Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration - California Department of Consumer Affairs

How long should my registration in the portal take to get approved?

The law gives boards and bureaus (boards) under DCA 30 days to review and approve complete requests with all the necessary documentation.
We understand the need to be approved quickly to begin working. That is why our goal and many of our requests are being reviewed and approved within a week.

What is a common mistake or any tips so that my application is processed quickly?

First and foremost, ensure that you provide all the required information and attach the necessary documents, such as military orders and proof of licensure.
Providing updated contact information to the relevant board is also advised so they can contact you if there are any questions.

What if I have a question about scope of practice, what is the best way to address that?

States often have varying licensing requirements and scopes of practice – that is why it is important to verify that you are working within California's requirements.
Scope of practice can be found within the laws and regulations of each board which are available on each board's website.
The best way to address questions regarding scope of practice is to reach out to the individual board. You can find a list of boards under DCA Boards/Bureaus.

What is the benefit to listing on a website those practicing under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration?

We knew that individuals working in California under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration would need a place to formally show that they had met the requirements.
Registering with DCA through the portal ensures that employers have a place to verify that you are permitted to practice in California.
It also gives individuals security that they have met the requirements of Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration and are able to practice in California.
It is important to note that DCA cannot force any employers to accept or employ individuals working in California under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration. If there is an issue, we encourage you to have your potential employer contact the relevant board.
We also encourage all individuals practicing under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration to explore full licensure with their respective board if they want to continue practicing in California once their ability to practice under this new authority expires.

Can I complete the online registration as soon as I receive my military orders?

Yes, however, your ability to practice in California under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration does not become effective until you or your spouse begin serving in California.

I have two separate license types – do I need to put in separate requests for each type through the Portal?

Yes, you need to apply separately for each license requesting registration through the Portal.

What is the benefit of entering more than one license into this portal?

As this pertains to including more than one out of state license (for example, North Carolina and South Carolina) in a profession – Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration requires an individual to maintain their license in good standing in every state they are licensed in that profession.
For individuals that hold licenses in multiple license types (for example, a registered nurse and a licensed vocational nurse), applying through the portal for both allows an individual to practice as both in California under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration.

For out of state license verification, is a screenshot of the online verification acceptable? Does it need to state whether there have been any disciplinary actions?

Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration requires that you keep your out of state license in good standing, which would mean no disciplinary actions.
Screenshots of license verification are accepted but they need to reflect the license is current and in good standing.
If the screenshot does not have this information, it may result in delays while staff from the board validate it.

If I am only practicing on a military base in California, do I need to be licensed in California OR approved through the Portal?

No – military bases are exempt settings and do not require any licensure in California or even approval under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration through the Portal.
If you do ultimately want to work off base, you will need either CA licensure OR approval under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration through the portal.

If I am approved to practice under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration, do I need to do complete continuing education requirements in California?

Each board has different requirements; some have no continuing education requirements.
We anticipate that individuals in professions requiring CE will need to complete CE to maintain licensure in other states.
Generally speaking, individuals approved to practice in California through the portal should be aware of the CE requirements of their profession in California and plan to meet those requirements.
If there are any specific CE questions, individuals should reach out to their board with those questions.

I am approved to practice in California under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration, but my out of state license is about to expire – do I need to renew in California?

Yes, to continue practicing under Federal Professional License Portability and State Registration, you need to be in California under current military orders and hold an active license in another state in good standing.
Right now, for any individuals that need to provide updated information, we are asking individuals to reapply through the portal. The system will then update their information in the list online.

What is the best way to get in touch with my licensing board if I have a question?

Contact information is on each board website but we also have a contact form on our military resources page where military applicants can send in inquiries and receive timely responses.
If you have contacted a board and NOT received a response timely, please contact military@dca.ca.gov. We want to make sure we are always being responsive to our military community.