Thermal Insulation – Licensees

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I set up a chain for my business?

Businesses that operate seven locations or more can request to have their licenses managed as a chain, under a single licensing structure. As a chain, each location is subject to its own license fee and shares the same license expiration date. All official documents, including renewal notices, invoices, license certificates and correspondence, are emailed/mailed to a single contact and designated mailing address.

To request chain licensing, please contact BHGS at (916) 999-2041, option 2.

When does my license need to be renewed?

You must renew your license every year on or before your license expiration date. If submitting payment by mail, it must be postmarked on or before the expiration date to avoid delinquent and penalty fees.

Important: Renewal payments cannot be submitted earlier than 45 days before the license expiration date.

What is the renewal fee for my license?

Thermal Insulation Manufacturers (T) are subject to a $2,000 renewal fee per location. The renewal fee applies to all locations producing the same generic type of insulation, not to exceed $8,000.

How much are the delinquent and penalty fees for late renewal payments?

Renewal payments submitted by mail with a postmark after the expiration date will be charged a $100 delinquent fee and, if submitted more than 90 days past the expiration date, an additional penalty fee of $600.

How can I make a renewal payment?

There are two ways to renew your license:

1. Online - Submit your payment through the BHGS Online License Renewal webpage, which contains step-by-step payment instructions.
2. By Mail - Send your renewal notice and payment (check, money order or cashier's check made out to BHGS) to: Bureau of Household Goods and Services
   4244 S Market Ct Ste D
   Sacramento CA 95834-1243

What should I do if I do not receive a renewal notice?

If you do not receive your renewal notice:

• Mail a copy of your license certificate with the renewal payment to BHGS;
• If you are unable to provide the license certificate, mail a letter that includes your current contact details, license number, and payment; or
• Contact BHGS at (916) 999-2041, option 2 to request an invoice for the renewal payment.

How can I update my business name or address?

To make changes to your business name or address, complete the Change of Information form and follow the instructions. Requests can take up to two weeks to process.

Can someone else manage communications for my business?

Yes, you may designate a third party to manage licensing-related communications on your behalf by filling out the “New Primary Contact or Representative Information” section of the Change of Information form.

What is the California Directory of Certified Insulation Materials (Directory)?

The Directory lists all insulation materials certified by BHGS and sold in California. It describes the type of insulation, the manufacturer, the thickness of the insulation, and its R-value. The Directory is updated twice a year.

Which thermal insulation products need to be listed in the Directory?

All insulation products sold in California within the following categories must be listed in the Directory, including different versions of products such as alternative thicknesses: aluminum foil (reflective foil); cellular glass (board form); cellulose fiber (loose fill and spray applied); mineral aggregate (board form); mineral fiber (blankets, board form, loose fill); perlite (loose fill); polystyrene (board form, molded and extruded); polyurethane (board form and field applied); polyisocyanurate (board form and field applied); urea formaldehyde foam (field applied); and vermiculite (loose fill).

Insulation materials not listed above do not need to be listed in the Directory. Regardless, all thermal insulation manufacturers doing business in California must hold a BHGS license.

How do I list my products in the Directory?

• Once licensed with BHGS, we will email you a certification form, if applicable. Complete the form with details on the products to be listed in the Directory, and email it to BHGS.Directory@dca.ca.gov or mail it to BHGS at 4244 S Market Ct Ste D, Sacramento, CA 95834-1243.
• You must also email or mail copies of test results from an approved laboratory for R-value of all your products in order to be listed in the directory. If applicable, also provide results for E84 or UL723 (aged R-value results for polystyrene boards, polyurethane, and polyisocyanurate in board and spray-applied forms that use materials other than air or pentane as an expanding agent).
  • Approved laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2017 by an accreditation body with full membership in the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation and is signatory to its Mutual Recognition Arrangement.
• BHGS will review your test results and certification form for completeness, create directory listing(s) for your products, and send them back to your business for review and approval.
• BHGS will also send an invoice for the Directory Fee. This is a separate yearly fee from the license renewal fee, costing $50 per product line listing, up to a maximum of $5,000.
• Once the directory listing(s) are approved by the business and the directory fees are received, the new listings will be published in the next version of the California Directory of Certified Insulation Materials.

Why should I list my products in the Directory?

To sell thermal insulation in California, your products must be listed in the Directory. Doing so will also indicate to consumers and other regulators that your products are reliable and BHGS-certified.