Common mistake #1 when completing this step

Forgetting a signature on a form.

Common mistake #2 when completing this step

Wrong fee amount, or a check made out to the wrong name.

Common mistake #3 when completing this step

Using an e-signature on the HCS 402.

Common mistake #4 when completing this step

Not keeping a copy of the packet.

Check off each item on the list above before you seal the envelope.

Use a mail service with tracking, so you know it arrived.

Submission & After You Apply ~60 min

How to Mail Your California Home Care License Application to CDSS

Mail every Section A form and Section B paper together, with the $5,603 fee. CDSS will not start review until it has all of it (HCS 281).

The fee

$5,603, non-refundable (HSC §1796.49). Pay by check or money order to "California Department of Social Services" (Steps PDF, step 3).

Section A — forms

A1 HCS 200 — Application (signed)
A2 HCS 215 — one for each applicant
A3 HCS 308 — Designation of Responsibility (signed by each designee and the licensee)
A4 HCS 309 — Organization Structure (not for sole owners), with its attachments
A5 HCS 402 — Dishonesty Bond, plus a copy of the bond certificate, the Acknowledgment, and the Power of Attorney
A6 LIC 508 — one for each applicant
A7 HCS 9165 — one for each board member (if you have a board)

Section B — supporting papers

B1 Partnership Agreement, Articles of Incorporation, or Articles of Organization (plus Operating Agreement or bylaws). Corporations add the Board Resolution.
B2 Job descriptions for each role
B3 Personnel policies
B4 Training plan, plus a sample training log
B5 Program description
B6 Insurance certificates: general liability, professional liability, and workers' comp

Not in the packet: Live Scan receipts. CDSS sends Live Scan steps after you apply.

Signatures

Most forms accept original signatures, photocopies of them, or verified e-signatures (HCS 281).
The HCS 402 bond form needs original signatures or photocopies of them. No e-signatures (HCS 281 A5).

Mail to

California Department of Social Services

Home Care Services Branch

744 P Street, M.S. 9-14-90

Sacramento, CA 95814

Keep a copy

HCS 281 says you must keep a copy of your packet in your records. CDSS may look at it during a surprise visit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1Forgetting a signature on a form.
2Wrong fee amount, or a check made out to the wrong name.
3Using an e-signature on the HCS 402.
4Not keeping a copy of the packet.

Tips

Check off each item on the list above before you seal the envelope.
Use a mail service with tracking, so you know it arrived.

What You Need to Do

1
Print and sign all required forms
2
Prepare check or money order for $5,603 payable to California Department of Social Services
3
Compile complete application packet
4
Mail via certified mail and enter submission details above
5
Keep a full copy of your packet in your records
HCS 281 says you must keep one.

Information You Will Need

Have these details ready before you sit down to fill this out:

Date Mailed

Required

Tracking Number (optional)

Official Resources

Want us to handle this for you?

Our licensing team knows this form inside and out. We fill out every form, check every box, and submit the whole packet to CDSS on your behalf. You just answer a few simple questions.

Get Full Licensing Help Do It Yourself (Free)

Pre-Submission Checklist

Next Step

How to Track Your California Home Care License App

Researched and reviewed by

John Helmy, Founder of HomeCareAtlas

Building tools and resources to help home care agency owners navigate licensing, compliance, and growth.