Please note: DEQ's Sewage Disposal Service License Program has moved to a new electronic data management system called Your DEQ Online. SDS licensees will now use YDO to apply, renew, update or make changes to their licenses. Learn more about
Your DEQ Online.
Do you need a Sewage Disposal Service license?
Oregon law requires that you must have a license if intending to work on a subsurface sewage disposal system, also known as a septic system, and before you advertise or represent yourself in the business of providing sewage disposal services. The license is a Sewage Disposal Service or SDS license.
Sewage Disposal Services Include:
- Constructing any kind of septic systems, or any part of it. This includes grading, excavating and earthmoving work connected with these activities.
- Pumping, transporting and disposing of contents from any kind of septic system, including graywater tanks or systems and non-water-carried sewage disposal facilities such as portable toilets.
- Advertising or offering to perform any of the services mentioned above.
Licensing Steps
1. Determine the license type you need:
- Installer only
- Pumper only
- Combined Pumper/Installer
2. Complete required pre-license training required for Installer and Pumper/Installer licenses by attending the DEQ Initial Installer Certification course offered by
Chemeketa Community College.
3. File your Corporation, LLC, Partnership and/or Assumed Business Name with the
Secretary of State Corporate Division. Read Start a Business guide for information about how to set up your business.
4. Contact your insurance agent to obtain a Sewage Disposal Service Bond for $15,000 for Installer or Pumper/Installer licenses, and $5,000 for Pumper only licenses. Make sure the bond is issued to the exact business name you registered with the Secretary of State if you needed to do that.
Sign the original bond and assure the bond agent or company has affixed the corporate seal of the surety company. (The bond company will access the DEQ form to issue your bond. You do not need to print it.)
5. For Pumper or Pumper/Installer license applications:
- Print both pages of the Equipment Description/Vehicle Inspection form complete just the first page. Contact a local Onsite septic program agent to perform the inspection. The inspector will return the original form to you.
- Contact your disposal sites to arrange a documented disposal agreement so they can accept the waste you will pump. Photocopy that disposal agreement.
6. Set up a user account in Your DEQ Online as a Responsible Official (RO)
using instructions on the Your DEQ Online account registration
page. This includes a step-by-step user guide, recorded webinars and
instructional videos.
7. Once your account is verified & linked to the SDS Program, go to the
My Info section of your account and select the Sewage Disposal Service program. Now you may apply and pay for a new license.
During this process, you'll be asked to upload required attachments for the
license application.
8. Once you have finished preparing your SDS license application in Your
DEQ Online, mail the following items to: DEQ, Attn Onsite, 165 E 7th
Ave, Ste 100, Eugene OR 97401
- Original sealed and signed bond (2 pages). Failure to complete this step
correctly will delay issuance of your license. Not accepted: Photocopies
of bonds or bonds without a Surety seal or your signature.
- Original completed vehicle inspections (2 pages) if applying as a Pumper
or Pumper/Installer.
9. DEQ will process your
submittal and contact you for any additional information needed. Processing time is approximately 2-3 weeks
but may be longer during renewal season in the summer.Contacts
For questions about Sewage Disposal Services licenses, contact:
For technical help with Your DEQ Online, visit the Your DEQ Online Help page or email yourdeqonline@deq.oregon.gov