C-57 License: What It Means for Well Drilling in California

If you're looking to have a water well drilled, deepened, or repaired in California, the contractor you hire must hold a C-57 Well Drilling Contractor license. Here's everything you need to know about this specialized license classification.

What Is a C-57 License?

The C-57 is a specialty contractor classification issued by the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). It specifically covers:

Drilling new water wells

Deepening existing wells

Repairing and maintaining water wells

Installing well casings and screens

Cementing well casings

Cleaning and rehabilitating wells

Destroying (properly sealing) abandoned wells

Installing pumps and water extraction equipment

The classification falls under the broader "C" specialty contractor category, which includes dozens of specific trades from electrical (C-10) to plumbing (C-36).

How Do Contractors Get a C-57 License?

Obtaining a C-57 license requires:

Experience: At least 4 years of journeyman-level experience in well drilling within the past 10 years

Examination: Passing both a trade exam (well drilling specific) and a law & business exam

Financial requirements: A $25,000 contractor's bond and proof of workers' compensation insurance (or exemption)

Background check: Fingerprinting and criminal background review

The experience requirement can be met through direct employment with a licensed C-57 contractor or through a combination of education and experience.

Why Does the C-57 License Matter?

Legal Protection

California law (Business & Professions Code Section 7028) makes it a misdemeanor to perform work requiring a contractor's license without one. If you hire an unlicensed well driller:

You have no recourse through the CSLB complaint process

The contractor may not carry insurance, leaving you liable for injuries

The work may not meet California Department of Water Resources standards

Quality Assurance

Licensed C-57 contractors have demonstrated:

Technical knowledge of well construction standards

Understanding of California water well regulations

Financial responsibility through bonding requirements

Accountability through the CSLB complaint process

Well Permitting

Most California counties require a well drilling permit before work begins. The permitting process typically requires the contractor to provide their C-57 license number. An unlicensed contractor cannot legally obtain these permits.

How Many C-57 Contractors Are in California?

As of early 2026, there are approximately 700+ active C-57 licensed contractors operating in California. These range from small owner-operators to large construction companies that hold multiple license classifications.

Many C-57 holders also carry additional classifications like:

A (General Engineering) — for larger infrastructure projects

C-61/D-21 (Machinery and Pumps) — for pump installation

C-42 (Sanitation System) — for related water system work

Verifying a C-57 License

You can verify any contractor's license through:

Our directory: California Well Driller Directory — updated regularly from CSLB data

CSLB website: cslb.ca.gov — the official source

Phone: Call CSLB at 800-321-CSLB (2752)

When verifying, check that the license is:

Active (not expired or suspended)

Properly bonded ($25,000 minimum)

Free of unresolved complaints