How to obtain a car washing & polishing registration certificate

Car washing and polishing registration requirements extended to January, 2010 ( Pdf) ( Doc)

DLSE creates car wash registration enforcement hotline – 1-877-227-5158

Registered Carwashes ( excel small logo Xls) ( Txt)

Who must obtain a car washing & polishing registration certificate?

Every person engaged in the business of car washing & polishing must register with the Labor Commissioner. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 13680 through 13693.

What does the term "employer" mean?

"Employer" means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, joint venture, or association engaged in the business of car washing & polishing that engages any other individual in providing those services. It does not include any charitable, youth, service, veteran, or sports group, club, or association that conducts car washing & polishing on an intermittent basis to raise funds for charitable, education, or religious purposes. It does not include any licensed vehicle dealer, car rental agency, or automotive repair business that conducts car washing and polishing ancillary to its primary business of selling, leasing, or servicing vehicles. Also, it does not include any self-service car wash or automated car wash that has employees for cashiering or maintenance purposes only. Labor Code Section 2051(b)(1) & (b)(2).

What are the car washing & polishing registration requirements for NEW applicants?

For a listing of car washing & polishing registration requirements for NEW applicants, click on one of the following: ( English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese)

If I am a NEW applicant, how do I obtain an application package?

You can either:

Download the package from the internet (Adobe Acrobat Reader required):
1. Car Washing & Polishing Registration Requirements for New Applicants
  ( English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese)
2. Application for Registration-Car Washing & Polishing
  ( English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese)
3. Proof of Tax Filing and Payment (IRS Form 8821) ( Pdf)
4. Bond ( Pdf)
Call the Car Washing & Polishing Hotline on Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (415) 703-5640 and request that a package be sent to you.
Request a package by mail by sending your written request to:
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
Licensing and Registration Unit
P.O. Box 420603
San Francisco, CA 94142
Pick up a package in person at:
Division of Labor Standards Enforcement
455 Golden Gate Ave., 9th Floor West
San Francisco, CA 94102

Once I have obtained and completed the application, how do I file for a car washing & polishing registration certificate?

The Division of Labor Standards Enforcement must receive a completed application along with a $250.00 annual registration fee for each branch location. In addition to the fee specified each employer shall be assessed an annual fee of $50.00 for each branch location. (Total registration fee of $300.00 for each branch location.) Be sure to complete an application form and include the registration fee and all required documents in order to avoid delays in processing.

What are the car washing & polishing registration requirements for RENEWAL applicants?

For a listing of car washing & polishing registration requirements for RENEWAL applicants, click on one of the following: (

English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese)

If I am a RENEWAL applicant, how do I obtain an application package?

Ninety (90) days before your current registration expires you will be sent in the mail an application package. Be sure to complete the application form and include your fee and all required documents in order to avoid delays in processing.

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