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.
Before diving into the steps, it's worth flagging a distinction that trips up a lot of new practices:
1. Facility / machine registration — registering the actual x-ray equipment and the location where it's used with CDPH RHB. This is what the rest of this guide covers.
2. Operator / supervisor certification — a completely separate requirement for the people who take or supervise x-rays (physicians, chiropractors, podiatrists, radiologic technologists). More on this below.
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:
FAC000XXXXX.| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Entity / business name | Legal name of the practice, clinic, or company operating the machine |
| Business phone number | Main contact number for the registered entity |
| Physical address | Where the machine is actually installed and used |
| Mailing address | Where CDPH RHB should send correspondence, if different |
| Machine manufacturer & model | As shown on the equipment nameplate |
| Number of x-ray tubes | Per machine — some units have more than one |
| Installation / acquisition date | Confirms you're within the 30-day window |
| Machine location | Room or suite where the unit physically sits on site |
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.
Heads up: no more paper certificates
As of June 26, 2024, CDPH RHB stopped issuing printed Certificates of Registration for new registrations and renewals. Status is now confirmed through their online registration verification tool — keep your facility registration number handy for lookups.
Registering the machine doesn't authorize anyone to use it. California separately requires:
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.
Standard registration covers most general-use x-ray systems, but CDPH RHB requires additional authorization on top of basic registration for:
If either applies to you, contact CDPH RHB before completing registration to confirm the extra steps for that equipment type.
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.
CDPH RHB's X-ray section handles inspections and investigations of registered machines. To stay in good standing:
Before you start
To register
Ongoing
Bringing a new x-ray system into your practice?
Maven Imaging helps practices across the country source new and refurbished imaging equipment, arrange financing, and get systems installed and running — so registration paperwork is one of the few things left on your plate.
Talk to a Maven Imaging SpecialistThis 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.