A criminal record does not automatically mean every professional license in California is closed to you. Licensing decisions depend on the occupation, licensing board, type and age of the conviction, applicable law, and the applicant's individual circumstances.
California reforms—including Assembly Bill 2138—limited how many Department of Consumer Affairs licensing boards may use criminal convictions in licensing decisions, but the exact rules are not identical across every profession.
Start with the correct licensing board
California has many licensing agencies and boards. Before paying for training, an application or exam, identify the exact board that regulates the occupation.
Use the California Department of Consumer Affairs to find the board and current licensing rules for many regulated professions.
Read the board's criminal-history rules before applying
Look for:
- application questions;
- disqualifying offenses;
- look-back periods;
- rehabilitation criteria;
- disclosure requirements;
- fingerprint or Live Scan requirements;
- appeal procedures; and
- whether you can request an early determination before investing in training.
Never assume the rules for one profession apply to another.
Gather accurate records
If a board asks about criminal history, accuracy matters.
Before applying, consider obtaining:
- court disposition records;
- proof that probation or parole was completed;
- record-relief documents;
- certificates or training records;
- employment history;
- reference letters; and
- evidence of rehabilitation relevant to the occupation.
Do not guess about the outcome of an old case.
Record relief may help, but it is not a universal eraser
California has several forms of record relief, and their effects differ. An expungement or other relief may improve employment and licensing opportunities, but some licensing agencies can still require disclosure or consider certain records under specific laws.
Read our related guide: Understanding Record Expungement and Record Relief in Sacramento County.
Think before paying for school
Some career programs cost thousands of dollars. Before enrolling, ask the licensing board whether a criminal-history issue could prevent licensure.
The school selling the training is not necessarily the final authority on whether the state will issue a license.
Licensing checklist
- Identify the exact license.
- Find the correct California board.
- Read current criminal-history rules.
- Gather court records.
- Review record relief.
- Ask whether an early eligibility review is available.
- Document rehabilitation.
- Get legal advice if the licensing consequences are significant or unclear.
- Only then make major education or training investments.
Related Reentry Village guides
- Sacramento Jobs and Training Programs for People With Records
- California Fair Chance Act: What Job Seekers With Records Should Know
- Understanding Record Expungement and Record Relief in Sacramento County
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Sources
- California Department of Consumer Affairs
- California DCA — Annual Reports and AB 2138 implementation information
- California Civil Rights Department — Fair Chance Act
Last reviewed: August 11, 2026
Disclaimer: General legal and licensing information only, not legal advice. Licensing rules differ by board and profession and can change. Confirm requirements with the responsible licensing board and seek qualified legal advice for individual cases.
Disclaimer
This article provides general educational information, not legal, medical, mental-health, benefits, or case-management advice. Programs, eligibility rules, hours, and availability can change. Confirm details with the responsible agency. Call or text 988 for an urgent behavioral-health crisis, and call 911 when there is immediate danger to life.