Question 1

What is DIR certified payroll in California?

Accepted Answer

California's Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) requires all contractors and subcontractors on public works projects to submit certified payroll records electronically through the DIR's eCPR online system. This is separate from the federal WH-347 requirement. Contractors must upload payroll data in a specific XML format (eCPR XML) that is validated against the DIR's XSD schema. Submission must be completed within 10 days after the end of each payroll period.

Question 2

How do I submit eCPR XML to the DIR portal?

Accepted Answer

To submit eCPR XML to the California DIR portal, you need to: (1) obtain a Public Works Case Registration (PWCR) number for your project from the DIR, (2) generate a certified payroll XML file that conforms to the DIR's eCPR XSD schema, (3) log in to the DIR eCPR online system at ecpss.dir.ca.gov, and (4) upload the XML file. WH347.io generates XSD-validated eCPR XML directly from your timecard data, ready to upload without any manual editing.

Question 3

What is a PWCR number and where do I get one?

Accepted Answer

A Public Works Case Registration (PWCR) number is a unique identifier issued by the California DIR for each public works project. Contractors must register every public works project with the DIR before work begins. You register online at the DIR's Public Works project registration portal and receive a PWCR number, which must appear in every eCPR XML submission for that project. Without a valid PWCR number, your submission will be rejected.

Question 4

How does California double-time work for certified payroll?

Accepted Answer

California requires double-time pay (2x the regular rate) for hours worked over 12 in a single day and for all hours on the seventh consecutive day of work in a workweek. This is stricter than federal overtime rules, which only require 1.5x for hours over 40 per week. For certified payroll purposes, California's eCPR XML requires double-time hours to be reported in a separate field from regular and overtime hours. WH347.io automatically calculates and separates California double-time hours based on daily and weekly schedules.

Question 5

Do California public works contractors need a CSLB license number on certified payroll?

Accepted Answer

Yes. California's eCPR XML schema requires contractors to include their Contractors State License Board (CSLB) license number in the submission. This applies to the prime contractor and typically to each licensed subcontractor as well. The CSLB license number is a mandatory field — submissions missing it will fail XSD validation and be rejected by the DIR portal.

California Certified Payroll: DIR eCPR Requirements and How to File

California vs. Federal Certified Payroll

Six California-Specific Requirements

How to Submit eCPR XML to the DIR Portal