A car making a noise, a washer that won't drain, a blind that won't go up, a cracked phone? In California, handymen, auto shops, appliance and phone repair, locksmiths and pest control are each licensed or registered by a state agency, with a free lookup. Check before you hand over a key, a car or a deposit. PJ, a local in Solana Beach, can find and check someone for you in Solana Beach, Del Mar, Cardiff and Encinitas.
Who fixes what, and who licenses them
| The job | Who licenses it | How to check |
|---|---|---|
| Handyman, small fixes | Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Only a job under $1,000, with no permit and no employees, can skip the license. | CSLB Check a License |
| Remodels, roofs, plumbing, wiring, heating and air | CSLB: general (B), roofing (C-39), plumbing (C-36), electrical (C-10), heating and air (C-20) | CSLB Check a License |
| Blinds, shutters, shades | CSLB, D-52 Window Coverings | CSLB Check a License |
| Garage doors and gates | CSLB, D-28 Doors, Gates and Activating Devices | CSLB Check a License |
| Tree trimming and removal | CSLB, C-49 Tree and Palm. CSLB says tree service contractors must carry workers' comp, even with no employees. | CSLB Check a License |
| Pool pumps, filters, heaters | CSLB, D-35 Pool and Spa Maintenance | CSLB Check a License |
| Auto repair and smog | Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR). Licensed shops are registered with BAR. | Auto Shop Locator or BAR license check · is my car recalled? |
| Appliance repair: fridge, washer, dryer, oven | Bureau of Household Goods and Services (BHGS) | State license search |
| Computer, phone, tablet, TV or e-bike repair | BHGS, for electronics used at home or in a home office | State license search |
| Locksmiths and alarm companies | Bureau of Security and Investigative Services | State license search |
| Termites and pests | Structural Pest Control Board | State license search |
| Shoe repair, tailoring | None of the state's consumer boards and bureaus covers them | Ask for the price in writing and a claim ticket |
From each agency's own site, read October 11, 2026. The state license search covers most Department of Consumer Affairs boards and bureaus. Contractors are checked on CSLB's own site. We don't list business names.
Handyman: the $1,000 line
- A license is required for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials together, any job that needs a building permit, and any job where they use employees. Only a job under all three lines can go to someone without a license.
- An unlicensed handyman's ads must say they are not licensed. The $1,000 exemption doesn't cover anyone who advertises as licensed.
- Employees mean workers' comp. If a worker is hurt at your house and the contractor has no workers' comp, you could be financially liable.
Sources: CSLB, unlicensed contractors · the $1,000 rule (AB 2622) · finding the right contractor. The full checklist: check a contractor before you sign.
Red flags
- A knock on the door with a cut-price offer for roofing, painting or paving.
- Pressure to decide now, before you can get other bids or check the license.
- A free inspection that finds a scary problem with the wiring, the plumbing or the roof.
- Cash only, or an offer to drive you to the bank.
- A big deposit. By law, a down payment can't be more than 10% of the price or $1,000, whichever is less.
- "No need for a contract." Get it in writing.
From CSLB's what seniors should know. CSLB's line: (800) 321-2752.
Auto repair: your rights at any shop
- An estimate first, with parts and labor. If they have to take the car apart to find the problem (a "tear down"), that can cost something even if you don't do the repair.
- Nothing starts without your OK, in writing, by phone, or by text or email. More work found later needs your OK too.
- Want the old parts? Ask before you approve the repair.
- The final invoice lists the shop's name, address and license number, every repair, and which parts are used, reconditioned or rebuilt.
- Warranty work can be done at any shop, not just the dealer.
From the Bureau of Automotive Repair, maintenance and repairs. A problem the shop won't fix: BAR mediates complaints.
Appliance, computer and phone repair: your rights
- The trip charge is quoted before the visit. A reasonable diagnostic fee is allowed.
- A written estimate with the total price before any repair.
- Extra parts or labor need your approval and the new total.
- Your old parts come back unless they're unsafe, rebuilt on exchange, or you waived it.
From the Bureau of Household Goods and Services, electronic and appliance repair. File a complaint, or call the Department of Consumer Affairs at 1-800-952-5210.
PJ finds and checks
PJ doesn't do the repair. He finds two or three people who do, checks the license or registration, gets the quotes, books the visit, and can be there to let them in. He takes no cut and never steers you to someone who pays him. Family Assist, $30 an hour, usually under an hour of his time.
More: handyman and appliance repair · tech help at home (PJ does this one himself) · robot vacuum setup · after a storm · check a contractor · a phone or Mac to the repair shop and back.
More local answers
Need a human?
This page is built every morning from public data by SideGuy, run by PJ, a local in Solana Beach. If something looks off, or you want a hand with your plans, text PJ at 858-461-8054. A real person answers.
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Questions people ask
Does a handyman need a license in California?
Yes for any job of $1,000 or more in labor and materials, any job that needs a building permit, or any job with employees, per the Contractors State License Board. An unlicensed handyman's ads must say they are not licensed.
How do I check an auto repair shop in California?
Licensed auto shops are registered with the Bureau of Automotive Repair. Look one up with BAR's Auto Shop Locator or its license check, and get an estimate before any work starts.
Who licenses appliance, computer and phone repair in California?
The Bureau of Household Goods and Services registers businesses that repair home appliances and personal electronics, including computers, smartphones and tablets. Look one up in the state license search at search.dca.ca.gov.
Do blinds installers need a license in California?
Installing blinds, shutters and other window coverings is a CSLB specialty license, D-52 Window Coverings. Any job of $1,000 or more, one that needs a permit, or one with employees needs a licensed contractor.
Who licenses locksmiths in California?
The Bureau of Security and Investigative Services licenses locksmiths and alarm companies. Check one in the state license search at search.dca.ca.gov.
Who can find a reliable repair person in Solana Beach, Del Mar or Encinitas?
PJ, a local in Solana Beach. He finds two or three, checks the license or registration, gets quotes and books the visit. Family Assist, $30 an hour, no cut from anyone.
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