DIR registration & renewal

The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requires every contractor and subcontractor that performs work on a California public works project to be registered with DIR. No registration, no bid. No registration, no contract. No registration, no payment.

Who needs to register

• Anyone bidding or working on a project that is prevailing wage under California Labor Code §1720.
• Includes general contractors, subcontractors, and sub-tier subcontractors at every level.
• Includes specialty trades (electrical, mechanical, low voltage, etc.) regardless of dollar threshold once the project is a public work.

Annual renewal window

• Registration is valid from July 1 through June 30 of the following year.
• The renewal portal at efiling.dir.ca.gov/PWCR opens June 1.
• Renew before June 30 to avoid a lapse. A lapsed registration during an active project can trigger withholding under §1771.1.

What STrOp checks

• The org's DIR registration number is recorded in Settings → Organization → Compliance.
• Every project flagged as public works checks the registration's expiration date at bid lock and again at award.
• A registration expiring within 60 days surfaces a warning on the project header.

Common failure modes

• Lapsed mid-project. Awarding agency withholds progress payments under §1771.1(b). You must renew and request release.
• Sub-tier sub isn't registered. Liability flows up — the GC and the awarding body can withhold from you. STrOp's sub-tier directory tags any unregistered sub red.
• Wrong legal entity registered. If you bid as ABC Electric LLC but the registration is under ABC Electric Inc., it doesn't count.

Need help

If your registration is lapsed and you have payroll cutting this week, mark the ticket Urgent — blocking when you file it. We'll work the workaround with you in real time.