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Requirements and Application

To be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) through the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP), a for-profit business must satisfy the eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) in 49 CFR Part 26. General eligibility requirements include the following:

  1. The firm must be at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged, and the ownership interest must be real, substantial, and continuing.
  2. The firm must be an independent business. One or more disadvantaged owners must possess the power to direct the management, policies, and day-to-day operations of the firm and must demonstrate the experience and expertise necessary to independently control the business. Where state law requires a professional or occupational license, the disadvantaged owner must satisfy the applicable control requirements.

  3. Only existing for-profit small businesses are eligible for DBE certification. Applicants must qualify as a small business under the applicable U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards. In addition to meeting applicable SBA size standards, applicants must satisfy the current USDOT limitation on average annual gross receipts, as established in 49 CFR Part 26. Because this threshold is adjusted periodically by USDOT, applicants should consult the current California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) DBE Certification Information page for the applicable amount.

    For Airport Concession DBE (ACDBE) certification, applicants must satisfy the current USDOT gross receipts eligibility requirements applicable to ACDBE firms.

  4. Each disadvantaged owner must meet the current USDOT Personal Net Worth (PNW) eligibility standard established in 49 CFR Part 26. The PNW threshold is periodically adjusted by USDOT. In calculating PNW, exclusions include the owner's interest in the applicant firm, equity in the owner's primary residence, and other assets excluded under current USDOT regulations.
  5. Each disadvantaged owner must be a United States citizen or lawfully admitted permanent resident of the United States.
  6. Certification is based on ownership, control, independence, business size, and economic disadvantage as defined by 49 CFR Part 26. Meeting one requirement does not automatically establish eligibility.

For additional details on eligibility, visit the the Caltrans DBE Certification Information page.

Application for Certification

Businesses seeking DBE certification in California must apply through one of the CUCP certifying agencies. Applicants should apply to the CUCP certifying agency that serves the county in which the firm's principal place of business is located. A DBE certification issued by any CUCP certifying agency is recognized by all participating agencies throughout California. 

Caltrans is a CUCP certifying agency, and its online application can be accessed through the Caltrans Disadvantaged Business Enterprise System. Additional information regarding eligibility requirements, required documentation, certification procedures, and the online application process is available through the Caltrans Office of Civil Rights.

California Department of Transportation (Caltrans)
Office of Civil Rights
P.O. Box 942874, MS 79
Sacramento, CA 94274-0001
Phone: 916-324-1700
Fax: 916-324-1862
DBE.Certifications@dot.ca.gov

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