Everything you need to know about Oregon's Construction Contractors Board licensing — who needs it, what it covers, and how to check if a contractor has one.
Quick answer: A CCB license is a state-issued license required for anyone paid to build, repair, or improve a home or commercial structure in Oregon. Without it, working as a contractor is illegal.
The Oregon Construction Contractors Board (CCB) is the state agency that licenses and regulates contractors who work on residential and commercial construction projects in Oregon. A CCB license — also called a CCB number — is the unique identifier assigned to each licensed contractor or contracting business.
Under Oregon law, anyone who is paid to construct, alter, improve, or repair a structure must hold a valid CCB license. This includes general contractors, subcontractors, remodelers, painters, roofers, and many other trades.
Oregon requires a CCB license for any person or business that is paid to perform construction work. This covers a wide range of trades:
Notably, plumbers and electricians have their own separate licensing requirements through the Oregon Building Codes Division, though many also hold a CCB license.
Oregon law requires every licensed contractor to display their CCB number on all estimates, contracts, invoices, business cards, and advertising — including websites and vehicles. If a contractor's estimate includes a "CCB #" followed by a number, that is their license identifier.
You can verify any CCB number instantly
Enter the CCB # from the contractor's estimate into our search tool to confirm the license is active, the bond is current, and insurance is valid.
Search CCB License NumberTo obtain and maintain a CCB license in Oregon, contractors must meet ongoing requirements:
Contractors must maintain a surety bond — typically $25,000 for residential work — that protects consumers if the contractor fails to complete a job or causes damage.
A minimum of $500,000 to $1,000,000 in general liability insurance is required to cover property damage or injuries that occur during the project.
Each licensed business must designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) who is accountable for the business's construction activities and compliance.
Licensed contractors must complete continuing education requirements to renew their license every two years, keeping them current with Oregon building laws.
Working as an unlicensed contractor in Oregon is illegal and carries serious consequences. The CCB can issue civil penalties and fines. More importantly for consumers, if you hire an unlicensed contractor you have no access to the CCB's complaint and mediation process, and the contractor has no bond or insurance to protect you if something goes wrong.
Checking a CCB license takes 30 seconds and could save you thousands of dollars.
For complaint history and disciplinary records, visit the official CCB search tool.
Official CCB Website