C-23 Ornamental Metal Contractor license in California

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

• 1,107licenses hold C-23
• 95.8%Clear (CA addresses)
• 41.1%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
• 100%contractor's bond on file
• 15 yrsmedian time licensed
• 59.2%businesses, not sole owners

Ornamental metal contractors shape and install metal for the decorative and architectural treatment of buildings. CSLB lists the methods (casting, cutting, stamping, forging, welding) and the metals: brass, bronze, copper, cast and wrought iron, stainless steel and others.

In a home that means wrought-iron stair railings, decorative gates, window grilles and balcony rails. Sheet metal work such as gutters and ducts is a separate trade.

Typical work under C-23

• Wrought-iron stair and balcony railings
• Decorative metal gates
• Window grilles and security bars with ornamental design
• Custom metal screens and panels
• Bronze, copper and stainless architectural trim

Work that needs a different license

• Gutters, flashing and ductwork: C-43 Sheet Metal
• Structural steel beams: C-51 Structural Steel
• Automatic gate operators: C-61/D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices

Tips before hiring

• Ask for drawings or a sample of the design before fabrication starts. Custom metal is hard to change later.
• Ask what finish is used and how it holds up near the coast.
• For railings, ask how they will be anchored and whether the height and spacing meet code.
• Get a delivery and installation date in writing. Custom metal often takes weeks to fabricate.

Where C-23 contractors are

The cities with the most C-23 license holders in CSLB's current file:

1. Ornamental Metal Contractors in Los Angeles: 30
2. Ornamental Metal Contractors in Santa Ana: 25
3. Ornamental Metal Contractors in San Diego: 24
4. Ornamental Metal Contractors in San Francisco: 21
5. Bakersfield: 17
6. San Jose: 16
7. Sun Valley: 16
8. Fresno: 14
9. Oakland: 14
10. Sacramento: 14

All ornamental metal contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-23 license holders, largest first:

• Los Angeles (30)
• Santa Ana (25)
• San Diego (24)
• San Francisco (21)

How to verify a C-23 license

1. Search the business or license number here and confirm C-23 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

• C-43 Sheet Metal Contractor
• C-51 Structural Steel Contractor
• C-60 Welding Contractor
• C-13 Fencing Contractor

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

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