SERVICE
Licensed contractors: register yourself or authorized agents on PermitSF
Get a streamlined experience applying for building permits by getting an AUTH number
Department of Building InspectionWhat to know
Requirements
You must be the contractor license holder to use this form.
Any authorized agents you add will be connected to your license when they apply for building permits. Authorized agents should add you as a "guest" to any permits under your license.
For streamlined service
Authorized agents connected to an AUTH record will no longer need to provide authorized agent forms nor driver’s licenses every time when applying for a permit.
What to know
Requirements
You must be the contractor license holder to use this form.
Any authorized agents you add will be connected to your license when they apply for building permits. Authorized agents should add you as a "guest" to any permits under your license.
For streamlined service
Authorized agents connected to an AUTH record will no longer need to provide authorized agent forms nor driver’s licenses every time when applying for a permit.
What to do
1. Have your authorized agents create a free account in PermitSF
Each of your authorized agents should sign up at PermitSF.
Note the email addresses they used to create a PermitSF account. You will need to enter it in the form.
2. Gather information about your contractor license and authorized agents
We will ask you for:
- Your business name or California Contractors State License Board (CSLB) number
- Your San Francisco Business Account Number (BAN)
- A JPEG image of a government-issued ID, like your Driver’s License, state-issued ID card, alien registration card, passport, or form notarization
- Full names and email addresses used for PermitSF accounts, for each authorized agent you want to add
After you apply
After you submit the form, the application will be identified by a record number starting with "AUTH."
We will review your application, verify your license and whether you're listed on your CSLB personnel list, and connect any authorized agents to your license in PermitSF within 2 business days.
You or your agents may be asked for the AUTH record number when applying for permits, to help streamline approvals.
Special cases
Adding or removing authorized agents after initial approval
Follow these steps to edit your contractor authorization record:
- Sign into your PermitSF profile.
- Once logged in, go to your "Dashboard" on the left side of the screen.
- Under "Action Required," locate "Renew your Contractor Authorization" and select "Renew Now."
Change in license ownership
If you sell your contracting business, have the new contractor license holder submit a new contractor authorization form. They must register themselves and add their own authorized agents.
Contact us
Department of Building Inspection
dbi.cpbrequest@sfgov.org