What is the definition of “car washing and polishing.”

“Car washing and polishing” means washing, cleaning, drying, polishing, detailing, servicing, or otherwise providing cosmetic care to vehicles.  “Car washing and polishing” does not include motor vehicle repair, as defined in Section 9880.1 of the Business and Professions Code. Labor Code section 2051(a)

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 and polishing that engages any other individual in providing those services. Labor Code Section 2051(b)(1).

What organizations are excluded from the definition of “employer” and the requirements for licensing?

"Employer" does not include any charitable, youth, service, veteran, or sports group, club, or association that conducts car washing and polishing on an intermittent basis to raise funds for charitable, education, or religious purposes. "Employer" does not include any licensed vehicle dealer or car rental agency that conducts car washing and polishing ancillary to its primary business of selling, leasing, or servicing vehicles. "Employer" does not include either a new motor vehicle dealer, as defined in Section 426 of the Vehicle Code, that is primarily engaged in the business of selling, leasing, renting, or servicing vehicles or an automotive repair dealer, as defined by subdivision (a) of Section 9880.1 of the Business and Professions Code, who is primarily engaged in the business of repairing and diagnosing malfunctions of motor vehicles. "Employer" 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)(2).

What is the definition of “employee?”

"Employee" means any person, including an alien or minor, who renders actual car washing and polishing services in any business for an employer, whether for tips or for wages, and whether wages are calculated by time, piece, task, commission, or other method of calculation, and whether the services are rendered on a commission, concessionaire, or other basis.Labor Code Section 2051(c)

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:

1. Download the package from the internet (Adobe Acrobat Reader required):

a. Car Washing & Polishing Registration Requirements for New Applicants ( English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese) b. Application for Registration-Car Washing & Polishing ( English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese) c. Proof of Tax Filing and Payment (IRS Form 8821) ( Pdf) d. Bond ( Pdf)

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

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

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