DIR Registration Lookup: How to Check and Register as a California Public Works Contractor

By Dr. Shirley Ayangbah, Founder and Lead Strategist, Global Economic Research Consulting (GERC)

In California, contractors and subcontractors must register with the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) before they bid on or perform most public works projects. Awarding agencies and prime contractors check DIR registration before they award work, so an expired or missing registration can cost you a contract.

Who must register?

Under Labor Code section 1725.5, any contractor or subcontractor that bids on or works on a public works project must be registered, unless the project is small enough to be exempt: generally $25,000 or less for new construction, or $15,000 or less for alteration, demolition, repair or maintenance work. Check the current rules with DIR before you rely on an exemption.

How to do a DIR registration lookup

1. Go to the DIR website and open the Public Works Contractor Registration Search.
2. Search by contractor name, DIR registration number or contractor licence number.
3. Check the registration status and expiry date. Registration must be active at the time of the bid and throughout the work.

Awarding agencies should keep a copy of the lookup result in the project file.

How to register with DIR

1. Create an account in DIR’s online public works contractor registration system.
2. Enter your business information, contractor licence number if you have one, and workers’ compensation coverage.
3. Confirm you meet the requirements, including having no delinquent unpaid wage or penalty assessments.
4. Pay the non-refundable annual registration fee (currently $400 per year; you can register for up to three years at a time).
5. Save your DIR registration number and renew before it expires.

After you register

• Submit certified payroll records to DIR for each public works project when required
• Pay prevailing wages and follow apprenticeship requirements
• Renew on time. An expired registration can make a bid non-responsive

DIR registration and small business certification

Public works contractors often pair DIR registration with SB-PW certification, which lets larger construction firms qualify as small businesses for public works. See our DIR registration service.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between DIR contractor registration and project registration?

Contractor registration is done by each contractor once a year. Project registration (the PWC-100 notice) is filed by the awarding agency for each public works project.

Can I bid if my DIR registration is pending?

Generally, you must be registered at the time of the bid. Register well before bid deadlines.

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About the author

Dr. Shirley Ayangbah is the founder of Global Economic Research Consulting, a woman-owned, California-certified Small Business (Micro) and SB-PW firm in San Bernardino (Certification ID 2045992; CAGE 11SD2). She holds a PhD in International Economic and Financial Law and an MA in Economics. Call (909) 454-7076 or book a consultation.