How to Get an ARF Vendorized With a California Regional Center: 2026 Vendorization Guide

Regional Center vendorization is a separate DDS/Regional Center approval process that verifies a provider’s qualifications for a service; it is not the same as a CDSS ARF license and is not a referral guarantee.

What vendorization means

California Regional Centers purchase services from qualified vendors under the developmental-services system. A provider must be vendored before providing services or receiving reimbursement, except for the limited emergency-vendorization pathway. DDS says vendorization verifies qualifications and results in a vendor number and service code when approved. It does not guarantee consumer referrals, placements, utilization, or revenue.

The current starting point is DDS’s Vendorization Process page and its vendorization FAQ. The exact service code, population, rate path, and Regional Center requirements must be confirmed for the proposed ARF.

2026 Provider Directory rule

DDS states that beginning March 1, 2026, Regional Centers must use the online Provider Directory for new vendorization applications, subject to stated exceptions. DDS describes exceptions including emergency vendorization, certain Community Placement Plan or Community Resource Development Plan specialized facilities, and specified service codes. An RFP process can also affect the sequence; if an RFP is required, follow the RFP before completing the vendorization steps.

Do not use a saved application link or an old paper workflow without checking the current DDS page. DDS’s Provider Directory directive states that documents and communications are handled in the Directory and that applicants should monitor deadlines there.

Step-by-step process

1. Define the service. Identify the ARF’s address, population, capacity, service code, staffing, supports, and whether a specialized or RFP pathway applies. Read the applicable Title 17 requirements.
2. Maintain the CDSS license path. The ARF must meet its Community Care Licensing requirements. Regional Centers may review licensing status and cannot approve or refer a provider that lacks a required current license for the service and site.
3. Create a Provider Directory account. Register and submit the initial requirements through the current DDS Provider Directory.
4. Respond to the initial review. DDS describes an initial review of submitted requirements within 15 calendar days.
5. Submit the vendor application and evidence. The Regional Center reviews completeness within 30 calendar days. If items are missing or incorrect, the applicant is generally given 30 calendar days to respond and the review clock pauses while the missing information is supplied.
6. Wait for the decision. DDS describes a decision within 45 calendar days after the application is complete. Approval produces the vendor number/service code; denial should include notice and appeal information.
7. Operate within the approval. Serve only within the approved service, location, capacity, rate, staffing, and contractual boundaries. Keep the vendor file current and respond to ongoing reviews.

Documents to prepare

DDS’s FAQ identifies the Vendor Application DS 1890 and Applicant/Vendor Disclosure Statement DS 1891, along with documents required by Title 17 §54310. Depending on the service, the packet can require:

• the current CDSS license and address information;
• ownership, tax, contact, and responsible-person information;
• service type, capacity, proposed rates, and facility location;
• program or service design, if applicable;
• staff qualifications, job descriptions, training, and supervision;
• professional licenses, permits, certifications, insurance, and other credentials;
• consultant, subcontractor, and community-resource arrangements;
• HCBS or other required agreements/attestations when applicable.

The exact requirements are not identical for every service code. Ask the vendoring Regional Center for the current package and upload the version it requests.

Licensing, vendorization, and referrals are different

DDS says one Regional Center handles the vendorization for a provider/site, while another Regional Center may use the already-vendored provider. A new location generally needs its own licensing and vendorization review. Confirm the rule with the Regional Center serving the site.

Before you submit

• Verify the site is in the catchment area of the Regional Center handling the application.
• Use the current Provider Directory workflow and service-code instructions.
• Make the ARF program design match the CDSS plan of operation and actual staffing.
• Do not advertise that vendorization means referrals or guaranteed residents.
• Do not provide or bill for services before approval unless the Regional Center expressly uses the emergency-vendorization authority.
• Keep records current; DDS’s FAQ describes a five-year retention period after final payment or audit resolution for applicable records.

For the program-design layer, read ARF Program Design Guide. For the underlying CDSS license, see ARF Licensing Requirements.