Home Care Aide Registry Instructions

The Home Care Aide Registry exists to ensure that individuals providing home-care services to clients in California have met the state’s standards—including a criminal background check—and are properly registered. California Department of Social Services+1
By registering, you make yourself eligible for employment by licensed home care organizations (or for direct service as an independent aide), and clients and organizations can verify your status. California Department of Social Services+1

1. Create Your Account in the Guardian Portal

Visit the Guardian Applicant Portal at guardian.dss.ca.gov/Applicant. ccld.dss.ca.gov+3California Department of Social Services+3ccld.dss.ca.gov+3
Click “Register as a new user”, complete the required information and submit. You will receive a temporary password by email, and your login username is your email address. California Department of Social Services+1

2. Fill Out the Application

Once logged in, start your Home Care Aide (HCA) registration application.

• When prompted for a PIN:
  • If you are registering as a FirstLight Homecare, Parkway home care aide, use the PIN YKS5L4. California Department of Social Services
• Enter your personal and contact information, as prompted.

3. Pay the Registration Fee

A registration fee is required. For example, online applications require $35.00 via debit or credit card. California Department of Social Services+1
Keep the receipt or a screenshot for your records. **Reimbursement may be possible upon 90 days of providing care to our clients**

4. Complete the Live Scan (Fingerprint & Background Check)

After application submission you must complete a criminal background check via Live Scan:

• From your Guardian account, download the pre-filled “CDSS Live Scan Form.”
• Take that form to an authorized Live Scan vendor in your county. You’ll be fingerprinted and the results will be sent to California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
• Wait for your background check to clear. Status options will include “In Process,” “Eligible,” or “Not Eligible.”

5. Monitor Your Application & Registry Status

Once everything is submitted, CDSS will review your application, fee payment and background check. When approved, your name will be listed on the Home Care Aide Registry and you will then be associated as a Home Care Aide with FirstLight Homecare, Parkway.
You can check the status of your application by logging into your Guardian account.

6. Renewal & Ongoing Requirements

• Your HCA registration must be renewed every two years.
• You are responsible for keeping your contact information updated. If your name or mailing address changes, submit the required form (HCS 105) by mail or fax—or update it via your Guardian account. California Department of Social Services
• Be aware of any law or regulation updates (for example, vaccination or background-check disclosures) applicable to home care aides. California Department of Social Services

Need Help or Have Questions?

For support with your application or the Guardian system:

• Email: [email protected] California Department of Social Services+1
• Phone: (888) 422-5669 (Care Provider Management Branch) California Department of Social Services
• Mailing Address:
  Home Care Services Branch
  744 P Street, MS 9-14-90
  Sacramento, CA 95814 California Department of Social Services