Online Professional Licensing FAQs - California Department of Consumer Affairs

Professional Licensing

Frequently Asked Questions

General FAQs

Board/Bureau Contact List
Log-in Information
Renewals
Address Information
Receipt/Final Instructions
Duplicate Licenses
Other

Technical FAQs

FAQs Specific to Each Board or Bureau:

Security Guard
Registered Nursing
Barbering and Cosmetology
Physician and Surgeon
Psychologist
Dentist

General Questions

Q: Need to Contact Your License Board or Bureau?
A: Check out our new Board/Bureau Contacts List.

Q: How do I reach the On-line Professional Licensing Customer Support Call Center and what are your hours?
A: You can reach our Help Desk by email or by phone at (916) 574-8020. Our hours are 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday - Friday, with the exception of State holidays, and pursuant to the Governor's Executive Order S-13-09, beginning in August 2009 all DCA offices will be closed the first, second, and third Friday of each month until July 1, 2010.

Q: I am new to the on-line system. Where do I get started?
A: If you are a new user to the on-line system, you must first register to use the system.

Registration Instructions:

Go to http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/index.shtml, and select your profession from the list of professions.
Select the "Professional Licensing Login" link on the left side navigation area (second link down).
Select "First-time Users, Click Here" to register with On-Line Professional Licensing.
Create a new user id and password (must be a combination of 7 - 15 letters and numbers) NOTE: DO NOT attempt to re-register using the same user id twice. The system will NOT accept a duplicate attempt at a user id, stating that the "User ID is unavailable".
Enter your email address, social security number, date of birth, select a secret question, and create an answer to your secret question.
Enter your license number INCLUDING the alpha character(s) that come before the license number (no spaces). You are now registered and ready to use the on-line system.

Log-in Information

Q: I lost/forgot my User ID/Password. How can I get them?
A: If you created a User ID prior to February 14, 2003 you must create a new User ID/Password. If you created your User ID after February 14, 2003, please call the Customer Support Help Desk at (916) 574-8020, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or you can send us an email. To obtain your log-in information, you must provide us your name, license number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your social security number.

Q: I have my User ID but forgot my password. How can I get my password?
A: Contact the Customer Support Help Desk at (916) 574-8020, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. or send us an email.

Q: I created a User ID and password, but my account does not show that I have a license. What happened?
A: A person's date of birth and social security number are the two pieces of information we use to locate your records. If you are receiving an error message that says your DOB or SSN are incorrect, please double-check your entry to ensure no numbers were inadvertently transposed. You may either contact our Customer Support Help Desk at (916) 574-8020, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., send us an email, or call the Board/Bureau that issued your license, so they can verify your social security number and date of birth in the database.

Q: My password will not reset. What am I doing wrong?
A: Contact the Customer Support Help Desk for assistance: (916) 574-8020, Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. PST, or send us an email.

Renewal Questions

Q: Can I renew over the phone?
A: No. We are no longer authorized to process license requests by phone, due to new privacy laws.

Q: How long does it take to get my license in the mail when I renew by mail?
A: It could take up to 6-8 weeks, but may be less depending on the volume of mail received by each specific Board/Bureau. Our Help Desk does not have information on the status of licenses that were sent by mail. For more information on the status of your application, please contact your specific Board/Bureau directly.

Q: How long does it take to get my license in the mail when I renew on-line?
A: Most renewal applications take approximately 2 weeks.

Q: When am I eligible to renew on-line?
A: The time frame varies for each Board/Bureau. Please refer to your licensing board or bureau above for your specific profession.

Address Information

Q: How do I change my address on-line?
A: There are two separate addresses you must change for your license.

Your USER PROFILE and your ADDRESS OF RECORD are two separate items that must be updated when you have a address change.

To change your USER PROFILE (non-public) address:

Log in to the On-Line Professional Licensing System as a "Returning User", with your user id and password.
Select the "User Profile" link to the left side of your screen (gray navigation area).
Locate the Address Field, update your personal address information, and select the UPDATE PROFILE button to save your changes.

To change your PUBLIC ADDRESS (address used by the Board to list you publicly as a licensed professional AND the address to which your license is mailed to you):

Go to http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/index.shtml and select your profession from the list of professions.
Login to the on-line system using your user id and password.
Select the "Change of Address" option in the gray column to the left. It will then bring up the licenses that are registered to you in the system.
Select the license you would like to apply the change of address to. NOTE: If you are changing your address for multiple licenses, you will need to select each license and change the address for each license.
Select the address you wish to change. NOTE: Please make sure and select one address (Address of Record is your public address). If you are trying to change a confidential address, you must contact the board/bureau directly to make your changes.
Enter your correct address information, and click the "Update Address" button ONLY ONCE.

Receipt & Final Instruction Information

Q: I did not get a receipt. What does this mean?
A: Sometimes the system takes a few minutes to show a receipt on the screen. If you receive the message, "Pending Credit Card Authorization", or if you see no message at all, click the "Licensee Home" link on the left menu to view the status of your on-line transaction. If the status is "Pending", then logout of your account and check back later for a "Submitted" status. Once the status is "Submitted for Processing", you may view and print a copy of your receipt. To do this, select the "User Profile" link in the left menu, then select "View Receipt".

Q: How do I view or print my receipt?
A: To view or print a receipt:

Log into the On-Line Professional Licensing System with your user id and password.
Select the "User Profile" link, located to the left side of the screen (gray navigation area).
Select the "View Receipts" link. (IF YOU HAVE A POP-UP BLOCKER, PLEASE DISABLE BEFORE VIEWING.)
Select the "View Receipt" link if you wish to view a summary of your recent on-line transaction.

Q: How do I view or print my final instructions?
A: To view or print final instructions:

Log into the On-Line Professional Licensing System with your user id and password.
Select the "User Profile" link, located to the left side of the screen (gray navigation area).
Select the "View Final Instructions" link. (IF YOU HAVE A POP-UP BLOCKER, PLEASE DISABLE BEFORE VIEWING.)
Select the "View Final Instructions" link if you wish to view additional information about completing your transaction.

Q: When I click on the receipt or final instructions, nothing happens. What did I do wrong?
A: Receipts and Final Instructions pages will pop up in PDF format when selected. Because they are pop-up pages, you must disable your pop-up blocker in order to view them. For more information about pop-up blockers, please refer to the Help section in your browser's tool bar.

Duplicate License Information

Q: How do I get a duplicate license using the on-line system?
A: Requesting a duplicate license is one of the options you have within the on-line application. You can request a duplicate license on-line if you are a licensee. To do this, please visit http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/index.shtml

Select your profession from the professions list.
Select the "Professional Licensing Login" link on the left hand side of the screen and log in to the On-Line Professional Licensing System with your user id and password. NOTE: If you have not already registered, you must do so to access your information. After you have registered, you will need to verify your license number within the program. (Follow the directions on the center of the screen to do this.)
Select the "Duplicate License" option.
Enter your payment information.
Print your receipt and log out.

Other

Q: Can I check the status of my application or renewal?
A: The Board/Bureau that issues your license can give you the status of your application. Contact them directly for the information. You may also check the status on-line.

Q: How do I begin using the On-line system?
A: If you are a first time user, you must first register with the On-line Professional Licensing System. Choose your profession to get started. Make sure to read all of the material before continuing with each page. All of the necessary information is provided.

Q: Is your office the Board or Bureau?
A: No. Our office works in cooperation with the Department of Consumer Affairs' Boards and Bureaus. We maintain the computers that house the On-line Professional Licensing Application and provide assistance to our on-line users from our the Customer Support Help Desk for users that have technical problems related to the Web site. If you have a question or problem regarding a specific license, forms, fees, or renewal/application status, you must contact your licensing board or bureau.

You may reach the specific Boards and Bureaus at the phone numbers below:

Registered Nursing Program (916) 322-3350
Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (916) 575-7290
Barbering and Cosmetology (916) 574-7570
Medical Board of California (916) 263-2382
Board of Psychology (916) 574-7220
Dental Board (916) 263-2300

The Boards and Bureaus receive a very high volume of calls. It may be difficult to get through during high traffic periods. Please try calling at odd hours of the day, if possible, to increase your chances of getting through.

Q: I spelled my name wrong on my new application. What do I do now?
A: Contact the appropriate Board/Bureau to correct the information. The Board/Bureau may request the change in writing. The On-Line Licensing Customer Support Help Desk can not make this change.

Technical Questions

Q: Why does nothing happen when I go into the on-line application and click "Not Verified" to enter my license number?
A: You should see a second window (called a pop up window), that has a field for you to enter your license number. Check your Web browser settings to make sure the anti-pop up feature is disabled. Newer browsers tend to have the anti-pop up feature. You will be unable to continue with the on-line application if you can not change this setting.

Q: Can I change my name on-line?
A: Unfortunately, no. A name change requires a request in writing, as well as proof, such as marriage certificate. This information can not be verified on-line. Some Boards/Bureaus also require a Name Change form. Contact your specific Board/Bureau directly or check the Board/Bureau's Web site for further information.

Q: I paid for my renewal on-line today, but my employer will not accept my receipt as proof. How can I get further proof/verification that I paid?
A: It takes 48 hours to complete the renewal process. Most employers will recognize your receipt as proof of your renewal after the 48 hour window, until your paper license is received in the mail. If not, contact your Board/Bureau for assistance.

Q: I have a pop-up window that asks for my license number. I enter the number but it tells me I can't verify my license. What should I do?
A: You must enter both the letters and numbers in your license number. The letters correspond to your license type. Correct example "DDS12345". Incorrect example "12345". If your license number begins with a zero, remove the zero when entering this number into the field. Correct example "A12345". Incorrect example "A012345".

Q: My credit card information did not go through. What happens next?
A: First, check to make sure you are inputting the information in the correct fields. If any information is incorrect, you will see a message on the screen telling you so. Also, check to make sure that you input the card number correctly. If a screen appears that says "Declined", you will need to use a different credit card. If you feel your card was declined in error, please contact the Customer Support Help Desk at: (916) 574-8020, Monday -Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by email.

Q: I am getting one of the following error messages: "Error 500", "Web page cannot be found.", or "This link appears to be broken." What does that mean?
A: An "Error 500" message indicates that the settings on your Web browser do not allow access to 128-bit encrypted secure Web sites. If you're using a computer in a public place (work office or hospital), contact your IT Administrator for assistance. For other error messages, please try these steps listed below:

Select "Tools" from the toolbar at the top of the page.
Select "Compatibility View Settings" from the drop-down menu. (You will see the following address "ca.gov" in a smaller box.)
Click on the "ADD" button at the right. (A "ca.gov" address will drop into a lower, larger box.)
Click on the "CLOSE" button at the lower right.
Go back to the Home page and proceed with your on-line business needs.

For best results, we recommend using one of the Web browsers listed below:

Compatible Browsers (Windows):
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or 7.0
Firefox

Apple Macintosh
Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.1.6
Firefox
Safari

Q: I mailed my application, my check has cleared, but I haven't received my license. What do I do now?
A: The On-line Professional Licensing Customer Support Help Desk does not receive nor handle mailed applications. You may check your application status on DCA's Web site. You may also contact the Board/Bureau that issued your license.

Q: Why did I receive an email from the Customer Support Help Desk saying I registered for something?
A: You received a message from this email address because your email address was used to create a User ID in the On-line Professional licensing system, where people can renew, request a duplicate, or apply for a license with the State of California, Dept. of Consumer Affairs. This would be for licensees such as:

Doctors
Nurses
Security Guards
Cosmetologists
Barbers
Psychologists
Dentists
Electrologists
Estheticians

Q: What are the required fees?
A: The fees vary for each Board/Bureau. Please contact your specific board or bureau for more information about fees.

Q: How do I change my address on-line?
A: You can change your address using our on-line system if you are a licensee.

To do this:

Go to http://www.dca.ca.gov/proflic/index.shtml and select your profession from the list of professions.
Log in to the on-line system using your "User ID" and "Password".
Select the "Change of Address" option in the gray column to the left. (This will display the licenses that are registered to you in the system.)
Select the license you would like to apply the change of address to. If it you are changing your address for multiple licenses, you will need to perform these steps separately for each license.
Click on the address you wish to change. Please make sure and select one address. (The "Address of Record" is your public address). If you are trying to change a confidential address, you must contact the board/bureau directly to make your changes.
Enter your correct address information, and click the "Update Address" button ONE time only.

Security Guards

Bureau of Security and Investigative Services
(916) 322-4000

Q: I am a Security Guard Employer. How do I register for my employees?
A: Fill in all the fields with the applicant's information. You may use your company's e-mail address and credit card information without causing any problems to the employee's application. If you will be registering many employees, each employee must get their own User ID. We recommend you develop a pattern for all employee user ID's, to make it easier to locate their information in the future.

Q: How long will it take to receive my Guard Card after I apply on-line?
A: As long as you don't have a criminal history, your Security Guard Registration will generally be issued within 4 weeks.

Once the Bureau has received the on-line application and criminal history clearances, the cleared security guard will appear on the Bureau's Web site.

You are eligible to work as a Security Guard or Security Patrol person only when you have in your possession a hard copy printout of the Bureau's approval obtained from the Bureau's Web site, and a valid photo identification or a valid Security Guard registration.

Q: Can I submit a new application for a Security Guard with a Firearm on-line?
A: No. If you need to include a Firearm application with your Security Guard application, you can only submit these applications together, by mail. Submit your application by mail to the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services.

Q: I have a Guard Card and a firearm permit, can I renew on-line?
A: No. A combination Security Guard and Firearm application or renewal can ONLY be submitted by mail. However, you can still use the on-line system to change your address or request a duplicate license on-line.

Q: Can I still submit my application/renewal using the On-Line System if I do not have my fingerprint information ready?
A: You can apply for an initial or renewal application using the On-Line System, but your application will be placed on a temporary hold until you submit your fingerprint information to the Bureau.

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You are eligible to renew on-line 90 days prior to the expiration of your security guard license, or no more than 60 days after the license expires, as long as you have no outstanding fees.

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please contact the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services for information regarding current fees.

Registered Nurses

Registered Nursing Program
(916) 322-3350

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please see the Registered Nursing Program Web site's Fees section.

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You are eligible to renew your license on-line 3 months prior to your license expiration date, or, no more than 8 years from the last expiration date. You must also have no outstanding fees owed to the Nursing Board.

Q: How do I submit my continuing education information?
A: When selecting active status for your license renewal, you will be asked to check the appropriate box stating that you have completed the required 30 hours of continuing education OR claim exemption based on first-time renewal. You should maintain all certificates for a minimum period of 4 years, in the event you are audited.

Q: How do I change my license status from inactive to active, using the on-line system?
A: Unfortunately, there is no on-line process to activate an inactive RN license. To change your status, you must submit proof of completion of 30 hours of continuing education, along with a request for active status. Please include your RN number, current mailing address, Social Security Number, and Date of Birth with the request. You must mail or fax copies of your continuing education certificates to the RN Program at:

Registered Nursing
ATTN: Renewals Unit
PO Box 944210
Sacramento, CA 94244-2100
Fax: (916) 574-8635

Q: I am currently licensed as a RN in another state, and would like to work in CA. Can I transfer my RN license to California?
A: If you are already licensed as an RN in another state, you may be eligible to apply for licensure in California by endorsement. Licensure by endorsement is referred to as "reciprocity" in some states. You may submit your application on-line OR you can get more information and downloadable forms at the Registered Nursing Program Web site.

Q: How do I order fingerprint cards or a Live Scan form?
A: Information about obtaining fingerprint cards or Live Scan forms may be found on the Registered Nursing Program Web site.

Barbering and Cosmetology (BBC)

Barbering and Cosmetology
(916) 574-7570

Q: Can I renew my license by mail if I did not receive a renewal notice form?
A: Yes. Mail your renewal payment, name, license number, and current mailing address to:

Barbering and Cosmetology
P O Box 944226
Sacramento, CA 94244-2260

Please keep in mind, payments received after the expiration date are considered delinquent and will be charged a delinquency fee.

Q: Can I renew or apply for an establishment license on-line?
A: No. Establishment licenses are not currently part of the On-line Professional Licensing Program. Those interested in renewing or applying for an establishment license must mail in the appropriate forms to the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. In order to obtain an establishment license you will need to complete and submit an establishment application. The application is located on the Board's Web site. Select the "Forms/Publications tab, then select the "Establishment Application" link. Submit the application and appropriate fee to the address listed on the front of the applicant listed under "General Information".

Q: My license has expired and is inactive. Can I renew on-line?
A: You can renew your inactive license up to two years past the expiration date on-line or by mail. If your license has been expired for a period of 2-5 years, you can only renew by mail. After a period of 5 years, your license will be cancelled, according to the BBC guidelines. You may contact the board for further information.

Q: I need to re-apply for my practical examination. I do not see a re-application form on your site. Do I use the "New Application," even if I already have a File Number?
A: The re-examination application is available on the BBC Web site. Select the "Forms & Publications" tab, then select the "Application for Re-examination" link.

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You are eligible to renew on-line if you 3 months prior to your license expiration date, or if you have a license that is delinquent for no more than 2 years. You must have no outstanding or disciplinary actions against your license.

Q: I have a question about my establishment. Who do I contact about establishment questions?
A: If you have a question about your establishment, you MUST contact the Board directly. Our Help Desk staff cannot answer questions about establishments.

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please see the Barbering and Cosmetology Web site's Fees section.

Physicians and Surgeons

Medical Board of California
(916) 263-2382

Q: I currently hold a fee exempt license, can I renew online?
A: No. Physicians who hold a military, retired, voluntary service, or disabled status license cannot renew on-line. Please contact the Medical Board for renewal information.

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You are eligible to renew on-line regardless of whether your license is in active or inactive status. You must have complied with the Continuing Medical Education requirements, and as long as your license expires within the next four months or is delinquent by no more than 90 days.

Q: How do I register for Medical Doctor?
A: Fill in all the fields with the applicant's information. For instructions on how to do this, please visit the "registration" section above.

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please contact the Medical Board for information regarding current fees.

Q: How do I complete my Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (PTAL)?
A: For fee information, please contact the Medical Board.

Psychologists

Board of Psychology
(916) 574-7220

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You may renew your license 3 months prior to expiration, or no more than three years past your license expiration date.

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please contact the Board of Psychology for information regarding current fees.

Dentists

Dental Board of California
(916) 263-2300

Q: When will I be eligible to renew on-line?
A: You can renew your license 85 days prior to your license expiration date, and no more than 2 years after your license expiration date. You must also have no outstanding fees owed to the Dental Board.

Q: What are the required fees?
A: For fee information, please contact the Dental Board for information regarding current fees.

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Board/Bureau Contacts List