Becoming a Home Health Care Aide: Application and Renewal in California

Home Health Care Aides provide essential support to individuals needing assistance with daily living activities. This guide outlines the application and renewal process for becoming a registered Home Health Care Aide (HCA) in California.

Applying to Become a Home Health Care Aide

There are two ways to apply for HCA registration in California: online through the Guardian Applicant Portal and by mail. Both methods require a $35 fee.

Online Application via Guardian Applicant Portal

1. Access the Portal: Visit the Guardian Applicant Portal at https://guardian.dss.ca.gov/Applicant. Home Care Organizations can apply on behalf of aides at https://guardian.dss.ca.gov/agency.
2. Create an Account: Register as a new user if you don’t have an account. Your email address will serve as your username, and a temporary password will be emailed to you.
3. Enter Application Information: You’ll need a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Use your Home Care Organization’s PIN if provided, or use R38XKSPE for independent aides. Pay the $35 fee with a debit or credit card. If applicable, wait for your Home Care Organization’s confirmation.
4. Live Scan Fingerprinting: Print the pre-populated Live Scan form from the portal and submit your fingerprints at an approved Live Scan vendor. You can find a list of vendors on the California Department of Justice website.

Applying by Mail

1. Download the Application: Download and complete the Application for Home Care Aide Registration or Renewal (HCS 100) form, available in English and Spanish.
2. Mail the Application: Send the completed HCS 100 form with a $35 check or money order payable to the Home Care Services Branch (HCSB) at the following address:
   California Department of Social Services
   Home Care Services Branch
   744 P Street, M.S. 9-14-90
   Sacramento, CA 95814.
3. Live Scan Fingerprinting: Download and complete the Request for Live Scan Service (LIC 9163) form [/Portals/9/Additional-Resources/Forms-and-Brochures/2021/I-L/LIC9163.pdf?ver=2021-06-08-112618-820%20]. Take it to an authorized Live Scan vendor for your background check.

Renewing Your Home Health Care Aide Registration

Similar to the initial application, HCA registration renewal can be done online or by mail, both for a $35 fee.

Online Renewal

1. Access the Guardian Applicant Portal: Go to https://guardian.dss.ca.gov/Applicant. Home Care Organizations can renew on behalf of aides via their Guardian account at https://guardian.dss.ca.gov/agency.
2. Log in or Register: Log in with your existing account or register as a new user if necessary.
3. Create Renewal Application: Select “Home Care Aide Registry Renewal” as the Request Type. Enter your Home Care Organization’s PIN or R38XKSPE for independent aides. Pay the $35 renewal fee.

Renewal by Mail

1. Download the Form: Download and complete the Application for Home Care Aide Registration or Renewal (HCS 100) form, reviewing the renewal instructions on the form.
2. Mail the Application: Mail the completed form and a $35 check or money order to the same HCSB address listed in the application section.

Disclosure of Personal Information

California law requires the Department of Social Services to share registered HCAs’ names and phone numbers with labor organizations upon request, unless the HCA opts out. This information is for organizing, representation, and assistance activities. The Department has no control over how labor organizations use this information. See Health and Safety Code section 1796.29(d)-(f) for details.