Does it cost money to file a wage claim in California?

No, filing a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner's Office is generally free.

Do I need a lawyer to file a wage claim?

No, the process is designed to be usable without an attorney, though a guard may choose to consult one.

What is a Berman hearing?

An informal administrative hearing held by the Labor Commissioner's Office to resolve a wage claim when a conference does not settle it.

How long do I have to file a wage claim?

Time limits vary by the type of claim, often three or four years, so it is best to file as soon as reasonably possible.

What happens after the Labor Commissioner issues an order?

If the employer does not pay, the Labor Commissioner can assist with enforcement, including referral for judgment collection.

Labor & wage law

How Security Guards File a Wage Claim with the Labor Commissioner

Updated 2026-08-04 · 9 min read · Sacramento, CA dispatch

PPO #122730

Short answer

A California security guard can file a wage claim online or in person with the Labor Commissioner's Office (DLSE), which will assign a deputy to review the claim, may hold a conference or hearing, and can issue an order for unpaid wages and penalties.

When a wage claim makes sense

A wage claim is generally used for unpaid wages, unpaid overtime, missed meal/rest break premiums, unreimbursed expenses, or late final pay that the employer has not resolved directly.

Filing with the Labor Commissioner is typically free and does not require an attorney, though a guard may also consult one.

Wage claim process overview

Step	What happens	Typical detail
File the claim	Submit form online, by mail, or in person at a DLSE office	Include employer info, dates worked, and amounts owed
Initial review	Deputy labor commissioner reviews claim for jurisdiction	May request additional documents
Conference	Informal meeting to try to resolve the claim	Both parties may attend; may settle here
Hearing	Formal hearing (Berman hearing) if unresolved	Deputy issues a written order after
Collection	DLSE can help enforce an unpaid final order	Includes referral for judgment enforcement

Evidence to gather before filing

Pay stubs and any final paycheck received
Personal log of hours worked, including holdovers and missed breaks
Schedules, post orders, texts, or emails showing directed work time
Any termination or resignation paperwork
Names and contact info of coworkers who may have witnessed relevant events

Timing matters

Wage claims are generally subject to statutes of limitation that vary by claim type, often three or four years, so guards should not wait indefinitely to file.

Research and education only

This page describes the general wage claim process for research and education and is not legal advice. Summit Force Security Group is not a law firm and does not provide legal representation.

For help with a specific claim, contact the California Labor Commissioner's Office directly or consult a licensed California employment attorney.

Official sources & local data

We link to the agencies rather than reprinting them, so you always land on the current version. Summit Force is not affiliated with or endorsed by any agency listed here.

The services this applies to

Standing & Foot Guard ServicesStatic unarmed officers posted at lobbies, gates, checkpoints, and reception with full activity logging.

Where we cover this

Questions we get every week

How Security Guards File a Wage Claim with the Labor Commissioner — the follow-ups

Does it cost money to file a wage claim in California?: No, filing a wage claim with the Labor Commissioner's Office is generally free.
Do I need a lawyer to file a wage claim?: No, the process is designed to be usable without an attorney, though a guard may choose to consult one.
What is a Berman hearing?: An informal administrative hearing held by the Labor Commissioner's Office to resolve a wage claim when a conference does not settle it.
How long do I have to file a wage claim?: Time limits vary by the type of claim, often three or four years, so it is best to file as soon as reasonably possible.
What happens after the Labor Commissioner issues an order?: If the employer does not pay, the Labor Commissioner can assist with enforcement, including referral for judgment collection.

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All 25 Security Guard Case Law & Legal Research Library pages

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Research only — not legal advice

Summit Force Security Group (PPO #122730) is a licensed private patrol operator, not a law firm. Nothing on these pages is legal advice.
We do not represent anyone in any legal, administrative, or employment matter, and reading this library creates no attorney-client relationship.
As a courtesy we summarize publicly available statutes, agency guidance, and well-known court decisions, and we link to the official source so you can read the primary text yourself.
Laws change and courts reinterpret them. Verify the current text at the official source and consult a licensed California attorney or the relevant agency about your own situation.
Nothing here implies endorsement or affiliation with BSIS, the Department of Consumer Affairs, the Labor Commissioner, the Civil Rights Department, Cal/OSHA, the State Bar, or any court.