C-61 Limited Specialty license in California

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

19,063licenses hold C-61
95.4%Clear (CA addresses)
36.2%workers' comp exempt (all: 49.6%)
99.9%contractor's bond on file
13 yrsmedian time licensed
62.4%businesses, not sole owners

C-61 Limited Specialty is for narrow trades that don't match any other C class. A C-61 contractor is limited to the field shown on the license. CSLB tracks those fields as D subcategories, so the record reads like "C-61/D-52." Many old D codes have been folded into regular classes, such as D-26 into C-47.

The most common ones are D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices; D-49 Tree Service; D-12 Synthetic Products; D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance; D-52 Window Coverings; D-6 Concrete Related Services; and D-34 Prefabricated Equipment. Match the D code to your job before hiring. D-49 holders need workers' comp coverage whether or not they hire anyone.

Typical work under C-61

Garage doors, automatic gates and openers (D-28)
Pool pumps, filters, heaters and lights on existing pools (D-35)
Synthetic turf, drip irrigation and tub refinishing (D-12)
Blinds, shutters, drapes and window film (D-52)
Concrete pumping, sawing, coring and pavers (D-6)
Prefabricated fireplaces, partitions and closet systems (D-34)
Pruning and tree removal (D-49)

Work that needs a different license

Building a new pool: C-53 Swimming Pool
Pouring a concrete slab: C-8 Concrete
A stand-alone fence job: C-13 Fencing (the old D-11 was converted)

Tips before hiring

Read the D code on the license. A D-52 window coverings license doesn't cover a gate opener.
For tree work under D-49, the record should list a workers' comp insurer; this subcategory can't claim the exemption.
A D-35 can service a pool but not build one, so get a C-53 for new construction.
Some old D codes no longer exist. If the record shows one, ask what work the contractor does now.

C-61 subcategories in CSLB's file

Subcategory	Licenses
D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices	2,919
D-49 Tree Service	2,803
D-12 Synthetic Products	1,805
D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance	1,679
D-52 Window Coverings	1,530
D-6 Concrete Related Services	1,513
D-34 Prefabricated Equipment	1,435
D-21 Machinery and Pumps	1,102
D-63 Construction Clean-up	888
D-24 Metal Products	840
D-64 Non-specialized	675
D-3 Awnings	546
D-38 Sand and Water Blasting	449
D-42 Non-Electrical Sign Installation	436
D-41 Siding and Decking	425
D-39 Scaffolding	302
D-16 Hardware, Locks and Safes	288
D-29 Paperhanging	178
D-9 Drilling, Blasting and Oil Field Work	167
D-56 Trenching Only	165
D-40 Service Station Equipment and Maintenance	148
D-50 Suspended Ceilings	143
D-62 Air and Water Balancing	123
D-30 Pile Driving and Pressure Foundation Jacking	94
D-31 Pole Installation and Maintenance	83
D-65 Weatherization and Energy Conservation	83
D-4 Central Vacuum Systems	80
D-51 Waterproofing and Weatherproofing	50
D-59 Hydroseed Spraying	49
D-10 Elevated Floors	25
D-8 Doors and Door Services	17
D-53 Wood Tanks	16
D-22 Marble	10
D-7 Conveyors-Cranes	9
D-48 Theater and School Equipment	9
D-25 Mirrors and Fixed Glass	5
D-36 Rigging and Rig Building	5
D-47 Tennis Court Surfacing	5
D-27 Movable Partitions	4
D-17 Industrial Insulation	3
D-23 Medical Gas Systems	3
D-20 Lead Burning and Fabrication	2
D-43 Soil Grouting	2
D-44 Sprinklers	2
D-13 Fire Extinguisher Systems	1
D-15 Furnaces	1
D-19 Land Clearing	1
D-32 Power Nailing and Fastening	1
D-37 Safes and Vaults	1
D-54 Rockscaping	1
D-55 Blasting	1

Where C-61 contractors are

The cities with the most C-61 license holders in CSLB's current file:

All limited specialty contractors lists

Cities with at least 20 C-61 license holders, largest first:

How to verify a C-61 license

Search the business or license number here and confirm C-61 is listed on the profile.
Check the same number on CSLB's Instant License Check.
Read our full guide to checking a contractor license.

Related license types

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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