How to Register an X-Ray System in California: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you're outfitting a new practice or adding a machine to an existing one, here's exactly what California requires before you can put an x-ray system to use — and the one step almost everyone forgets.

If you've just purchased, leased, or otherwise taken possession of an x-ray system in California, there's a clock running: the state gives you 30 days to register it. Miss it, and you're technically out of compliance before you've taken your first image.

The good news is that the process itself is straightforward once you know what's expected. Here's a complete walkthrough of how registration works with the California Department of Public Health's Radiologic Health Branch (CDPH RHB) — the agency that oversees every radiation machine in the state, from dental and chiropractic offices to hospitals, veterinary clinics, and industrial inspection equipment.

Two Separate Requirements — Don't Confuse Them

Before diving into the steps, it's worth flagging a distinction that trips up a lot of new practices:

Who Needs to Register

Under Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations (Section 30108), any entity that acquires a radiation machine must register it with CDPH RHB within 30 days. That requirement applies across the board:

• Medical, dental, chiropractic, and podiatric practices
• Veterinary clinics and hospitals
• Hospitals, urgent care centers, and imaging centers
• Industrial, analytical, and cabinet x-ray system operators
• Mobile or portable x-ray service providers

The Registration Process, Step by Step

1. Gather your information before you start (see the checklist below — it'll save you a second trip through the portal).
2. Log in to CDPH RHB's Radiation Machine Registration Portal and create an account if you don't already have one.
3. Submit a new facility registration if this is the first machine at the location, or add the machine to an existing facility's inventory if you're already registered there.
4. Submit within 30 days of acquiring the machine. This is a hard regulatory deadline, not a suggestion.
5. Receive your facility registration number, formatted as FAC000XXXXX.
6. Keep the inventory current. Add newly acquired machines and remove retired or transferred ones as your equipment changes.

What You'll Need on Hand

Renewal, Validity & Verification

Registrations are valid for two years from the end of the month they're issued, and CDPH RHB sends a renewal notice about 120 days before expiration. Don't wait on a second reminder — a lapsed registration means you're out of compliance.

Don't Forget the Operator

Registering the machine doesn't authorize anyone to use it. California separately requires:

• Physicians, chiropractors, and podiatrists (MD, DO, DC, DPM) must personally hold a current CDPH-RHB Supervisor & Operator Permit (S&O / XSOP), or work under someone who does.
• Certified Radiologic Technologists (CRT) and Limited Permit X-ray Technicians (XT) may only operate under the written authorization and supervision of a licentiate holding a current S&O permit.
• S&O permits renew biennially with continuing education credits — on a cycle that's independent of your facility registration.

If you're bringing a new x-ray system online, confirm your operator's certification is squared away before the machine ever gets used — this is frequently the step that catches new practices off guard.

A Few Facility Types Need Extra Sign-Off

Standard registration covers most general-use x-ray systems, but CDPH RHB requires additional authorization on top of basic registration for:

• Mammography facilities
• Therapeutic (radiation therapy) facilities

If either applies to you, contact CDPH RHB before completing registration to confirm the extra steps for that equipment type.

Fees

CDPH RHB's Billing & Cashiering Unit maintains the current fee schedule for registrations, renewals, and related permits. Because amounts are updated periodically, confirm the current fee schedule directly with CDPH RHB rather than budgeting off an old number — and note that your facility registration fee and any individual operator permit renewal are billed separately.

Staying Compliant After You're Registered

CDPH RHB's X-ray section handles inspections and investigations of registered machines. To stay in good standing:

• Update your facility inventory promptly whenever machines are added, removed, or relocated
• Renew on time — don't let the 120-day notice go unanswered
• Keep operator certifications current alongside the machine registration
• Keep manufacturer documentation and installation records on file in case of an inspection

Quick-Reference Checklist

Helpful Links

• Radiation Machine Registration – CDPH RHB
• CDPH Registration Verification Tool
• RHB Forms Library
• Fee Schedules & Billing FAQs
• X-ray Inspection, Compliance & Enforcement

This post summarizes publicly available CDPH RHB program information as of July 2026 for general planning purposes and is not legal advice. Requirements, fees, and portal details can change — always confirm current steps and fees directly with CDPH RHB before relying on this guide for a filing.