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How to obtain a garment registration certificate

Who must obtain a garment registration certificate?

Every person engaged in the business of garment manufacturing must register with the Labor Commissioner. California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 13630.

What does the term "person" mean?

"Person" means any individual, partnership, corporation, limited liability company, or association, and includes, but is not limited to, employers, manufacturers, jobbers, wholesalers, contractors, subcontractors, and any other person or entity engaged in the business of garment manufacturing. Labor Code Section 2671(a).

What is garment manufacturing?

"Garment manufacturing" means sewing, cutting, making, processing, repairing, finishing, assembling, or otherwise preparing any garment or any article of wearing apparel or accessories designed or intended to be worn by any individual, including, but not limited to, clothing, hats, gloves, handbags, hosiery, ties, scarfs, and belts, for sale or resale by any person or any persons contracting to have those operations performed and other operations and practices in the apparel industry as may be identified in regulations of the Department of Industrial Relations consistent with the purposes of this part. Labor Code Section 2671(b).

What is a contractor?

 "Contractor" means any person who, with the assistance of employees or others, is primarily engaged in sewing, cutting, making, processing, repairing, finishing, assembling, or otherwise preparing any garment or any article of wearing apparel or accessories designed or intended to be worn by any individual, including, but not limited to, clothing, hats, gloves, handbags, hosiery, ties, scarfs, and belts, for another person. "Contractor" includes a subcontractor that is primarily engaged in those operations. Labor Code Section 2671(d).

What are the garment registration requirements for NEW applicants?

 For a listing of garment registration requirements for NEW applicants, click on one of the following: (acrobat small logoEnglish, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog.)

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

 You can either:
  1. Download the package from the internet (Adobe Acrobat Reader required):
    1. Garment Registration Requirements for New Applicants (acrobat small logoEnglish, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog)
    2. Application for Registration-Garment Manufacturing Industry (acrobat small logoEnglish, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog)
    3. Proof of Tax Filing and Payment (IRS Form 8821) (acrobat small logoPdf)

  2. Call the Garment Hotline on a Monday, Wednesday, or Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at (415) 703-4848 and request that a package be sent to you.

  3. 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
  4. 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 garment registration certificate?

 When the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement has received your completed application along with your $25.00 examination fee, you will be sent an authorization for examination letter. This letter will tell you where and when you can take the exam, and provide you with instructions of what you need to bring to the exam. Be sure to complete the application form and include your $25.00 fee and all required documents in order to avoid delays in processing.

What are the garment registration requirements for RENEWAL applicants?

 For a listing of garment registration requirements for RENEWAL applicants, click on one of the following: (acrobat small logoEnglish, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog.)

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

 At least ninety (90) days before your current registration expires you will be sent in the mail an application package. See Labor Code section 2675(h). Be sure to complete the application form and include your fee and all required documents in order to avoid delays in processing.