Almanac note · Rules and licenses
Professional license lookups are split by job
California has separate lookup paths for many licensed workers, including DCA boards, real estate licensees, and insurance licensees.
California does not keep every professional license in one neat box. A contractor, nurse, barber, real estate agent, insurance agent, and many other workers can be checked, but the right search depends on the job.
DCA’s license search covers many boards and bureaus. Real estate licensees have a separate Department of Real Estate lookup. Insurance licensees have a Department of Insurance tool. Use the name, license number, business name, and city when you have them.
Check the license before money changes hands. Look for the name match, license status, business address, and any limits shown on the record. If the lookup does not match the person in front of you, slow down and ask for the exact license information.
Where to see it
DCA license search, Department of Real Estate lookup, and Department of Insurance license tools.
Official sources
Official source trail
Reviewed July 4, 2026
California Porch explains the path. The official source is still the place to confirm the current rule, fee, form, map, deadline, or office decision.
Use the official page before you spend money, file paperwork, rely on a deadline, or change a property.
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