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Online License / Registration Verification

Tips on Verifying a License

When verifying a license online, enter the following information to narrow your search:

• Enter the first or last name in the fields provided
• DO NOT enter the prefix for a license number. Enter numbers only

The following licensees and registrants can be verified through the Board of Behavioral Sciences:

• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Licensed Clinical Social Workers
• Licensed Educational Psychologists
• Marriage and Family Therapist Interns
• Associate Clinical Social Workers
• Continuing Education Providers
• MFT Referral Services

Notice to License Verification Users

The license verification tool provides you with accurate, up-to-date information. The licensing or registration information on the Board’s website comes directly from the Board’s licensing records. The website is updated nightly. The Board allows a screen print of the license or registration to be used for verification purposes.

verify license or registration

The Board also processes official certifications.

License Status Definitions

Clear- license renewal fees have been paid and continuing education requirements (if applicable) have been met.

Delinquent- Renewal fees and compliance with the continuing education requirement (if applicable) are past due; or the licensee/registrant has chosen not to renew. Note: The license/registration is expired, and no practice is permitted while the license is delinquent/expired.

Inactive- Licensee may not practice in California. Note: Licensee is exempt from complying with the continuing education requirements.

Disciplinary / Citation Information

If the license or registration verified has any pending or final disciplinary actions, the information will be included. The Board posts official documentation on citations, accusations, and disciplinary actions.

Disciplinary actions taken by the Board become operative on the effective date except in situations where the licensee obtains a court-ordered stay. This may occur after the publication of the information in this website.

For updated information on stay orders and appeals, or for further information on specific discipline for a person listed, you may contact the Board’s Enforcement Unit at (916) 574 - 7868.

Disciplinary Terminology

Accusation- a written statement of charges which shall set forth in ordinary and concise language the acts or omissions with which the respondent is charged, to the end that the respondent will be able to prepare his defense.

Citation­- administrative action, usually including a fine, for violations of the statutes and regulations enforced by the Board.

Revocation, or revoked - the license or registration is canceled and the right to practice is ended.

Suspension - the licensee or registrant is prohibited from practicing for a specific period of time.

Stayed - revocation or suspension is postponed, and the licensee or registrant is put on probation.

Probation - The licensee or registrant may continue to practice under specific terms and conditions.

Voluntary Surrender / Surrender of License - the licensee or registrant turns in the license or registration while charges are still pending. The right to practice is ended.

Effective Decision Date - the date the disciplinary action goes into operation.

Public Reprimand - the licensee or registrant is issued a letter of reprimand resulting from a disciplinary action or pursuant to Business and Professions Code Section 495.

Writ of Mandate - the respondent has appealed the Board's Decision to the Superior Court.

Stay - the Board or Court has ordered the Board's Decision to not be enforced pending further action.

Updated: May 29, 2007