13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") form (California): the workers' comp owner exemption
Exemption from Workers’ Compensation (CSLB license record). Who can file it, where to get it, how to file, the fee, when it takes effect, and how often it renews — from California Contractors State License Board.
13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") filing snapshot
Form13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") — Exemption from Workers’ Compensation (CSLB license record)
Issuing bodyCalifornia Contractors State License Board
Filing methodUse the CSLB online exemption service, or file the printable Form 13L-50 (identified as "Order Form #32" on the CSLB requirements page) with the license/application record.
FeeNo separate filing fee verified
Common mistakeThis is the contractor-license no-employee exemption — the licensee certifies under penalty of perjury that it employs no one subject to California workers' comp law. It is separate from the Labor Code §3352 carrier waiver for qualifying corporate/LLC owners, and some contractor classifications (C-8, C-20, C-22, C-39, C-61/D-49) cannot use the ordinary no-employee CSLB exemption.
When it takes effectWhen CSLB accepts and records the exemption for the license/application.
RenewalNo fixed annual renewal interval; the exemption ceases to fit when the licensee hires employees or no longer meets CSLB eligibility.
Watch out forCSLB Form 32 is separate from Labor Code §3352 carrier waivers, and some contractor classifications cannot use the ordinary no-employee exemption.
Get the 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") from California Contractors State License Board
Which California owners can use the 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32")
Sole proprietorA sole proprietor is not required to buy workers' compensation solely for themself when there are no employees, although owner coverage may be added by policy endorsement. Eligible CSLB contractors with no employees may file the CSLB workers' compensation exemption, except for classifications and situations that the Board lists as ineligible.
LLC memberA working LLC member receiving wages is included in the employee definition. A managing member may execute a written waiver under Labor Code §3352(a)(17); the waiver is effective when received and accepted by the LLC's carrier and remains in effect until withdrawn in writing.
PartnerA working partner receiving wages is included in the employee definition. A general partner may execute a written waiver under Labor Code §3352(a)(17); the waiver is effective when received and accepted by the partnership's carrier and remains in effect until withdrawn in writing.
Corporate officerCorporate officers and directors rendering service for pay are employees. A qualifying officer or director may execute a written waiver under Labor Code §3352(a)(16), including the ownership conditions stated there. A sole shareholder officer/director is excluded by statute unless coverage is elected.
Employee threshold: California employers must provide workers' compensation coverage when they have one or more employees. A sole proprietor with no employees generally does not need a policy solely to cover the owner, subject to special contractor-license rules. In construction: Construction employers with one or more employees must carry coverage. For CSLB licensees, a no-employee exemption can be filed only when the licensee remains eligible. Active C-8 Concrete, C-20 HVAC, C-22 Asbestos Abatement, C-39 Roofing, and C-61/D-49 Tree Service contractors must carry workers' compensation or valid self-insurance even with no employees; a license qualified by an RME also cannot use the CSLB no-employee exemption.
Read the full context in the California workers' comp exemption guide, or run the eligibility screener to check your entity type first.
13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") form (California): frequently asked questions
- Where do I get the 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") form in California?
- The 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") (Exemption from Workers’ Compensation (CSLB license record)) is issued by California Contractors State License Board. Use the CSLB online exemption service, or file the printable Form 13L-50 (identified as "Order Form #32" on the CSLB requirements page) with the license/application record. Use the official link on this page rather than a third-party copy, which may be out of date.
- Is there a fee to file the 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") in California?
- No separate filing fee has been verified for this form.
- How often does the 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") exemption renew in California?
- No fixed annual renewal interval; the exemption ceases to fit when the licensee hires employees or no longer meets CSLB eligibility. Watch out: CSLB Form 32 is separate from Labor Code §3352 carrier waivers, and some contractor classifications cannot use the ordinary no-employee exemption.
Where this comes from
The 13L-50 (CSLB "Order Form #32") entry is anchored to California Contractors State License Board — the state agency that issues and processes the form — not a generalized summary. Source-checked 2026-09-10.