What can I do if the board denies my application for a license?

You can appeal your denial! Many applications are denied because of past convictions , but are successful on appeal. There are also some legal aid attorneys and clinics that may be able to help you appeal (see a list of legal aid organizaitons on PG. 1127). Generally, you have the right to appeal the board’s denial and have an administrative hearing before a neutral administrative law judge.[2034] At the hearing, you have the right to present evidence of your rehabilitation and argue your case for why you deserve a license.[2035] For a general overview of what the appeals process is like, see Appendix Q, PG. 644.

  1. 2034

    Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 485, 487. Important exception: The California Department of Insurance has the power to deny or revoke an insurance broker license without any hearing, if you have been convicted of a felony or any Insurance Code misdemeanor, or if you have had any professional license denied, revoked or suspended within the past 5 years. Cal. Ins. Code § 1669. ↑

  2. 2035

    Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code § 482; see also Arneson v. Fox, 28 Cal.3d 440, 449 (1980). ↑