By Shauna Krause, President, Capitol Services, Inc.
As we begin this New Year, I start with a trip back in ‘time’ to rewind his ‘expiration’. Another contractor puts his ‘finger’ on a problem that shows that sometimes all you can do is standby despite planning ahead…
Q: My license expired on 11/30/19. I submitted my license renewal just a couple of days before the expiration date with the understanding that due to processing times, it would likely show expired for a period of time. However, I had called the CSLB and they told me as long as I submitted it prior to the expiration date, even though it would reflect “expired” for a short period, it would be renewed retroactively, and there would be no actual break in the license. I just received a rejection letter stating the renewal was rejected because I failed to “re-certify” that I do not have any employees. Does this mean I am starting from scratch and my license is in fact expired for most of the month of December?
A: Not necessarily. At the time of renewal, a Contractor is either required to mark the box on the application stating they re-certify they continue to not have employees or submit proof of Worker’s Comp in the form of a certificate. If you failed to re-certify your exempt status, the law allows for a retroactive renewal of the license if you submit the correction/documentation within 30 days after the notification by the CSLB of the renewal rejection.
Q: The President of our company flew out to California to have his fingerprints done via Live Scan, specifically for the purpose of not having the issuance of the Contractor’s License delayed. The Live Scan administrator had told him the typical response to have them “clear” is 24-48 hours. Three weeks later, I’ve checked with our technician at the CSLB several times, and they still haven’t cleared. I understand from speaking with the CSLB that it’s out of their hands at this point, and in the hands of the FBI and DOJ. Is there anything you can do, or any advice as to how we follow up with those agencies to find out what is going on? This is the very last item needed to have our license issued.
A: While it is typical for the DOJ and FBI response to come back to the CSLB within 24-48 hours, the results are sometimes delayed. Most delays are cleared up within 30 days, however we’ve definitely seen it take longer. I, unfortunately, am not aware of any way to get status from those separate agencies, and you are correct that the CSLB has no control over delays and can do nothing else but what the applicant is doing, and that is to wait. It is my understanding the CSLB checks in and follows up with these agencies to make sure no further information is needed. I certainly wish there was something I could do!
Happy New Year to all the Readers and their families!
While knowledge is power, knowing where to go for the answers is half the battle. Get expert assistance immediately when you call 866-443-0657, email info@cutredtape.com, or write us at Capitol Services, Inc., 3609 Bradshaw Rd, Ste H, #343, Sacramento, CA 95827. Research past columns at www.cutredtape.com.