Pressure Vessels

LPG propane storage tanks

Pressure Vessel Unit

The pressure vessel unit is responsible under Labor Code sections 7620-7771 for the inspection of boilers (any fired or unfired pressure vessel used to generate steam pressure by the application of heat), and tanks (any fired or unfired pressure vessel used for the storage of air pressure or liquefied petroleum gases).

Permits are required for air tanks, LPG propane storage tanks over 125 gallons, and high pressure boilers over 15 psig steam. Permit exceptions depend on vessel capacity and operating pressures. Permit inspections may be performed by a Pressure Vessel Unit inspector or an inspector employed by an qualified insurance company. Schedule an inspection with the nearest pressure vessel office or contact your insurer to see if they provide this inspection service. The complete regulations are contained in Title 8 regulations, sections 450-560 and sections 750-797.

Proposed Update to Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders

The Division of Occupational Safety and Health is in the process of updating the Title 8 regulations pertaining to unfired pressure vessels, and is posting the proposed updates here for public review and comment.

Here is a draft text of our proposed update to the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders. If you have any comments, please email them to: PVRulesComments@dir.ca.gov by April 9, 2024.

Please send all payments to:

Department of Industrial Relations
DOSH - Pressure Vessel Permits
P.O. Box 511266
Los Angeles, CA 90051-7821

Contact the Pressure Vessel Invoice Inquiry Team at  PVPayInquiry@dir.ca.gov for any questions.

Pressure Vessel Unit Office Locations

Northern Office*

Oakland Pressure Vessel District Office
1515 Clay Street Suite 407A
Oakland, CA 94612

Phone: (510) 622-3066
FAX: (510) 622-3063
Email: capvinsp@dir.ca.gov

Manager: Leonard Tong, Senior Safety Engineer

* Counties north of San Luis Obispo, Kern and San Bernardino counties.

Southern Office**

Santa Ana Pressure Vessel District Office
2 MacArthur Place, Suite 700
Santa Ana, CA 92707

Phone: (714) 567-7208
FAX: (714) 567-7297
Email: capvinsp@dir.ca.gov

Manager: Nestor Garcia, Senior Safety Engineer

** Counties of San Luis Obispo, Kern, San Bernardino and south.

Pressure Vessel Headquarters Office

Manager: Micah Davidian, Principal Safety Engineer
1515 Clay Street, Suite 407A
Oakland, CA 94612
(510) 622-3052
FAX (510) 622-3063

Apply for a "Permit to Operate"

To apply for a "Permit to Operate" for an air tank, liquefied petroleum tank or a boiler:

  1. Open the Pressure Vessel Inspection Request Form ;
  2. Fill out the form and mail (or fax) a printed copy to the appropriate office listed above;
      Or
    Email a scanned copy to capvinsp@dir.ca.gov.

Copies of Valid Permits to Operate

Copies of valid "Permits to Operate" for air tanks, liquefied petroleum tanks or boilers are available from the Pressure Vessel Unit Headquarters Office for a replacement fee of $45.00. To request permit copies:

  1. Open the Request Form for Copies of Valid Permits to Operate
  2. Fill out the form and email a scanned copy to CAPVPermits@dir.ca.gov , or mail (or fax) a printed copy to the Pressure Vessel Unit Headquarters Office.

Pressure Vessel Invoice Payment Options

Frequently asked questions

Payment By Credit Card:

Logos for Visa, Master Card, American Express, and Discover  (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover)

It's easy and convenient to pay your pressure vessel invoice by credit card. Current year as well as prior year invoices can by paid by this method.

  1. Please have your pressure vessel invoice on-hand when you are ready to make your payment. Note that the invoice number, invoice date, as well as the invoice amount, will be required in order to ensure that your payment is accurately posted to your account.

  2. Pay online at:   OfficialPayments.com

The following "no service fee" Payment options are also available:

Payment By Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)

Electronic Funds Transfer - please click on the following link:   https://www.govone.com/PAYCAL/DIRDOSH

Payment By Check

Please mail your payment stub with your cashier's check, money order, or company check made out to: DIR/PV

If sending via US Mail:

DIR - DOSH Pressure Vessel Permits
P.O. Box 511266
Los Angeles, CA 90051-7821

Sending Overnight Delivery:

US Bank Wholesale Lockbox
c/o 511266
16420 Valley View Ave.
La Mirada, CA 90638-5821

Payment Status Inquiries

BEFORE YOU CONTACT US:

To expedite our response to your payment status inquiry, please have the following information ready when contacting us.

Check EFT Credit Card
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Check No(s).
  • Address check was remitted
  • Copy of front and back of check(s) – if check(s) cleared
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Confirmation No.
  • Transaction or process date
  • Invoice number(s)
  • Amount paid
  • Confirmation No.
  • Transaction or process date
  • Card type and last 4 numbers of card

Contact Information for Payment Status Inquiries

Pressure Vessel Registration Database

Click on the heading to access the searchable and printable pressure vessel database showing the current permit and inspection activities for all steam boilers, air tanks, and LPG tanks in the State of California.

Below are the frequently requested Circular Letters:

Training Materials

2018 PowerPoint Presentations

2017 PowerPoint Presentations

2016 PowerPoint Presentations

Where can I request a W-9 form?

Please email your request to DIRW9Inquiry@dir.ca.gov and specify which collection unit and/or type of fee you will be paying.

April 2024