DBE Search

Effective November 1st, 2023 this database will no longer be available. For DBE searches, use the B2GNow database.

Access the DBE Query Form

Caution: DBE regulation (49 CFR Part §26.88) grants certifying agencies, such as Caltrans, authority to suspend DBE firms. Events that can trigger suspension include; death or incarceration of the DBE owner, DBE failing to notify in writing of any material change or if a DBE fails to timely complete and return its Annual Affidavit of no change mailed to it by a certifying agency. Certifying agencies will be implementing this policy beginning September 1, 2015.

Note: Contractors are cautioned to verify the real-time DBE database prior to hiring DBE firms. A suspended firm will have a notation on its DBE profile.  While suspended, DBE firms may not be considered for contract goal on new contracts.  The decision to immediately suspend a DBE is not appealable to the US Department of Transportation.

The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Database contains information on certified DBE firms and is updated daily.  Use the database query form to find certified DBE firms to meet DBE goals on contracting requirements.

Where there is a DBE goal on a contract, a Bidder must show that it took all necessary and reasonable steps to achieve a DBE goal or other requirement of Appendix “A” to Part 26, by their scope, intensity, and appropriateness to the objective, could reasonably be expected to obtain sufficient DBE participation, even if they were not fully successful.

Quick Search Tips:

  • To find firms doing Construction Area Signs in Caltrans District 11, use [Caltrans Districts]> [11] [Work Category Codes] > scroll and select [C1200 Construction Area Signs]> [Start Search].
  • To get a list of Landscape Contractors in Caltrans District 7, use [Caltrans Districts]> [07]> [License Type]> [C 27 Landscape Contractor] > [Start Search – PDF or Excel] – this will give you all firms located in Caltrans District 7.
  • Search results will show firms located in a particular area, plus those firms that indicate they can work statewide will have “00” in counties and District..
  • You may need to upgrade you Browser to view/download data.

DBE Certification Does Not Expire

Note: Please note that the California UCP (including Caltrans) does not issue DBE Certificates as evidence of certification.  A copy of a printout from the DBE Database should be sufficient for the bid package.

If you have any questions or need verification of a DBE firm, please call our office (916) 324-1700, or the DBE’s own Certifying Agency. (PDF)

The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Code:

The NAICS Code is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. Use the U.S. Census Bureau NAICS Search page to determine the NAICS Code.

The Work Codes supplement NAICS Codes that are used by the UCP during DBE certification process. It is classification scheme of equivalent detail and specificity, describing work a DBE firm states it can perform, whether on initial certification or when a new type of work is added to an existing certification. 

These codes provide a general overview of the process used to determine code assignment, which in part considers description of work and any licenses necessary to prove control of the business by a disadvantaged owner.

The Work Code Template provided above is not an all encompassing list of work DBE firms perform and should be used as a guide only.  DBE firms can always request their certifying agency (any time) to review their business activities and add or remove codes as and when necessary.  DBE Firms are required to be certified with appropriate codes prior to bid date.

Learn how to filter data in Excel.

Attention Certified Firms: To ensure that the database has the most current contact information and codes, please email the Office of Civil Rights (OCR), Certification Office at DBE.Certification@dot.ca.gov.

For Assistance With The Query Form Please Contact:

California Department of Transportation
Office Of Civil Rights - Certification Unit

Phone: (916) 324-1700
Email: DBE.Certification@dot.ca.gov