DAS 140 & 142: How to Fill Out State and Union Forms

California public works projects valued at $30,000 or more require contractors to hire apprentices and report on those apprentices as part of prevailing wage compliance. The DAS 140 and DAS 142 forms are key pieces of that process and directly affect how payroll teams prepare and submit state compliance paperwork. These forms let California apprenticeship committees know about your project and help ensure you meet required apprentice ratios.

Understanding how and when to complete DAS forms saves time, avoids penalties, and ensures payroll compliance on state prevailing wage jobs.

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What Is the DAS 140 Form?

The DAS 140 form is also called the Notification of Contract Award. It tells applicable apprenticeship committees that your company has been awarded a public works contract and plans to use apprentices on the job. It is typically submitted with details such as estimated journeyman hours, number of apprentices needed, and project start and end dates.

The DAS 140 should be submitted within 10 days of contract award or before workers begin on site. Sending this form on time is a foundational step in California apprenticeship compliance.

What Is the DAS 142 Form?

The DAS 142 form is the Request for Dispatch of an Apprentice. It is used when a contractor does not already employ enough registered apprentices to meet the state’s required 20% apprentice-to-journeyman ratio. With this form, you request that apprenticeship committees dispatch apprentices to your project site.

DAS 142 forms must be submitted at least 72 hours before apprentices are needed on site. At the end of the project, you must show proof that apprentices worked the required hours or that proper exemption documentation was filed.

Why These Forms Matter to Payroll Teams

State prevailing wage jobs already require certified payroll reporting. DAS forms add another layer of compliance because they affect staffing, apprentice ratios, and training fund reporting.

Payroll teams need to understand:

• When each form is required
• What information to include
• How submission timing affects compliance
• Documentation needed for audits

Failing to submit forms on time or incorrectly can lead to penalties, payment delays, or withholding of contract funds

When and How to Complete DAS 140 and DAS 142

Complete DAS forms in this order so that payroll and compliance workflows stay aligned:

1. Award Notice (DAS 140): Submit this within 10 days of the contract award to notify apprenticeship committees.
2. Apprentice Dispatch (DAS 142): Submit these at least 72 hours before apprentices are needed on site.
3. Track Apprenticeship Ratio: California requires one apprentice hour for every five journeyman hours (20%), and this must be demonstrable in certified payroll records

Tracking hours and submissions together ensures payroll aligns with the forms and state requirements.

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Common Challenges Payroll Teams Face With DAS Forms

Payroll teams often encounter:

• Timing errors — missing submission windows for DAS 140 or DAS 142.
• Incomplete details — forgetting wage or project info needed for compliance.
• Documentation gaps — failing to keep proof of form submissions or apprentice hours.
• Ratio tracking difficulties — not aligning actual hours to the required 20% ratio.

Address these issues with documented workflows that align payroll processing with form filing schedules.

Best Practices for DAS Form Compliance and Payroll

To support smooth compliance:

• Maintain an apprenticeship compliance calendar that marks submission deadlines.
• Centralize form details and submissions in your payroll compliance system.
• Verify apprentice availability before submitting a DAS 142.
• Keep records of all submissions and confirmations as part of your payroll audit file.

Using a system that consolidates wage determinations, apprentice tracking, and payroll reporting can reduce errors and save time.

Final Takeaways

California’s DAS 140 and DAS 142 forms are crucial for prevailing wage projects because they document your apprenticeship staffing intentions and requests. For payroll teams, knowing what goes into these forms, when they’re due, and how they tie to certified payroll helps avoid compliance mistakes and costly corrections later.

See how eBacon can help you stay on top of California prevailing wage compliance, including apprentice tracking and state reporting. Book a quick demo.

DAS 140 and DAS 142 FAQ

What’s the purpose of the DAS 140 form?

The DAS 140 is a notification to apprenticeship committees that you’ve been awarded a public works contract and plan to use apprentices. It includes estimated hours and apprentice needs.

When must the DAS 140 be submitted?

Submit it within 10 days of contract award or before any work begins on site.

What does the DAS 142 form do?

The DAS 142 requests apprentices from apprenticeship committees when your company does not have enough registered apprentices to meet California’s 20% ratio requirement.

When do I file the DAS 142?

Submit the DAS 142 at least 72 hours before the apprentices are needed on the jobsite.

What happens if I miss the filing deadlines?

Late or missing DAS filings can lead to fines, withheld payments, or compliance issues during audits.