Department of Consumer Affairs

The California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) is a unique and dynamic department made up of 36 different boards, bureaus, a committee, a commission, and a program that license and regulate more than 3.4 million licensees in more than 280 license types including certificates, registrations, and permits. Together, DCA protects and serves consumers in many ways:

• DCA is a service provider ‐ Through several administrative divisions and offices, including Communications, Legislative Affairs, Legal Affairs, Human Resources, Business Services, Fiscal Office, and Information Technology, DCA provides oversight and support services for these boards and bureaus to assist them in their mission of consumer protection.

• DCA is an educator ‐ DCA and its licensing boards and bureaus educate consumers by giving them information they need to avoid being victimized by unscrupulous, unlicensed, or unqualified people who promote deceptive or unsafe services.

• DCA is a licensing entity ‐ Through its licensing boards and bureaus, DCA licenses more than 3.4 million professionals and enables consumers to check the license status of these professionals online or by phone.

• DCA is a regulator ‐ Through its licensing boards and bureaus and its Division of Investigation, DCA investigates consumer complaints on issues under its jurisdiction. If violations are found, license holders can face discipline that may include probation, suspension or revocation of a license, fines and citations, letters of reprimand, cease and desist orders, or criminal charges.

DCA is committed to supporting the core mission of consumer protection, which is shared by all its boards and bureaus.