What are the steps to get a "Right to Sue" notice from the California Civil Rights Department?

To get a "Right to Sue" notice, you must file a formal complaint with the California Civil Rights Department (CRD) and then either request the notice immediately or wait for the CRD to finish its review. Here are the steps to get your Right-to-Sue notice: Step 1: Gather Your Information Before you begin, collect all necessary details. This includes your personal contact information, the legal name and address of the employer you are filing against, the specific dates of the discriminatory or harassing acts, and a clear, chronological description of what happened. Step 2: Meet the Filing Deadline You must file your complaint with the CRD within three years from the date the last illegal act occurred. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you will likely lose your right to pursue your claim. Step 3: File an Intake Form with the CRD The easiest and fastest way to file is online using the CRD's Cal-Civil-Rights (CCRS) portal. You can find this on the CRD website at calcivilrights.ca.gov. You will need to create an account and fill out the intake form with the information you gathered in Step 1. Step 4: Request an Immediate Right-to-Sue Notice During the online filing process, you will be given an option to either have the CRD investigate your complaint or to request an "immediate" Right-to-Sue notice. If you want to bypass the state's investigation and proceed directly to filing a lawsuit, you must select the option for an immediate notice. The CRD will then close its file and issue the notice. Important Details and Nuances Choosing an immediate Right-to-Sue notice means the CRD will not conduct an investigation or attempt to mediate your dispute. You trade the benefit of a state-funded investigation for the speed of being able to file in court. If you do not request an immediate notice, the CRD will review your case and will automatically issue the notice if and when it decides to close the investigation, a process that can take a year or more. Warnings and Limitations Once the CRD issues your Right-to-Sue notice, you have exactly one year from the date on the notice to file a lawsuit in court. This is a critical deadline. Receiving the notice only grants you permission to sue; it does not start the lawsuit for you. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations or specific guidance on your case, you should consult with a qualified California attorney.