Verify a California DBE or ACDBE Certification
Use this page for a quick DBE certification lookup — confirm whether a firm holds active DBE or ACDBE status in California. Certification is recorded in the Caltrans DBE System, the California Unified Certification Program (CUCP) statewide directory — and because physical certificates are no longer issued, a printout from that database is the accepted proof of status.
Looking for a full walkthrough of searching the directory by name, NAICS code, or work type? See our California DBE Directory search guide.
DBE / ACDBE Lookup Helper
Enter what you know about the firm, then open the official CUCP directory with your search terms ready to paste.
The search runs on the official CUCP system at caltrans.dbesystem.com — we do not host firm data. Heads-up: during the 2026 statewide DBE/ACDBE reevaluation, the public directory may be temporarily unavailable; if so, check back later or ask us to help verify a firm.
Don't see your own firm in the directory?
During the 2026 statewide reevaluation, firms that haven't completed their reevaluation may no longer appear in the directory. Every California DBE had to submit a Personal Narrative and an updated personal net worth statement (the deadline was April 16, 2026) to keep their certification active. If your firm is missing, it is often a reevaluation issue — and it can be fixed.
Look Up a Firm's Certification Status
Search for certified DBE and ACDBE firms by name, location, NAICS code, or work type.
Search DBE Directory at ucp.dot.ca.govImportant Notes
- For DBE/ACDBE program purposes, there is no difference between certifications performed by Caltrans or any other certifying agency.
- Caltrans accepts DBEs certified by any of the CUCP certifying agencies.
- DBE Certificates are no longer issued (effective August 1, 2013). A printout from the DBE Database is sufficient proof of certification. Prime contractors should not require DBE certificates in bid packages.
- To confirm a firm's certification status, check the online directory or contact the certifying agency listed on the firm's profile.
National Ineligibility Database
The USDOT maintains a national online database of denied, decertified, or rejected DBE/ACDBE applicants. Grant recipients should query this database to ensure firms are eligible for DBE credits.
Access the National Ineligibility DatabaseWhat the Directory Confirms About a Firm
The CUCP statewide directory is the official source for verifying whether a firm holds active DBE or ACDBE certification in California. Prime contractors use it to identify certified subcontractors when assembling bids for federally funded projects. Public agencies use it to confirm a firm's status before counting participation toward their DBE goals.
You can search the directory by firm name, city, county, NAICS code, or type of work. Each listing shows the firm's contact information, the certifying agency, certified NAICS codes, and whether the certification is current. Because DBE certificates are no longer issued as physical documents, a printout from this database is accepted as proof of certification.
If your firm has recently been certified and does not yet appear in the directory, contact your certifying agency to confirm that your information has been uploaded. Processing times vary, but new certifications typically appear within a few business days.
Certification Programs
Looking for the right certification rather than verifying one? Compare California's state-level small-business programs:
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