If a contractor forgets to renew their license on time, how long can they renew it without reapplying for a license?

When a contractor forgets to renew their license on time, they have a grace period within which they can still renew their license without needing to undergo the full reapplication process. In California, this grace period typically lasts for a maximum of five years. During this time, the contractor can renew their expired license by paying the appropriate fees and fulfilling any necessary requirements, such as continuing education or other renewal criteria mandated by regulatory authorities.

This provision is designed to provide a degree of flexibility for contractors, ensuring they do not have to start the licensing process from scratch after a lapse, as long as they renew within the specified timeframe. However, if they exceed this five-year period, they would have to reapply for a new contractor's license, which involves more stringent requirements, including potentially retaking exams or providing more extensive documentation of their qualifications and experience.