How to File a DLSE Wage Claim: The Complete Process

Filing a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office — the DLSE — is a straightforward process that workers can complete without an attorney. This post walks through every step.

The Filing Process

1. Obtain DLSE Form 1 from the DLSE website or nearest office. 2. Complete the form: your employer’s information, your employment dates, your pay rate, and a description of each violation. 3. Calculate the amount owed for each claim type. 4. Attach supporting documentation: pay stubs, time records, any written communications about pay. 5. File with the DLSE office in the county where you worked. There is no filing fee.

After filing, the DLSE schedules a settlement conference within 30-60 days. Both parties are notified. The conference is informal — your goal is to present your documentation, state your calculation, and demonstrate that your claim is supported by evidence. Workers who arrive prepared consistently achieve better outcomes than those who arrive without documentation.

The California Wage Theft Recovery System gives workers the exact tools and templates to document violations, calculate what they’re owed, and file the right claims — without paying an attorney to get started. Request your free evaluation here.