business only on those contracts entered into before the event necessitating cancelation occurred. You may not enter into new contracts.
Can a continuance be extended?
Yes. The registrar may approve an extension to the one-year provision if additional time is necessary to complete projects contracted for or begun before the disassociation or death. A license extended under these circumstances is subject to all provisions, including those relating to renewal and bond requirements.
Would you like to know about the other exam waivers allowed by the CSLB? Click here.
Do you have questions about your particular circumstances? I’d be happy to answer them. Just complete the attached contact form below.
