About USA North / DigAlert
California is served by two regional one-call centers: USA North (northern CA) and DigAlert (southern CA, roughly south of Fresno/Bakersfield). Both use 811 for routing, but have separate online portals. If your project spans the boundary zone, you may need to file with both.
Submit tickets at https://www.usanorth811.org or dial 811 from any phone.
Required Wait Period in California
California requires 2 working days (business days) notice. The clock starts at the time the ticket is processed. Submit well before your planned start date, particularly for projects starting on Mondays.
Use the Wait Time Calculator to find your exact dig date accounting for weekends and holidays.
Ticket Validity and Re-Notify in California
California's 28-day ticket window is relatively generous. Re-notification is handled separately through USA North's or DigAlert's portal depending on your region.
Private Lines in California
California has extensive reclaimed water infrastructure (purple lines), especially in Southern California. Additionally, older properties may have private irrigation systems with no documentation.
See the full guide: What 811 Does NOT Cover.
How to Submit a Ticket in California
Pre-mark excavation area in white
Mark each planned dig location with white paint or stakes before submitting.
Submit online or call 811
Visit https://www.usanorth811.org or dial 811. Include address, work type, start date, and depth.
Wait 2 full business days
Do not dig until the wait period has elapsed AND all utilities have responded.
Verify all responses
Log in with your confirmation number. Every utility must show "marked" or "clear."
Calculate Your California Dig Date
Get your exact legal dig date, expiration date, and re-notify reminder instantly.
Open CalculatorRelated Guides
How 811 Works
Complete process guide.
Color Codes
What the marks in your yard mean.
Re-Notify Rules
When your ticket expires mid-project.