Frequently asked questions
About the directory, the license data (checked Oct 20, 2026) and claiming a listing.
Where does Licensed California get its data?
From the California Board of Accountancy licensee file published by the Department of Consumer Affairs. Our copy was checked Oct 20, 2026. See the data sources page.
Who is listed?
Certified Public Accountants and CPA firms (corporations and partnerships) with an Active license that is not past its expiration date and an address of record in California.
Why can't I find a CPA in the directory?
Their license may be inactive, delinquent, past its expiration date or not in the file, or their address of record may be outside California. Use the Check a CPA tool, which searches every CPA and CPA firm record in the file, or the official DCA license search.
How do I verify a CPA's license?
Search the official DCA license search at search.dca.ca.gov. It is the source of truth and also shows enforcement history.
Is Licensed California part of the California Board of Accountancy?
No. It is an independent directory and is not affiliated with the Board or the Department of Consumer Affairs.
Do you recommend CPAs?
No. Listings are informational. Order is Featured (paid and always labeled), then claimed listings, then everyone else A to Z.
How do I claim my listing?
Licensees and authorized firm staff can claim free at /for-cpas/claim/. Verification is by a code sent to an email on the firm's own website domain, or by uploading a document; every claim is reviewed.
How do I correct or remove a listing?
Claim it to update contact details, or email [email protected]. License facts come only from the Board's file, so changes to those must be made with the Board.
What does a quote request do?
It stores your request for up to 12 months and shares it only with up to 3 licensed CPAs who have claimed their listing and opted in to requests.
How often is the data updated?
The Department of Consumer Affairs refreshes the file monthly; every page shows the date we last checked it.