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DIR public works contractor registration
Before reviewing payroll reporting for a public works job, check the contractor registration record. Registration and certified payroll filing are separate tasks, and each belongs in the project file.
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General information, not legal or tax advice.
The $25,000 and $15,000 thresholds
Contractors and subcontractors bidding or working on California public works jobs over $25,000 for construction or $15,000 for maintenance must hold active DIR Public Works Contractor Registration.
Sources: DIR public works contractor registration; DIR SB 854 public works fact sheet
The fee and registration year
The registration fee is $400/yr. The registration year runs July 1-June 30, with renewal opening around May 1. Keep the registration confirmation and expiration date with your project records.
Sources: DIR public works contractor registration; DIR SB 854 public works fact sheet
Verify current registration information
Check DIR’s current registration page when applying or renewing. Preserve the confirmation and the registration period with the job file, and assign someone to review expiration dates before bidding or mobilizing.
Use the modernized DIR system
DIR replaced its old PWCR, eCPR and PWC-100 systems in June 2024, and users had to create new accounts. Check access to the modernized Public Works Website Services before starting the registration task.
Keep registration separate from payroll filing
An active registration does not replace certified payroll reporting. Keep your registration confirmation, project details and payroll submission history organized as separate parts of the same job file.
Sources: DIR certified payroll reporting
Sources
Continue with verifying a subcontractor’s DIR registration
Get certified payroll support after registration
Once you have reviewed registration, we help prepare and file the certified payroll reports for your project. Bring the project information, wage rates and classifications to our team.