What is a CCB License in Oregon?
A CCB license is a state-issued credential required by Oregon law for any contractor paid to build, repair, or improve a residential or commercial structure. Here's who needs one, what it covers, and how to verify any contractor instantly.
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.
What is a CCB license in Oregon?
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 issues 18 different endorsement types, each covering a specific scope of work - from Residential General Contractor (RGC) to commercial licenses. See all 18 CCB license types →
What is a CCB number?
A CCB number is the unique license number assigned by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board to each licensed contractor. It's a 4 to 6 digit number that identifies the contractor in the official CCB database. Oregon law requires all licensed contractors to display their CCB number on every estimate, contract, invoice, vehicle, and advertisement.
If you see "CCB #" or "CCB License #" followed by a number on any contractor paperwork, that is their CCB number. You can verify any CCB number instantly - just enter it in the search tool to see if the license is active, when it expires, and whether the bond and insurance are current.
Look up any CCB number in seconds
Enter the CCB number from the contractor's estimate or business card to verify the license is active and properly bonded.
Search by CCB NumberCCB License Status: What Each Status Means
When you look up a contractor on CCB Lookup or the official CCB database, you'll see one of three possible license statuses. Understanding what each one means can help you make a safer hiring decision.
The license is current and valid. The contractor is legally allowed to perform construction work in Oregon. Bond and insurance are on file with the CCB - always check their expiration dates too.
The license has passed its expiration date and has not been renewed. The contractor is not legally authorized to perform paid construction work in Oregon until the license is reinstated.
The license exists in the CCB system but is not currently active - typically because the contractor voluntarily placed it on hold or failed to meet renewal requirements. Not valid for new work.
Active status alone is not enough
A license can show Active but still have expired bond or insurance. Always check the expiration dates for all three - license, bond, and insurance - before signing a contract.
Check CCB Status NowWho needs a CCB license in Oregon?
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.
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 NumberCCB license vs BCD license: what's the difference?
Oregon has two separate licensing systems for contractors, and many homeowners confuse them. Understanding the difference helps you know exactly what to check before hiring.
CCB License - the business license
Issued by the Oregon Construction Contractors Board. Required for any business paid to build, repair, or improve a structure. Covers general construction trades: roofing, remodeling, painting, flooring, decks, siding, and more.
A CCB license ties to the business entity, requires a surety bond and liability insurance, and determines what type of work the business can legally contract for.
BCD License - the trade license
Issued by the Oregon Building Codes Division. Required for specific regulated trades: electrical, plumbing, boiler, elevator, and manufactured dwelling installation.
A BCD license ties to the trade specialty and requires employing a licensed signing supervisor. Oregon law explicitly states that a CCB license does not replace a BCD license - contractors in these trades must hold both.
Do I need to check both?
Electrician
Plumber
HVAC / Boiler
General contractor
Roofer / Painter
Elevator contractor
CCB Lookup cross-references both databases - contractor profiles show CCB license status and any active BCD trade licenses on the same page. Verify a contractor →
What does a CCB license require?
To obtain and maintain a CCB license in Oregon, contractors must meet ongoing requirements:
Surety Bond
Contractors must maintain a surety bond - ranging from $10,000 to $80,000 depending on license type - that protects consumers if the contractor fails to complete a job or causes damage. See amounts by license type →
General Liability Insurance
Insurance requirements range from $100,000 to $2,000,000 depending on endorsement type. Residential contractors typically carry $300K–$500K per occurrence; commercial licenses require up to $2M aggregate. Requirements were updated by Oregon HB 2922 in January 2024. What's the difference between the bond and insurance? →
Responsible Managing Individual
Each licensed business must designate a Responsible Managing Individual (RMI) who is accountable for the business's construction activities and compliance.
Continuing Education
Licensed contractors must complete continuing education requirements to renew their license every two years, keeping them current with Oregon building laws.
What happens if a contractor works without a CCB license?
Working as an unlicensed contractor in Oregon is illegal and carries serious consequences and leaves you exposed to contractor scams and fraud. 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.
Before signing any contract, take 60 seconds to verify the license is active and the bond and insurance are current. Step-by-step verification guide →
Last updated: March 2026. Bond and insurance requirements reflect Oregon HB 2922 (effective January 1, 2024).
Always verify before you hire
Checking a CCB license takes 30 seconds and could save you thousands of dollars.
Related Guides
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For complaint history and disciplinary records, visit the official CCB search tool.
Official CCB Website