If you’ve faced workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in California, you can file a complaint with the Civil Rights Department (CRD, formerly DFEH). Here’s how it works.
What’s covered
California’s FEHA prohibits discrimination based on protected characteristics — race, sex, disability, age, religion, national origin, and more — plus harassment and retaliation.
How to file
You file a complaint with the CRD describing what happened. You can request an immediate “right to sue” notice, or have the CRD investigate. The right-to-sue notice is generally required before filing a FEHA lawsuit.
Deadlines
You generally have up to 3 years from the violation to file with the CRD — but act early and preserve evidence (emails, reviews, witnesses).
How Curbside Legal helps
We prepare your CRD complaint and supporting narrative. See employment pricing or start your intake.
Curbside Legal is a legal document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice.