---
title: Caltrans CEM-2502 Form: How to Fill It Out | WellStanding
url: https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2502-contractor-payroll-form/
description: The Caltrans CEM-2502 is the public works payroll form. See every box, the printed notes, what to do when the form asks for Adobe Reader, and where it goes.
updated: 2026-11-04
type: guide
publisher: WellStanding Certified Payroll
---
# Caltrans CEM-2502: what the payroll form is and how to fill it out

The CEM-2502 is Caltrans's payroll form for contractors and subcontractors on prevailing wage work. This page follows [the form itself](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502), [Caltrans's forms index](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/forms), and [chapter 13 of the Labor Compliance Manual](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-13).

Last reviewed November 4, 2026 against the sources it cites

The short answer

The CEM-2502 is Caltrans's payroll form for contractors and subcontractors on prevailing wage work. The form prints its title as Public Works Payroll Reporting Form, while Caltrans's forms index calls it Contractor or Subcontractor Payroll and chapter 13-1 of its manual calls it the Certified Payroll Report. It has no signature line; chapter 13-3 puts the signed declaration on the CEM-2503, which LCPtracker checklists do not name. Its own note says to submit it through the Caltrans File Transfer portal.

- The form prints its title as [Public Works Payroll Reporting Form, DOT CEM-2502 (REV 04/2026)](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502), and [Caltrans's forms index](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/forms) lists the same number as Contractor or Subcontractor Payroll.
- [Table 8-D of Labor Compliance Manual chapter 8](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-8), Required Forms for All Projects, lists the CEM-2502 in the pre-job conference package for all projects.
- The form's own note says to submit it through the Caltrans File Transfer portal and that email is not a secure method for certified payroll records ([the form](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502)).
- When the form will not load, its own message says the document requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher, and Caltrans's [form database page](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/showForm2?frmid=DOTCEM2502) lists no PDF format and no instructions for it.
- [Chapter 13-1](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-13) says weekly payroll reports go in at a time set by the contract provisions and are due by the 15th of the month for the previous month's work on construction projects.
- [Labor Code 1776(c)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) says certified payroll records must be on forms provided by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or carry the same information as those forms, and that a printout of payroll data must also be verified by a declaration under penalty of perjury.

## One form, three names

[The form](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502) prints its own title as Public Works Payroll Reporting Form, DOT CEM-2502 (REV 04/2026). [Caltrans's forms index](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/forms) lists the same number as "Contractor or Subcontractor Payroll". [Chapter 13](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-13) calls it the "Certified Payroll Report" in section 13-1 and heads section 13-2 "Weekly Payroll, Form CEM-2502". These are one form.

Go by the revision in the form's header. Caltrans's [form database page](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/showForm2?frmid=DOTCEM2502) prints the revision date as "04-01-0226". DIR also lists a [Public Works Payroll Reporting Form](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-Forms-PW.htm) with the same title. That is a different form, covered in our [Form A-1-131 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/form-a-1-131-public-works-payroll-reporting-form/).

The CEM-2502 has no signature or declaration block. Chapter 13-3 says a payroll is not considered certified unless the statement of compliance goes with it. That is a separate form, the [CEM-2503](https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2503-statement-of-compliance/).

## Does your job use it?

| Source | What it says |
| --- | --- |
| [Manual chapter 8](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-8), Table 8-D | Lists it under "Required Forms for All Projects". Section 8-3-3 describes the table as the forms for the pre-job conference package. |
| File Transfer checklists: [state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf) (revised 07/2025), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-contract_a11y.pdf) (revised 1/2026) | Payrolls must include all Labor Code 1776 information and "all other elements" contained in the CEM-2502. |
| LCPtracker checklists: [state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf) (both revised 1/2026) | Do not name it. They require submission through LCPtracker. |
| The form itself | Its own note says to submit it through the Caltrans File Transfer portal. |

None of the sources cited here limits the CEM-2502 to File Transfer jobs. Table 8-D lists it in the pre-job conference package for all projects. The form's own note and the File Transfer checklists point to File Transfer, and the LCPtracker checklists do not name it. Caltrans's [File Transfer quick guide](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/ftp/caltrans-file-transfer-contractor-quick-guide-a11y.pdf), dated 2020, calls File Transfer "exclusive and separate from projects using LCPtracker Pro". If your contract uses the [2025 edition of the Standard Specifications](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2025_stdspecs.pdf), section 7-1.02K(3) says to submit certified payroll records electronically using LCPtracker Pro. These sources point different ways. Check your special provisions for the edition, read the header of your pre-job checklist (the LCPtracker versions say "LCPtracker Project"), and confirm with the Labor Compliance contact listed on it. See [File Transfer versus LCPtracker](https://wellstanding.com/guides/caltrans-file-transfer-vs-lcptracker/).

Chapter 13-2 says "manual forms will not be accepted for use in the web-based payroll system". It does not define "manual forms" or name that system, and it follows two example forms. Do not use it as evidence about where the CEM-2502 goes.

## Opening the form

When the form will not load, [its own message](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502) says the document requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher, and that you may not have it installed or your viewing environment may not be configured to use it. The [database page](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/showForm2?frmid=DOTCEM2502) lists the form in LiveCycle format, with "PDF Format: Not Offered" and "Instructions: Not Offered".

1. **Find and open it.** Look for "Form DOT CEM-2502" on [the forms index](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/forms) and open the form link. If the message appears, the form needs Adobe Reader 8 or higher: install Reader or configure your viewing environment, then open the form link again.
2. **Fill page 1, then the worker rows.** The form has Add Rows and Subtract Rows buttons and a second sheet that repeats the worker columns without the header block.

## The CEM-2502, box by box

This follows the form as printed, in its own capitals.

### Header block, page 1

| Printed caption | What the form shows |
| --- | --- |
| NAME OF CONTRACTOR / OR SUBCONTRACTOR | Two stacked lines. One form serves either. |
| CONTRACTOR'S STATE LICENSE BOARD NUMBER / SPECIALTY LICENSE NUMBER | Two stacked lines. |
| SELF-INSURED CERTIFICATE NUMBER / WORKERS' COMPENSATION POLICY NUMBER | Two stacked lines. The form lists both. |
| PROJECT OR CONTACT NUMBER | One box. The caption prints "CONTACT". All four pre-job checklists say labor compliance documents must carry the correct Caltrans contract number: File Transfer ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-contract_a11y.pdf)) and LCPtracker ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf)). |
| DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS REGISTRATION NUMBER; ADDRESS; PAYROLL NUMBER; FOR WEEK ENDING; PROJECT AND LOCATION; FEDERAL AID NUMBER | One box each, week ending as a date box. No instruction printed. |

### Worker rows, repeated for each employee

| Printed column | What the form shows |
| --- | --- |
| NAME, ADDRESS, AND SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER OF EMPLOYEE; NUMBER OF WITHHOLDING EXEMPTIONS; WORK CLASSIFICATION | One box each. See the notes below. |
| DAY and DATE | The letters SU, M, T, W, TH, F, S run across the top, with a date box under each. |
| HOURS WORKED EACH DAY | Two lines per worker: S for straight time and O for overtime, with a box for every day. |
| TOTAL HOURS; HOURLY RATE OF PAY | A box for each on the S line and the O line. |
| GROSS AMOUNT EARNED | Two boxes under one heading: THIS PROJECT and ALL PROJECTS. No instruction printed. |
| DEDUCTIONS, CONTRIBUTIONS, AND PAYMENTS | Thirteen boxes: FED TAX, FICA (SOC.SEC.), STATE TAX, SDI, VAC/HOLIDAY, HEALTH & WELF., PENSION, TRAING., FUND ADMIN, DUES, TRAV/SUBS, SAVINGS, OTHER. Then TOTAL DEDUCTIONS. |
| NET WAGES PAID FOR WEEK; CK. NO. or DD NO. | One box each. |

### The seven printed notes

| Note | What it says |
| --- | --- |
| 1 to 5 | S is straight time. O is overtime. FICA is the Federal Insurance Contributions Act. SDI is State Disability Insurance. TRAV/SUBS is travel or subsistence. |
| 6 | Printed as: "OTHER = Any other deduction, contribution. or payments, whether included or required by prevailing wage determination, must be separately listed. Use extra sheets if necessary." The note has no "or not" after "included", so it does not say outright whether an item the wage determination leaves out must be listed. The File Transfer checklists are consistent with the broad reading but do not address that point directly (see OTHER below). |
| 7 | CK. NO. is the check number. DD NO. is the direct deposit number. |

### Checklist rules that attach to these boxes

- **Work classification.** The [state File Transfer checklist](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf) requires a classification and group number on every payroll, such as Laborer-Group 1, and says Caltrans will set the wage rate from duties performed if it is missing or wrong. The other three checklists say the same.
- **OTHER.** The File Transfer checklists ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf), revised 07/2025; [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-contract_a11y.pdf), revised 1/2026) say all deductions marked "other", such as garnishments or tools, must be explained on the payroll or the Statement of Compliance. Documents confirming an authorized deduction go in with the first payroll on which it appears. The LCPtracker checklists ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf), both revised 1/2026) word it differently: an authorized "other" deduction must be designated as an "other deduction" option in LCPtracker or indicated on the electronic Statement of Compliance, and the confirming documents are uploaded with the first payroll on which it appears.
- **Gross and net.** All four checklists say payrolls must clearly show how gross and net wages are calculated, including fringe benefits. The [CEM-2501 guide](https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2501-fringe-benefit-statement/) covers the fringe side.

### The social security number box

The caption asks for the social security number, and [Labor Code 1776(a)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) lists it among payroll record contents. If your contract uses the 2025 edition of the [Standard Specifications](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2025_stdspecs.pdf), section 7-1.02K(3) lists the last four digits for the weekly record and says the complete number must be available on request to the Department (Caltrans), the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards. The sources differ. Check your special provisions, and ask your Labor Compliance contact before you submit a full number.

## Where it goes, and when

The form's own note says to submit it through the Caltrans File Transfer portal and that email is not a secure method for certified payroll records. Each source words the timing differently, so each is given as written.

| Source | Wording |
| --- | --- |
| File Transfer checklists ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-contract_a11y.pdf)) | Certified payrolls "must be submitted weekly", and documents "(including electronic) not previously submitted are due on or before the 15th of the month for the previous month's work". Electronic submissions must be in "an unmodifiable PDF format". |
| LCPtracker checklists ([state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf), [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf)) | Certified payrolls "must be submitted weekly through LCPtracker", and "Certified payrolls and other documents not previously submitted are due on or before the 15th of the month for the previous month's work". |
| [2025 Standard Specifications](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2025_stdspecs.pdf), section 7-1.02K(3), if your contract uses that edition | "Submit a copy of your certified payroll records, weekly, including those of subcontractors." If no adequate record is in by the month's 15th day for the period ending on or before the 1st, the Department withholds up to 10 percent of the monthly progress estimate, exclusive of mobilization. The same section says the Department does not withhold more than $10,000 or less than $1,000. |
| [Manual 13-1](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-13) | Weekly reports go to Labor Compliance "at a time designated in accordance with the contract provisions". They are due to Labor Compliance "by the 15th of the month for the previous month's work for construction projects" and due to the contract manager "with the invoice for service contracts". Emergency and Minor B requirements are in the contract provisions. |
| [Manual 8-4-1](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-8), Figure 8-F | Construction capital projects: by the 15th for the previous month's work. "Contracts invoiced in arrears, including service, A&E, Minor B and emergency": "due with the invoice submission". Payrolls become delinquent on the 15th, and weekly submission is advised. |

Do not merge these into one deadline. None of the sources in the table gives a number of days after the week ends, and service, A&E, Minor B and emergency contracts can run on invoice timing or their contract provisions, so read your contract. If a payroll is past the 15th, see the [Caltrans delinquent payroll notice](https://wellstanding.com/guides/caltrans-delinquent-payroll-notice/) guide.

## Can you use your own payroll report?

Within limits. [Labor Code 1776(c)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) says certified payroll records "shall be on forms provided by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or shall contain the same information as the forms provided by the division", apart from records that go directly to the Labor Commissioner under Labor Code 1771.4. Printouts of computer payroll data are allowed if they carry the same information and "are verified in the manner specified in subdivision (a)", which is a written declaration under penalty of perjury. Manual chapter 13-3 and Table 8-D name the signed [CEM-2503](https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2503-statement-of-compliance/) for that, and the File Transfer checklists require it with each weekly payroll. The LCPtracker checklists refer to an "electronic Statement of Compliance" and do not name the CEM-2503. In the 2025 edition, section 7-1.02K(3) of the Standard Specifications requires a Statement of Compliance form signed under penalty of perjury with each certified payroll record.

Manual chapter 13-2 cites 1776(c) but paraphrases it more loosely, saying contractors "may use any form to submit payroll records, as long as they include all the information required by DIR and Labor Compliance". Go by the statute. On File Transfer jobs the checklists also require "all other elements contained in" the CEM-2502, so a printout there has to carry each element above. The LCPtracker checklists do not name the CEM-2502, so ask your Labor Compliance contact.

## Help with the paperwork

WellStanding prepares your Caltrans payroll documents from the payroll export you already run, and a person reviews them. You review and sign; the certification is always yours and we never sign for you.

## Questions

**Why will the CEM-2502 not open?**

The form's own message says it requires Adobe Reader 8 or higher. Install Adobe Reader or configure your viewing environment, then open the form from the forms index again.

**Do I have to use the CEM-2502 itself?**

Not always, but the test is not "any form". Labor Code 1776(c) requires forms provided by the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement or the same information as those forms, and a printout needs the penalty-of-perjury declaration. Manual 13-2 paraphrases this loosely. File Transfer jobs also require the other CEM-2502 elements. The LCPtracker checklists do not name the form, so confirm with your Labor Compliance contact.

**Is the CEM-2502 due weekly or by the 15th?**

The sources word it differently. The checklists say certified payrolls are submitted weekly, with documents not yet submitted due by the 15th. Manual 13-1 says the 15th for construction projects, invoice timing for service contracts, and the contract provisions for emergency and Minor B contracts. Manual chapter 8, Figure 8-F, instead puts service, A&E, Minor B and emergency contracts on invoice timing. Read your contract and its provisions.

**Does the CEM-2502 go into LCPtracker?**

The sources cited here do not say outright. None limits the CEM-2502 to File Transfer jobs, and Table 8-D lists it in the pre-job package for all projects. The form's own note and the File Transfer checklists point to File Transfer, and the LCPtracker checklists do not name it. Confirm with the Labor Compliance contact on your pre-job checklist.

**Where do I list a garnishment or a tool deduction?**

In the OTHER column. Note 6 says other deductions must be separately listed. The File Transfer checklists say to explain each on the payroll or the Statement of Compliance. The LCPtracker checklists say to designate it as an "other deduction" option in LCPtracker or indicate it on the electronic Statement of Compliance.

## Sources

Every figure on this page links to its source where it first appears. The full list, in order:

1. [the form itself](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/FormRenderer?frmid=DOTCEM2502) forms.dot.ca.gov
2. [Caltrans's forms index](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/forms) dot.ca.gov
3. [chapter 13 of the Labor Compliance Manual](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-13) dot.ca.gov
4. [Table 8-D of Labor Compliance Manual chapter 8](https://dot.ca.gov/programs/construction/labor-compliance/labor-compliance-manual/chapter-8) dot.ca.gov
5. [form database page](https://forms.dot.ca.gov/v2Forms/servlet/showForm2?frmid=DOTCEM2502) forms.dot.ca.gov
6. [Labor Code 1776(c)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=LAB&sectionNum=1776) leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
7. [Public Works Payroll Reporting Form](https://www.dir.ca.gov/dlse/DLSE-Forms-PW.htm) dir.ca.gov
8. [state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-contract-form.pdf) dot.ca.gov
9. [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-contract_a11y.pdf) dot.ca.gov
10. [state](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/state-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf) dot.ca.gov
11. [federal-aid](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/prejob-checklists/federal-aid-lcptracker-contract_a11y.pdf) dot.ca.gov
12. [File Transfer quick guide](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/construction/documents/labor-compliance/ftp/caltrans-file-transfer-contractor-quick-guide-a11y.pdf) dot.ca.gov
13. [2025 edition of the Standard Specifications](https://dot.ca.gov/-/media/dot-media/programs/design/documents/2025_stdspecs.pdf) dot.ca.gov

## Related

- [CEM-2503, the signed statement of compliance](https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2503-statement-of-compliance/)
- [CEM-2501, the fringe benefit statement](https://wellstanding.com/guides/cem-2501-fringe-benefit-statement/)
- [File Transfer or LCPtracker: which Caltrans track](https://wellstanding.com/guides/caltrans-file-transfer-vs-lcptracker/)
- [The Caltrans delinquent payroll notice](https://wellstanding.com/guides/caltrans-delinquent-payroll-notice/)
- [Caltrans certified payroll requirements](https://wellstanding.com/requirements/caltrans/)