State licensing directory
California fire protection licensing
Who licenses fire sprinkler, fire alarm, extinguisher and kitchen hood work in California, from official state sources.
Who licenses what
| Type of work | Licensing agency | License types | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fire sprinkler work | Installation: California Contractors State License Board (CSLB). Inspection, testing and maintenance: CAL FIRE Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM), Automatic Extinguishing Systems program | C-16 Fire Protection Contractor (CSLB): lays out, fabricates and installs all types of fire protection systems, excluding electrical alarm systems. Servicing automatic extinguishing systems requires an OSFM "A" license or a C-16 (19 CCR 905): Type 1 water-based systems; Type L limited, for entities testing their own wet pipe sprinklers, standpipes and fire mains. A Weekly Fire Pump Test Certificate is also issued. | Verified |
| Fire alarm work | CSLB | C-10 Electrical Contractor (the C-16 classification expressly excludes electrical alarm systems). OSFM fire alarm program details being verified. | Verified |
| Portable extinguisher service | OSFM, Fire Extinguisher program (19 CCR Chapter 3) | Fire extinguisher Concern license (business servicing for a fee), Limited "L" license (servicing own extinguishers), and individual Certificate of Registration. | Verified |
| Kitchen hood suppression and exhaust work | OSFM | Servicing pre-engineered and engineered fixed systems: OSFM Type 2 "A" license (19 CCR 905). Hood and duct cleaning: details being verified. | Verified |
Fees, renewal and key rules
- OSFM AES license fees (19 CCR 905.3, amended July 1, 2025), original and renewal: Type 1 or Type 2, $635 primary location and $125 each additional location; Type L $170 ($425 with state inspection); Weekly Fire Pump Test Certificate $100. Late fee: 50% of the application fee.
- OSFM AES licenses run through December 31 of the year issued and renew annually (January 1 to December 31).
- OSFM extinguisher fees (19 CCR 560): Concern license, original or annual renewal, $1,050; Limited license $600; Certificate of Registration $185, renewed annually including a recertification exam.
- CSLB fees: application $450; initial license $200 (sole owner) or $350 (non-sole owner); active timely renewal $450 sole owner or $700 non-sole owner (C-10 contractors pay $470 / $720).
- Apply for or renew OSFM licenses online through GOVmotus Fire.
Town and fire marshal reporting
Local fire departments set report submission rules; ask the local fire authority.
Official sources
- CAL FIRE OSFM: Automatic Fire Extinguishing Systems
- CAL FIRE OSFM: GOVmotus Fire (apply or renew)
- 19 CCR 905, Licenses/Certificates (Cornell LII)
- 19 CCR 905.3, Fees (Cornell LII)
- 19 CCR 560, Fee Schedule, portable extinguishers (Cornell LII)
- CSLB: C-16 Fire Protection Contractor
- CSLB: List of all fees
Last reviewed October 2026. General information only, not legal advice. Fees and rules change; confirm with the agency before applying.