How to Register as a Vendor in California

Where: Cal eProcure (DGS / FI$Cal) bidder registration
Cost: Free
How long: unknown (temporary login is emailed after you submit; no processing time published)
Last checked: 2026-09-27

What it's for

Cal eProcure is California's portal for state bid opportunities, run by the Department of General Services (DGS) and FI$Cal. DGS's first step to doing business with the state is: "Go to www.caleprocure.ca.gov and register your business." Registration is free and lets you respond to events and get email alerts matched to your product/service codes. The same portal handles Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) certification.

Have this ready

Tax ID: FEIN, or SSN for a sole proprietor
Company name and website (if any)
Primary business address (you can add more later)
Primary contact name, email, and phone (you can add more users)
UNSPSC codes and keywords for what you sell. DGS publishes "A Guide to Keywords and UNSPSCs" to help you pick them.
If applying for SB/DVBE certification: the documents that program requires (separate application)

Steps

Per DGS's Cal eProcure bidder registration instructions:

Go to caleprocure.ca.gov and start a new bidder registration.
Company profile: choose FEIN or SSN, enter your company name and website.
Primary address: enter your business address; add others if needed.
User accounts: add your primary contact and any other users.
Bidder notifications: opt in to bid alerts, pick who receives them, and select your UNSPSC codes and service areas using keyword search.
Terms and conditions: agree and submit.
Check your email for a temporary login, activate the account, and set a new password (at least 8 characters with upper and lower case, a number, and a special character).
Optional but recommended: apply for SB or DVBE certification if you qualify.

After you register

Alerts go out based on your UNSPSC codes and service areas. Add codes if you miss relevant bids.
Keep contacts and addresses current in your profile.
Research buyers using DGS's Statewide Procurement Data Dashboards and past purchases in SCPRS.
Help: FI$Cal Service Center, 1-855-421-6355 or vendors@fiscal.ca.gov; DGS procurement questions, 1-800-559-5529 or custserv@dgs.ca.gov; SB/DVBE, (916) 375-4940.
Account renewal rules were not stated in the official guides checked. SB/DVBE certifications have their own renewal rules.

Watch out for

Construction and DOT are separate: Caltrans posts construction and other contracts on its own Bid Opportunities page (dot.ca.gov/programs/procurement-and-contracts/bid-opportunities), and DGS and the Department of Water Resources list construction work separately too.
Pick codes carefully. Notifications only match the UNSPSCs you choose.
SB/DVBE certification is separate. Registering does not certify you.
Paid third-party "registration services" are unnecessary. DGS says Cal eProcure registration is free.

Certifications and bid preferences in California

California Small Business (SB, SB-PW, Microbusiness) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE)

Standard bid forms for California

These are the forms bidders are most often asked to sign or attach on California state bids. Each bid lists exactly which ones it needs, and many agencies attach their own copies, so always use the version in the bid documents when there is one.

Cal eProcure Business Registration

Free account on the state's bid portal that lets you see state bids and get notices; it is also where you apply for SB or DVBE certification.

When: Bidding on California state agency contracts.

Small Business (SB), SB-PW and DVBE Certification

State certification, applied for through Cal eProcure, that gives small and disabled-veteran-owned firms bid preference and lets agencies count your work toward their goals; you must perform a commercially useful function.

When: State bids with a small business preference or a 3% DVBE participation goal.

Payee Data Record (STD 204)

California's W-9 substitute giving the state your tax ID so it can pay you and issue a 1099.

When: All new state vendors before payment.

State of California Drug-Free Workplace Certification (STD 21)

Certifies you keep a drug-free workplace under Government Code 8355 and give employees on the contract your policy.

When: State contracts and grants of any size.

Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) Preference Request (STD 830)

Optional request for a 5% worksite and/or 1-4% workforce bid preference when work is done in designated distressed areas; signed under penalty of perjury.

When: State goods and services solicitations over $100,000 where you want the preference.

California Contractor License (CSLB)

State contractor license in the right classification; bids by unlicensed contractors on public work are generally void, so confirm your license is active before you bid.

When: Construction bids on state and local public works.

DIR Public Works Contractor Registration (PWC-100 (now online))

Annual online registration ($400/yr) with the Department of Industrial Relations; you must be registered to bid or work on public works or face a $2,000 penalty.

When: All public works projects, including subcontractors.

Certified Payroll Records (online CPR)

Weekly certified payroll records filed online with DIR showing prevailing wages paid to every worker.

When: Most public works projects, by prime contractors and subs.

Prevailing Wage and Apprenticeship Requirements

DIR overview of prevailing wage rules and the apprenticeship requirement that your bid price must account for.

When: Public works; apprenticeship rules apply to projects of $30,000 or more.

Common questions

Is it free to register as a vendor in California?

Free

Where do I register to bid in California?

Cal eProcure (DGS / FI$Cal) bidder registration: https://caleprocure.ca.gov

How long does California vendor registration take?

unknown (temporary login is emailed after you submit; no processing time published)

What forms do I need to bid on California state contracts?

Each bid lists its own forms. Ones bidders are commonly asked for include: Cal eProcure Business Registration; Small Business (SB), SB-PW and DVBE Certification; Payee Data Record; State of California Drug-Free Workplace Certification; Target Area Contract Preference Act (TACPA) Preference Request. The full list with links to the official blank forms is on this page.

Sources

FindMyBids isn't affiliated with any government agency. Registration is free or low cost on official sites; you don't need to pay a third party. Always follow the official portal's instructions.

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