California DIR Registration Requirements: Complete Contractor Guide 2025

DIR Registration Overview

DIR Registration at a Glance

Annual Fee:

$400

Non-refundable

Processing Time:

1-2 Days

If complete

Renewal Period:

Annually

By fiscal year

Since July 1, 2014, Senate Bill 854 requires all contractors and subcontractors to register with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) before bidding, being awarded, or performing work on any public works project in California, regardless of tier or dollar amount.

Critical Requirement

No DIR Registration = No Public Works

• Cannot bid on public works projects
• Cannot be listed as subcontractor
• Cannot perform any public works
• Subject to penalties up to $8,000/day
• Work may not be compensated

Registration Requirements

Who Must Register?

Required to Register:

✓ Prime contractors
✓ All subcontractors (any tier)
✓ Specialty contractors
✓ Trucking companies (on-site)
✓ Equipment operators with operators

Exempt from Registration:

• Material suppliers (delivery only)
• Equipment rental (without operators)
• Architects/engineers (design only)
• Testing/inspection services
• Off-site fabrication

Prerequisites for Registration

Valid Contractor's License

Active CSLB license in good standing

Workers' Compensation Insurance

Current policy or self-insurance certificate

No Outstanding Wage Violations

All penalties and assessments must be resolved

Not on Debarment List

Check DIR and federal debarment lists

Registration Process

Step-by-Step Registration Guide

Create Online Account

Go to dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/PublicWorks.html

Complete PWC-100 Form

Public Works Contractor Registration Form

Upload Required Documents

• Workers' comp certificate
• Certificate of self-insurance (if applicable)
• Power of attorney (if using agent)

Pay Registration Fee

$400 annual fee (credit card or e-check)

Receive Confirmation

Registration number issued immediately upon approval

Registration Timeline

Immediate: If all requirements met
1-2 days: Minor issues to resolve
5-10 days: Workers' comp verification
30+ days: Outstanding violations

Annual Renewal

Renewal notices sent 30 days before expiration
Must maintain continuous registration
Update workers' comp annually
Same $400 fee for renewal

Ongoing Compliance

Compliance Requirements

Maintain Current:

✓ Contractor's license
✓ Workers' compensation
✓ Contact information
✓ Responsible managing employee
✓ Annual renewal

Submit Timely:

✓ Certified payroll (weekly)
✓ Fringe benefit statements
✓ Apprentice information
✓ Award information (PWC-100)
✓ Project completion notice

Pro Tip: Set calendar reminders for renewal 60 days before expiration

Subcontractor Verification

Prime contractors must verify all subcontractors are registered before:

• Listing them in bid
• Allowing work to begin
• Processing payments

Verify at: www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/PWPublicWorks.html

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Violation Penalties

Working Without Registration

• $2,000 - $8,000 per day
• Work not compensable
• Subject to stop work order
• Potential debarment

Using Unregistered Subs

• $100 per day per worker
• Joint liability for wages
• Contract penalties may apply

False Registration

• Criminal prosecution possible
• Immediate revocation
• Permanent debarment risk

Avoiding Common Violations

Never bid without active registration
Verify all subs before listing in bid
Maintain workers' comp continuously
Update information within 30 days of changes
Submit certified payroll on time