How to Register an X-Ray Machine in San Diego County, California: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Opening, buying, moving, or changing an X-ray facility in San Diego County, California can involve several radiation-control steps. This guide puts the ordinary registration sequence, official links, timing, fees, and records in one place.
Heartland Physics can help organize X-ray registration information and technical records. Shielding design must be performed by a person who meets the jurisdiction's qualification rules; Heartland provides shielding services only where its current authorization and qualifications cover the project.
Quick answer
San Diego County performs local radiological-health inspection and shielding-plan review, while X-ray machine registration is completed with the California Department of Public Health Radiologic Health Branch. Treat the county plan review and state machine registration as separate steps.
Start here: official forms and filing links
Use the official links below for the current application, instructions, or radiation-control program page. Forms, fees, and filing systems can change, so use the current agency version rather than an old saved copy.
What to gather before you start
• Facility legal name, physical location, mailing/billing information, and responsible owner or operator
• Each X-ray machine's manufacturer, model, serial number, tube information, room/location, and intended use
• Radiation Safety Officer or other responsible-person information when requested
• Shielding plan, room drawing, workload/occupancy assumptions, or plan-review documentation when applicable
• Installer or assembler reports, acceptance testing, inspection/calibration records, and applicable professional credentials
• Current application fee or payment information
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Handle the room and shielding requirements
For installations requiring local review, submit the San Diego County plan-check application, physicist or shielding report when applicable, floor plans showing barriers, room dimensions, adjacent occupancies, and the other information requested in the current county instructions.
Step 2: Complete the registration application
Prepare the San Diego County shielding-plan package and separately complete California RHB's radiation-machine registration for the installed X-ray equipment.
Step 3: Submit the application and fee
Send the county plan-check materials using the current Radiological Health instructions and register the X-ray machine with California RHB after acquisition. The county's current instructions state that state registration remains required after shielding approval.
Step 4: Complete the post-filing requirements
Keep the county shielding approval, state registration, installer records, and inspection documentation together. Complete any county inspection or follow-up required for the facility.
Step 5: Renew and report changes
California machine registration follows the state renewal cycle. San Diego County shielding-plan review is tied to the installation or modification project.
Cost
San Diego County plan-review fees depend on the complexity, number of rooms, and intended use shown on the current application. California machine-registration fees are separate. Use the current county and state forms for exact amounts.
Regulatory contact
San Diego County Radiological Health: 858-694-3621.
Keep these records together
• Submitted application and payment receipt
• Current registration certificate, permit, license, inspection approval, or written regulator determination
• Shielding design, calculations, room drawings, and plan-review correspondence when applicable
• Installer/assembler paperwork, acceptance tests, calibration records, and equipment-performance reports
• Inspection reports, operating procedures, staff training, dosimetry, maintenance, and other records required for the facility
Important reminder
This is a practical guide to the ordinary radiation-machine process, not a substitute for the regulator's current instructions. Mammography, radiation therapy, mobile services, industrial radiography, research equipment, and other specialized uses can trigger additional permits, professional qualifications, inspections, or federal requirements.
Official source and review date
Heartland Physics last checked this guide against the official sources listed above on August 20, 2026.
For Heartland Physics project inquiries, email Lancer@heartlandphysics.com.