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
13,548,091
Median Income
$95,521
Median Home Value
$734,700
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 additional official portals.

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"Inactive means revoked."
FACTInactive usually means not currently practicing — retired, lapsed, or paused. Revoked is a discipline status, and boards label the difference.
MYTH"A license only works in the state that issued it."
FACTCompacts changed that: nursing (NLC), medicine (IMLC), and others let one license or an expedited pathway cover many states. Check the compact map.
MYTH"A web printout is official verification."
FACTEmployers and other boards often require primary-source verification — the board's own certified letter or direct feed — not a screenshot.
MYTH"License numbers are private."
FACTThey're the opposite — public identifiers designed for verification. A professional refusing to give one is the red flag.
MYTH"Expired licenses vanish from the record."
FACTMost boards keep showing the history — expired, lapsed, surrendered — because the history is the point of the lookup.

Primary Sources and Official Record Portals

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
Official Free
Property assessment records for California. Tax amounts and payment status typically link from the same record. Exemptions — homestead, senior, veteran — show on the parcel record where claimed.
🌐 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
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
Use the drop-down menu under "Registration Type" to select the registration type you are searching, and enter at least one other search criteria.
🌐 cadir.my.salesforce-sites.com
Search - DCA
Official Free
Permit and license lookups for California run through here. It is an official government source.
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
306005730-9-26-2022-22-AS-ETAA-CJMQLZ-20220926121646
Official Free
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
Official public records resource for California. The information comes straight from the office that creates the record, not a reseller. Requests route faster when they cite exactly what this office says it holds.
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
About - Alcoholic Beverage Control - CA.gov
Official Free
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
Official Free
Official license verification for California. The database reflects the board's live file, which beats calling the office. Search by name or license number; lapsed and revoked credentials stay in the record.
🌐 search.dca.ca.gov
Regulated Industries - DFPI
Official Free
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
Official Free
License and permit records for California — issued credentials and active-status checks. If a link breaks, the office homepage at dfpi.ca.gov carries the new path.
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Submit Complaint - Customer Service
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
Licensing activity for California is tracked through this source. It is an official government source.
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Directory of Trust Departments of State Chartered Banks - DFPI
Official Free
Office directory for California. Bookmark it if you work across multiple counties; the layout rarely changes. Contacts stay reasonably current, but offices move — the phone numbers outlive the addresses.
🌐 dfpi.ca.gov
Contact Us - Cemetery and Funeral Bureau - CA.gov
Official Free
Vital records information for California. Genealogists lean on these because the certificate itself often stays restricted for decades. Death records typically open to the public sooner than birth records — most states stagger access.
🌐 cfb.ca.gov
License Search - California Board of Chiropractic Examiners
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Court case information for California. The docket is the official chronology; news accounts and third-party sites derive from it. Judgment and disposition entries here are what background screeners verify against.
🌐 courtreportersboard.ca.gov
Crane Certifier's Database
Official Free
Official license verification for California. Verification here is the official word — status, license number, and any public discipline. Search by name or license number; lapsed and revoked credentials stay in the record.
🌐 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
Official license verification for California. Reciprocity from other states, where granted, is noted on the credential. Search by name or license number; lapsed and revoked credentials stay in the record.
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Department of Consumer Affairs Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Welcome to the Homeowners Coverage Comparison Tool
Official Free
Licensing activity for California is tracked through this source. Searching the official side is free.
🌐 interactive.web.insurance.ca.gov
California Landscape Architects Technical Committee
Official Free
Licensing activity for California is tracked through this source. It is an official government source.
🌐 latc.ca.gov
1755 International Way, Idaho Falls, Idaho 83402
Official Free
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
Official Free
Business filing records for California. Annual report lapses show here first — a company in bad standing flags before it fails. It is the first stop for confirming a business is real, active, and who stands behind it.
🌐 cal-access.sos.ca.gov
DWC now accepting applications for Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) exam on April 11-17 | California Department of…
Official Free
This statewide California source includes California in its coverage. Searching the official side is free.
🌐 dir.ca.gov
Medical Marijuana Identification Card
Official Free
The California Department of Public Health's Medical Marijuana Identification Card Program (MMICP) was established to create a state authorized Medical.
🌐 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
Historical records index covering California. Researchers use indexes like this to bridge years the official offices haven't digitized. Coverage is what survives and was transcribed; gaps are normal, and what is here can be hard to find anywhere else.
🌐 cdph.ca.gov
DCA License Search - CA.gov
Official Free
Licensing activity for California is tracked through this source. If a link breaks, the office homepage at search.dca.ca.gov carries the new path.
🌐 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
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
California, Government, Real Estate, Appraisal, Appraiser, USPAP, real property valuation
🌐 www2.brea.ca.gov
Public License Lookup - DRE
Official Free
Official license verification for California. Search by name or license number; lapsed and revoked credentials stay in the record. The database reflects the board's live file, which beats calling the office.
🌐 www2.dre.ca.gov
California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rate Information
Official Free
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
Official Free
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
Official Free
Official public records resource for California. Hours, fees, and request forms live here and stay current. Requests route faster when they cite exactly what this office says it holds.
🌐 educator.ctc.ca.gov
Seller of Travel | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
Official Free
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

Which California counties publish local licensing online

17 of California's 58 counties run their own online source for local licensing, based on what this directory indexes. Every other county is covered by the statewide systems listed above — click a county for its full records page.

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.