Check a CPA before you hire

Search all 57,689 CPA and CPA firm records in the California Board of Accountancy file, including 9,924 inactive and 8,931 delinquent licenses.

Four checks before you hire

  1. Is the license active? Only a current, active (“Clear”) license lets a CPA practice public accountancy in California. Inactive and delinquent licensees may not.
  2. Does the record match? Compare the name, license number and city with the engagement letter, website or business card.
  3. Check the expiration date. California CPA licenses must be renewed; a license not renewed by its expiration date becomes delinquent.
  4. Look for enforcement history in the DCA license search. Citations and disciplinary orders are public.

Full guide: how to check a CPA license →

What the statuses mean

  • Active (shown as “Clear” by the CBA): current and valid; may practice public accountancy before the expiration date.
  • Inactive: current, but may not practice public accountancy.
  • Delinquent: not renewed by the expiration date; no authority to practice.

Other statuses such as canceled, revoked or surrendered are not in the file we search. All statuses explained →

Source: CBA: About license lookup

Questions

How do I check if a CPA is licensed in California?

Search the person's name or license number here, then confirm on the official DCA license search (search.dca.ca.gov). The California Board of Accountancy (CBA) record is the source of truth.

What does an inactive CPA license mean?

According to the CBA, an inactive license is current, but the licensee is not required to complete continuing education and is not permitted to engage in the practice of public accountancy.

What does a delinquent CPA license mean?

According to the CBA, a delinquent license was not renewed by its expiration date and is expired; the individual does not have authority to practice public accountancy.

Are complaints against a CPA public?

No. The CBA says complaints are not public information, but citations and enforcement actions (accusations, disciplinary orders and citations) are public and posted on the CBA website.