How to Search California Professional Licenses (Start Here)

Professional and occupational licenses in California are issued by state licensing boards — each profession has its own board with its own search tool. There is no single database of all licenses in California.

What this page covers: California professional license verification databases — medical, legal, real estate, contractor, financial, and other regulated professions. What it does not cover: Business entity filings (those are with the Secretary of State) or association memberships (those are private organizations).

Where to start: Identify the profession, then go to the specific licensing board for California. For attorneys, go to the state bar. For doctors, the medical board. For contractors, the contractor licensing authority. The databases below are organized by profession.

Common mistake: A professional license and a business registration are different. A license authorizes a person to practice a profession. A business registration authorizes a company to operate. They are filed with different agencies.

Central licensing portal
DCA License Search - CA.gov
Medical board (MD)
Physicians and Surgeons - Medical Board of California - CA.gov
Nursing board
License Verification - California Board of Nursing - CA.gov
Insurance licensing
Licensing Online Services
Bar / attorney
Legal Professionals | The State Bar of California
Contractor licensing
California Contractors State License Board (CSLB)
Population
39,431,263
Households
13,628,600
Median Income
$96,334
Median Home Value
$715,900
SearchSystems Editorial
Edited by — Editor & Owner, SearchSystems.net. Public records professional since 1999. NAPBS founding member. Full bio & credentials.
Last reviewed: June 04, 2026 · Methodology: California professional & occupational licenses URL verified against the official state publisher at www.dca.ca.gov on the review date. 4 primary .gov sources cited below.

California Professional & Occupational Licenses — Key Facts (2026)

Doctors, lawyers, contractors, nurses, real estate agents in California — who's licensed and how to verify in 2026.
State-only
License jurisdiction
Not federal
~22%
U.S. workforce licensed
Up from 5% in 1950
1,100+
Licensed occupations
NCSL national database
Free
Official verification
Never pay 3rd parties
Compacts
Cross-state reciprocity
Nursing/medical/PT
Active license ≠ clean record (verify both)
Active license
100%
Continuing-ed current
70%
No disciplinary actions
30%
No complaint history
20%
Criminal background
10%
Unit: % verified by 'active license' alone.

What Changed in 2026 — California Professional & Occupational Licenses

2026
California professional & occupational licenses portal active
The official California portal at www.dca.ca.gov continues to serve as the canonical entry point for professional & occupational licenses in 2026.
2026
Latest federal complement for professional & occupational licenses
The NCSL National Occupational Licensing Database at www.ncsl.org provides federal-level context that complements California state records.
2026
California access in 2026
For 2026, California continues to publish professional & occupational licenses information through state-authorized portals; check www.dca.ca.gov for current fees and processing times.
2026
Federal records framework refresh
Federal record types (federal liens, federal land, federal vital statistics) continue to live OUTSIDE California's state portal — see the Primary Sources below for the .gov complement.

The 4-Step California License Verification

1
Step 1 — Identify the profession
Each occupation has its own California board (medical, bar, contractor, real-estate, cosmetology, etc.).
2
Step 2 — Confirm the state
Licenses are state-issued. A California license is NOT automatically valid in other states (unless via compact).
3
Step 3 — Use the official board lookup
Every California board has a free verification tool. Never pay a third party for verification.
4
Step 4 — Check disciplinary history
Active license ≠ clean record. Always check the California board's disciplinary actions search.

Five Things People Get Wrong About California Professional & Occupational Licenses

❌ Myth: "There's a national license database."
✓ Truth: False. There is no federal occupational license registry. Each state licenses separately.
❌ Myth: "My California license works in all 50 states."
✓ Truth: False. Most licenses are state-only. Compacts (nursing, medical, PT) cover some — not all.
❌ Myth: "License status equals reputation."
✓ Truth: False. Active license only means fees paid and CEs current. Check disciplinary actions separately.
❌ Myth: "All licensed pros pass background checks."
✓ Truth: Partially false. Background checks vary by state and profession. Some California boards self-report only.
❌ Myth: "Expired = revoked."
✓ Truth: False. Expired means not renewed. Revoked means stripped for cause. Very different.

Primary Sources (All .gov / Official)

Related Licenses Resources

Related Public Records
National view of this topic: All states: Licenses
Sample California counties: Alameda · Alpine · Amador · Butte · Calaveras

Licenses Databases

57 official California licenses sources.

Court Records Criminal Records Wants & Warrants Vital Records Voter Records Licenses Recorded Documents Property Records

Licenses

Appraiser Registry | ASC gov
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Appraisal Complaint Hotline · Official websites use .gov · A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites us HTTPS · A lock or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, ...
🌐 asc.gov
NMLS Consumer Access
Official Free
Information made available through NMLS Consumer AccessSM is derived from NMLS (Nationwide Multistate Licensing System / Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System and Registry), the financial services industry's online registration and licensing database. NMLS was created by the Conference of State Bank ...
🌐 nmlsconsumeraccess.org
California Association of Legal Support Pros - CALSPRO
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CALSPro is an association comprised of over 350 company and individual members who provide professional legal support services to the legal community . These services include process serving, photocopying, court filing, subpoena preparation, court record searches, skip tracing and private ...
🌐 calspro.org
ARELLO
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Our web service gives you access to over 2,976,365 real estate licensees . We receive licensee data directly from participating jurisdictions, most updated daily. With the ARELLO Licensee Verification Web Service, you can fully automate searches of our database and take the work out of licensee ...
🌐 arello.com
Registration Search
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We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 cadir.my.salesforce-sites.com
Search - DCA
Official Free
Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site · Use this online search tool to verify a license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for the professions listed under license type.
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
306005730-9-26-2022-22-AS-ETAA-CJMQLZ-20220926121646
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Community Care Licensing · LPA Tapia reviewed the COVID 19 mitigation plan and Emergency Disaster plan of the facility. LPA discussed Assembly Bill 665 that requires a licensee of any adult care residential facility that has internet service to provide at least one internet access device, ...
🌐 ccld.dss.ca.gov
https://search.dca.ca.gov/details/1233/ACQ/7782/96...
Official Free
Related Party Role: Alarm Company Operator · Name: SPECTRA BROADBAND INC. License/Registration Type: Alarm Company Operator · License Number: 7906 Primary Status: Expired · Address : 625 25th St OGDEN UT 84401-2507 WEBER COUNTY · Map · License/Registration Role: Alarm Company QM or Employee ·
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
About - Alcoholic Beverage Control - CA.gov
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The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control provides the highest level of equitable service and public safety to the people of the state through licensing, education, and enforcement . Trust – We serve the public and one another with fairness and integrity.
🌐 abc.ca.gov
Division of Occupational Safety and Health - Asbestos consultant and site surveillance technician certification
Official Free
The Division of Occupational Safety and Health maintains a list of individuals who are certified to practice as Asbestos Consultants or Site Surveillance Technicians . The status of any individual whose name does not appear on the list may be verified by email at ACTU@dir.ca.gov.
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Asbestos Contractor Registration
Official Free
The Asbestos Contractors' Registration Unit (ACRU) operates under a state legislative mandate to register contractors and other employers who perform asbestos-related work . The requirement applies when such work involves 100 sq.
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Home | The State Bar of California
Official Free
Our mission is to protect the public and includes the primary functions of licensing, regulation and discipline of attorneys; the advancement of the ethical and competent practice of law; and support of efforts for greater access to, and inclusion in, the legal system. ... California is the only state with an independent professional court dedicated to ruling on attorney discipline cases.
🌐 calbar.ca.gov
bureau of automotive repair - DCA License Search
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Name: LA CANADA SMOG BRAKE AND LAMP · License/Registration Type: Automotive Repair Dealer · License Number: 289681 Primary Status: Valid · Address : 715 N ORANGE GROVE BLVD PASADENA CA 91103 LOS ANGELES county · Back to Top · Conditions of Use ·
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
Regulated Industries - DFPI
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The DFPI protects consumers and ... in California. Through effective regulation and promoting fair and honest business practices, we maintain consumer trust and confidence in an array of financial services, products, and professionals. ... Apply for a license, file an annual ...
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Directory of State Chartered Credit Unions - DFPI - CA.gov
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San Francisco Firemen Credit Union dba San Francisco Fire CU License#: 9550149 Institution Name: San Francisco Firemen Credit Union dba San Francisco Fire CU Officer Name: Robert Kassab · Address: 3201 California Street San Francisco, CA 94118 Phone: 415-674-4800 DFPI Contact: Phoebe Trinh, ...
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Submit Complaint - Customer Service
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California Department of Business Oversight licensed mortgage bankers and servicers, finance lenders and brokers, deferred deposit originators.
🌐 portal.dfpi.ca.gov
Money Transmitters - DFPI - CA.gov
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The Money Transmitter Division of DFPI licenses and regulates money transmitters, which includes issuers of payment instruments (money orders), travelers checks and stored value. The California money transmission laws are found in the California Financial Code, Division 1.2, commencing with section 2000.
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
THE STATE BANKING SYSTEM IN 2008 Commercial Banks New Banks
Official Free
converted to a commercial bank, bringing the total number of industrial banks to 12 at yearend. ... In 2008, there were twelve mergers involving state-chartered credit unions. The following table ... There were 116 premium finance companies on January 1, 2008. During the year, five premium · finance companies opened and eight voluntarily surrendered their licenses making 113 premium ... Charleston Premium Finance Company of California, Inc.
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Directory of State Chartered Commercial Banks - DFPI - CA.gov
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Beneficial State Bank License#: 2512 Institution Name: Beneficial State Bank Officer Name: Randall Leach · Address: 1438 Webster Street, Suite 100 Oakland, CA 94612 Phone: 510-550-8400 DFPI Contact: Tianxi Zheng, San Francisco Office · California ...
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Directory of Trust Departments of State Chartered Banks - DFPI
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Trust Companies & Departments · Directory of Trust Departments of State Chartered Banks · Bank of Marin License#: 1596 Institution Name: Bank of Marin Officer Name: Timothy D. Myers · Address: 504 Redwood Boulevard, Suite 100 Novato, CA 94947 ...
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Contact Us - Cemetery and Funeral Bureau - CA.gov
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Cemetery & Funeral Bureau 1625 North Market Blvd., Suite S208 Sacramento, CA 95834 (916) 574-7870 · Small Business/DVBE Advocate · General inquiry emailcfb@dca.ca.gov · Annual/Quarterly reporting and Audit Unit inquiries auditcfb@dca.ca.gov · Unitrust inquiries and submission ...
🌐 cfb.ca.gov
License Search - California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
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The California Board of Chiropractic Examiners mission is to protect Californians from fraudulent or incompetent practice of chiropractic, examine applicants for licensure in order to evaluate entry level competence, and enforce the Chiropractic Initiative Act and regulations relating to the ...
🌐 chiro.ca.gov
Apply for a Contractor License - CSLB - CA.gov
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Application for Original Contractors License · Waiver provisions for the examination are outlined in Business and Professions (B&P) Code section 7065.1 and 7065.2. You must meet all of the conditions of the appropriate section for the Waiver Provision to apply.
🌐 www2.cslb.ca.gov
Disciplinary Guidelines of the Adopted February 1989 Revised November 2013
Official Free
consequences of violating laws or regulations pertaining to court reporting, the Board · has established disciplinary guidelines. These guidelines are intended for everyone · involved in and affected by the disciplinary process, namely, the general public, attorneys, courts, administrative law judges, licensees, Board staff and Board members · who review and vote on proposed decisions and stipulations. The offenses for which the Board may take disciplinary action are specified within the
🌐 courtreportersboard.ca.gov
Crane Certifier's Database
Official Free
Crane · Elevator · Heat and Agriculture Coordination Program · High Hazard · Labor Enforcement Task Force · Legal and BOI · Mining and Tunneling · Pressure Vessel · Process Safety Management · Research and Standards · Other Units · Cal/OSHA publications ·
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Occupational Licensing Forms - California DMV
Official Free
Form # Form Title Form #ADM 9050 Form TitleAppointment of Director as Agent for Service of Process (PDF) Form #DL 9 Form TitleApplication for Certification of Ignition Interlock Device (PDF) Form #DL 28 Form TitleLaboratory Report (PDF) Form ...
🌐 dmv.ca.gov
Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists
Official Free
The Board regulates the practices of engineering and land surveying in the state of California by evaluating the experience and administering examinations to prospective licensees and by enforcing the laws regulating licensed professional engineers and land surveyors.
🌐 bpelsg.ca.gov
Farm Labor Contractor Rules and Regulations
Official Free
Title 8, California Code of Regulations Sections 13660, 13660.1, 13660.2, 13661, 13662, 13663, 13663.5, 13664, 13665, 13665.5, 13666, 13666.1, 13667, 13667.1, and 13667.4 · Notice of rulemaking: 10/25/2013 · Clean copy of final text of regulations · Final text of regulation · Final Statement of Reasons · Farm Labor Contractor Bond filed with Secretary of State ·
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Department of Consumer Affairs Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
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The Professional Fiduciaries Bureau was created by legislation that passed and was enacted into law in 2006 (effective January 1, 2007) to regulate non–family member professional fiduciaries, including conservators, guardians, trustees, personal representatives of a decedent's estate, and ...
🌐 fiduciary.ca.gov
About California Financing Law - DFPI - CA.gov
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The California Financing Law contains a number of exemptions for persons licensed by other regulatory agencies. “Finance lender” includes any person engaged in the business of making consumer loans or making commercial loans .
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
How to obtain a garment registration certificate
Official Free
Who must obtain a garment registration certificate · Every person engaged in the business of garment manufacturing must register with the Labor Commissioner . California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 13630
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Handler Profile - DTSC Hazardous Waste Tracking System
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The Hazardous Waste Tracking System (HWTS) is the California Department of Toxic Substances Control’s (DTSC) data repository for hazardous waste manifest and ID Number information. DTSC relies on HWTS for issuing and tracking ID numbers, registering transporters, and providing information ...
🌐 hwts.dtsc.ca.gov
L & C Certification Verification Search Page
Official Free
This Web page displays current Licenses/Certificates of Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA), Home Health Aids (HHA), Certified Hemodialysis Technicians (CHT), and Nursing Home Administrators (NHA)
🌐 cvl.cdph.ca.gov
California Horse Racing Board - CA.gov
Official Free
The mission of the California Horse Racing Board is to ensure the integrity, viability, and safety of the California horse racing industry by regulating pari-mutuel wagering for the protection of the public, promoting horse racing, breeding, and wagering opportunities, and fostering safe racing through the development and enforcement of track safety standards and regulations for the health and welfare of all participants.
🌐 chrb.ca.gov
Find License Agent
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To search by Location, enter an address, zip code, county, or state to display matching License Agents within the mileage range selected. To search by Business Name, enter the name of the business to display matching License Agents. To limit to License Agents that sell commercial fishing items, additionally select the Sells Commercial Fishing Items checkbox.
🌐 licenses.wildlife.ca.gov
Immigration Consultant Search | California Secretary Of State
Official Free
Enter the name of the immigration consultant (principal) and/or the name of the business where indicated below. You can use a full or partial name in either upper or lower case letters.
🌐 specialfilings.sos.ca.gov
Agents & Brokers Overview
Official Free
To protect insurance consumers and maintain the integrity of the insurance industry by assisting with the implementation and enforcement of laws relating to the qualifications and licensing requirements for persons and organizations conducting insurance business in this state. ... You may verify the status and discipline history of an agent, broker, adjuster, bail agent, business entity or another licensee by selecting Check a License.
🌐 insurance.ca.gov
Business Name Search
Official Free
If the name has initials in it, ... then type the initials without a space between them (e.g. U2 Insurance Agency). The license status information shown below represents information taken from California Department of Insurance’s (CDI) licensing database at the time of ...
🌐 cdicloud.insurance.ca.gov
Search
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With this tool, you can compare policies from different companies against other policies · Included in this Summary is the following information:
🌐 interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov
California Landscape Architects Technical Committee
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The Landscape Architects Technical Committee (LATC), under the purview of the California Architects Board , was created by the California Legislature to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public by establishing standards for licensure and enforcing the laws and regulations that govern ...
🌐 latc.ca.gov
1755 International Way, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
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twenty-four)2 required by Federal law during the initial stages of loan origination. During the later · stages of origination (up through closing), they receive at least eight3 Federally required ... information, if it is redundant and excessive – thus running the risk that they may overlook critical ... One of the purposes of the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (“CCFPL”) is to “enforce
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
CAL2PDF Version3.8 Lobbying Firm Activity Authorization
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CALIFORNIA · FORM · 602 · FAIR POLITICAL PRACTICES COMM. SEE INSTRUCTIONS ON REVERSE · Type or Print in ink · NAME OF FILER: Nature and Interests of Lobbyist Employer · Check one box only: INDIVIDUAL (Complete · only Parts A and E) BUSINESS ENTITY · (Complete only Parts B ·
🌐 cal-access.sos.ca.gov
DWC now accepting applications for Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) exam on April 11-17 | California Department of…
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QMEs are independent physicians certified by the DWC Medical Unit to conduct medical evaluations of injured workers . The application and registration packet for the QME exam can be downloaded from the DWC website. Applicants may also contact the Medical Unit at 510-286-3700 to request an ...
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Medical Marijuana Identification Card
Official Free
We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 mmic.cdph.ca.gov
Licensed Midwives | Medical Board of California
Official Free
Licensed Midwives are individuals licensed to practice midwifery . A midwife may attend cases of normal pregnancy and childbirth, provide prenatal, intrapartum, and postpartum care.
🌐 mbc.ca.gov
Nursing Home Residents’Rights Photo of Center for Health Care Quality
Official Free
Find out if the nursing home has a · list of references. T Check with the California Departmentof · Public Health's District Office and ask · to see the latest list of nursing homes · in your area. This document lists all · facilities by county and currently ·
🌐 cdph.ca.gov
DCA License Search - CA.gov
Official Free
Your web browser is out of date. Update your browser for more security, speed and the best experience on this site · Use this online search tool to verify a license issued by the Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) for the professions listed under license type.
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
California Product/Label Database Application
Official Free
... Note: Information in these databases and lists are updated at midnight, each business day. ... Structural pest control devices: All devices intended to control termites, carpenter ants, powder post beetles, and other wood-destroying pests must be registered with DPR .
🌐 apps.cdpr.ca.gov
California State Board of Pharmacy
Official Free
The Board of Pharmacy protects and promotes the health and safety of Californians by pursuing the highest quality of pharmacist’s care and the appropriate use of pharmaceuticals through education, communication, licensing, legislation, regulation, and enforcement.
🌐 pharmacy.ca.gov
Verification of License—Physical Therapy Board of California
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The Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) License Search provides license information for all physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensees as well as other healthcare licensees. This information includes current license status and if action has been taken against the license, ...
🌐 ptbc.ca.gov
Private Service Companies :: California Secretary of State
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List of private service companies who will act as a contact between customers and the California Secretary of State's office by providing a variety of services ranging from UCC searches to business filings.
🌐 sos.ca.gov
Appraiser License 033872
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California, Government, Real Estate, Appraisal, Appraiser, USPAP, real property valuation
🌐 www2.brea.ca.gov
Public License Lookup - DRE
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Information every examinee needs to know before applying for the real estate exam · Out-of-State Applicants · Guidance for Out-of-State Examinees and License Applicants · eLicensing · Self-schedule or reschedule your examination date, print a license certificate, renew a license, change of address ·
🌐 www2.dre.ca.gov
California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rate Information
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The statewide tax rate is 7.25% . In most areas of California, local jurisdictions have added district taxes that increase the tax owed by a seller. Those district tax rates range from 0.10% to 2.00%. Some areas may have more than one district tax in effect. Sellers are required to report and ...
🌐 cdtfa.ca.gov
How to Obtain a Certification to Work as a Studio Teacher
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Employers shall provide a studio teacher on each call for minors from age fifteen (15) days to their sixteenth (16th) birthday (age sixteen (16)), and for minors from age sixteen (16) to age eighteen (18) when required for the education of the minor. One (1) studio teacher must be provided ...
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Search for an Educator
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We cannot provide a description for this page right now
🌐 educator.ctc.ca.gov
Seller of Travel | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
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... California requires all sellers of travel to register with the Attorney General's Office and to display the registration number on all advertising . While not assuring that a company is reputable, a valid registration signals that the seller ...
🌐 oag.ca.gov

California Counties

58 California counties are indexed on SearchSystems.net — top 28 counties shown below. Browse the full directory or click any county for local court, sheriff, recorder and assessor links.

Los Angeles San Diego Orange Riverside San Bernardino Santa Clara Alameda Sacramento Contra Costa Alpine Amador Butte Calaveras Colusa

Frequently Asked Questions

Most California professional and occupational licenses (medical, legal, contracting, real estate, cosmetology, etc.) can be verified through the Official California Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.dca.ca.gov. Look for the 'License Lookup' or 'Verify a Licensee' tool — searches are typically by name or license number and return active/inactive status.

California business licensing combines state, county, and city permits depending on activity. The Official California Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.dca.ca.gov is the primary state portal; local business-tax certificates are issued by the city or county where you operate. The federal usa.gov permits guide is a helpful starting overview.

That depends on the profession. California, like most states, licenses regulated occupations such as healthcare, legal, construction, real estate, cosmetology, security, and many trades. The Official California Professional & Occupational Licenses publishes the full list and exemption criteria at www.dca.ca.gov.

Complaints against licensed professionals in California are filed with the issuing board or division under the Official California Professional & Occupational Licenses. Most boards accept online complaint submissions at www.dca.ca.gov, plus mail-in forms. Each board reviews complaints under the standards in California's occupational code.

Many California boards offer license-by-reciprocity, license-by-endorsement, or expedited pathways for applicants already licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction. The Official California Professional & Occupational Licenses at www.dca.ca.gov publishes the reciprocity rules per profession; some require additional California-specific exams or jurisprudence tests.