C-12 Earthwork and Paving Contractors license in California

Updated November 1, 2026 · Official name from CSLB's classification list

• 2,498licenses hold C-12
• 96.7%Clear (CA addresses)
• 37.3%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 100%contractor's bond on file
• 16.6 yrsmedian time licensed
• 66.3%businesses, not sole owners

C-12 contractors move earth. The class covers cutting, filling, excavating, grading, trenching and backfilling, including tunnels when incidental and the use of explosives for those purposes. It also covers mixing and placing paving and other surfacing materials.

For homeowners that usually means an asphalt driveway, a graded pad for a new structure or a trench for utilities. CSLB moved old D-19 Land Clearing work into C-12, or into A where that license applies. A C-12 license is also one of those that can carry the HAZ certification for removals at listed hazardous sites.

Typical work under C-12

• Asphalt driveways and parking areas
• Grading a lot or building pad
• Trenching for utilities
• Excavation and backfill
• Land clearing
• Base rock and other surfacing

Work that needs a different license

• A concrete driveway: C-8 Concrete
• Parking-lot striping and wheel stops: C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement
• Laying a water main or sewer line: C-34 Pipeline or A General Engineering

Tips before hiring

• Before any digging, ask who will call for underground utility locating.
• For a new driveway, get the asphalt thickness and base depth in writing.
• Ask where excavated soil will go and whether hauling is included in the price.
• On a slope, ask about erosion control and who handles it once grading is done.

Where C-12 contractors are

The cities with the most C-12 license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Perris: 65
2. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Bakersfield: 55
3. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in San Jose: 47
4. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Riverside: 38
5. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Fresno: 37
6. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Los Angeles: 36
7. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Santa Rosa: 29
8. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Vacaville: 25
9. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in San Diego: 24
10. Earthwork and Paving Contractors in Corona: 22

All earthwork and paving contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-12 license holders, largest first:

• Perris (65)
• Bakersfield (55)
• San Jose (47)
• Riverside (38)
• Fresno (37)
• Los Angeles (36)
• Santa Rosa (29)
• Vacaville (25)
• San Diego (24)
• Corona (22)
• Sacramento (21)

How to verify a C-12 license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm C-12 is listed on the profile.
2. Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
3. Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

• A General Engineering Contractor
• C-8 Concrete Contractor
• C-32 Parking and Highway Improvement Contractor
• C-34 Pipeline Contractor
• HAZ Hazardous Substance Removal Certification

Source: CSLB public data · Updated November 1, 2026 Status can change at any time. Verify on CSLB's Instant License Check.

More license types: ← C-11 Elevator Contractor · C-13 Fencing Contractor →