Free Checklist
Updated: March 2026California New Hire Onboarding Checklist
Required Notices, Filings & Documents — Every Step for CA Employers
California requires more new hire paperwork than any other state. This checklist covers every required notice, form, and filing — with deadlines.
California Has More New Hire Requirements Than Any Other State
California employers must complete a specific set of required forms, notices, and filings for every new employee — within tight deadlines. Missing a required notice doesn't just create a compliance gap; it can undermine your ability to enforce agreements and creates exposure in employment disputes.
Day-One Required Notices (Must Be Provided at Hire)
- Wage Theft Prevention Act Notice (WTPA) — DE 2515 — includes pay rate, pay day, employer info
- Sexual Harassment — California DFEH pamphlet (DFEH-185)
- Paid Sick Leave notice — required under AB 1522
- Workers' Compensation — DWC-7 pamphlet (must explain WC rights)
- Disability Insurance / Paid Family Leave — DE 2515
- Pregnancy Disability Leave (PDL) — for employers with 5+ employees
- CFRA/FMLA notice — for employers with 5+ employees
- Cal/OSHA emergency contact and safety information
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