Guide · 3 min read
What a CCB license covers — and what it doesn't
By Colby Nelsen, Root Labs LLC · published November 2, 2026 · sources read November 2, 2026
Listings here show a contractor's license types and, where the CCB lists them, the bond and insurance amounts on file on the date we checked. Here's what those numbers mean.
The minimums Oregon law sets for home contractors
| License type | Surety bond | Liability insurance (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| Residential general contractor | $25,000 | $500,000 |
| Residential specialty contractor | $20,000 | $300,000 |
| Residential limited contractor | $15,000 | $100,000 |
Some contractors carry more insurance than the minimum; each listing shows the amount the CCB had on file on the date we checked. The Oregon Legislature's page for this chapter notes that parts of it were amended in the 2026 session, so check the CCB for current figures before relying on them.
The bond is not insurance for you
“[The bond] is not intended to be a safety net for consumer damages.”
The bond is a fixed amount set by law, not a fund for every problem. That's why a clear written contract, references and more than one bid matter more than the bond.
Complaints
The CCB's license search shows complaints and disciplinary actions filed with the CCB in the past 10 years. This site doesn't copy complaint history — follow the link on any listing to read it at the source.
License types you'll see here
- Residential General, Residential Specialty and Residential Limited — the residential license types in the table above.
- Commercial General and Commercial Specialty (levels 1 and 2) — commercial license types.
- Lead-Based Paint Renovation — for work on pre-1978 homes that could contain lead-based paint.
- Home Inspector Services and Certified Home Inspector — home inspection businesses and individual inspectors.
- Residential Developer, Home Services and Residential Locksmith — less common types that also appear on some listings.
The CCB's own pages are the final word on what each license type allows.
Sources
- ORS 701.081 — bond and insurance amounts
- Oregon CCB — Consumer Protection Notice (PDF)
- Oregon CCB — Consumer tools
Not legal advice. Rules change — the state's own pages are the final word.