One Million Licenses: CSLB Nears Milestone Mark

Will you be CSLB's one millionth license holder? Sorry, no grand prize, but great bragging rights. Within the next year, CSLB will have issued one million licenses since its creation in 1929. That means someone who is obtaining, renewing or changing a license status with CSLB during this time will be license recipient No. 1000000.

Herbert Hoover was president and the Great Depression was just starting when the state began requiring a state-issued contractor license. CSLB was known then as the Contractors License Bureau under the Department of Professional and Vocational Standards. Today, it is part of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

"We're proud of the professionals who have earned these licenses," said CSLB Registrar Steve Sands.

"At the same time, a CSLB license carries with it a responsibility and trust that can't be taken lightly."

CSLB has issued nearly 992,000 licenses. At its present rate, the one millionth license likely will be issued around Jan. 1, 2015. Unlike a game show, the one millionth license recipient won't know of their special status immediately. But they'll see the "1000000" number when they get their pocket and wall license in the mail.

Whoever is the "lucky" one millionth license holder will get a mention and picture in a future newsletter.