California CodesBusiness and Professions Code - BPCDivision 1 — Department of Consumer AffairsChapter 1 — The DepartmentSection 143
(a) No person engaged in any business or profession for which a license is required under this code governing the department or any board, bureau, commission, committee, or program within the department, may bring or maintain any action, or recover in law or equity in any action, in any court of this state for the collection of compensation for the performance of any act or contract for which a license is required without alleging and proving that he or she was duly licensed at all times during the performance of that act or contract, regardless of the merits of the cause of action brought by the person.
(b) The judicial doctrine of substantial compliance shall not apply to this section.
(c) This section shall not apply to an act or contract that is considered to qualify as lawful practice of a licensed occupation or profession pursuant to Section 121.
Notes
Bars a person from suing or recovering compensation in California courts for work requiring a department-regulated license unless the person alleges and proves being duly licensed throughout performance, regardless of the claim’s merits. Bars use of substantial-compliance doctrine, but exempts acts or contracts treated as lawful licensed practice under the referenced provision.
Use as reference
Lexinter.net | California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 143 | https://laws.lexinter.net/codes/california/business-and-professions-code/division-1/chapter-1/section-143