Final Paycheck Laws in California
California (CA) · Final paycheck · Last reviewed June 2026
If terminated
Immediately
If employee quits
Last day (72h notice)
When is the final paycheck due?
Final-paycheck timing is set by state law and often differs depending on whether the employee quit or was let go. California is among the strictest: employees who are fired must be paid immediately at termination, and those who quit with at least 72 hours' notice are due their final pay on their last day. Late final pay can trigger waiting-time penalties.
What the final check must include
A final paycheck covers all earned, unpaid wages through the last day worked, including any overtime. Whether unused vacation or PTO must be paid out also varies by state and by your written policy — in some states earned PTO is treated as wages that must be cashed out.
Avoiding penalties
Late or incomplete final pay is a frequent source of claims. Calculate the last check from accurate time records, settle any approved time off per your policy, and deliver it by the state deadline.
Official sources
More California guides
Final paycheck in other states
California final paycheck: frequently asked questions
When is a final paycheck due in California?
In California, employees who are fired must be paid immediately, and those who quit with at least 72 hours' notice are due their final pay on their last day.
Must unused PTO be paid out in California?
It depends on state law and your written policy. In some states, earned vacation is treated as wages that must be cashed out at separation.
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