Authored by Senator Ricardo Lara, Senate Bill 1159 allows all otherwise eligible applicants to obtain a professional license, regardless of their immigration status, by allowing the use of a Social Security Number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in the application process. The law, which should now be fully implemented, ensures that all individuals can obtain a license to practice the profession for which they have trained, and can use their skills to contribute more fully to California’s economy. This state law eliminates one barrier for immigrants, including some individuals with federal work authorization, who were prevented by agency rules from obtaining a license. SB 1159, however, does not change federal law. Please consult an immigrant rights or legal aid organization if you have questions about your specific situation. Additionally, please review existing tax rules.
For a list of the 40 professions that should now accept an ITIN or SSN, please visit the Department of Consumer Affairs website by clicking here.
- Accountancy, Board of
- Acupuncture Board
- Arbitration Certification Program
- Architects Board, California
- Automotive Repair, Bureau of
- Barbering and Cosmetology, Board of
- Behavioral Sciences, Board of
- California Athletic Commission
- Cemetery and Funeral Bureau
- Chiropractic Examiners, Board of
- Complaint Resolution Program
- Consumer Information Center
- Contractors State License Board
- Court Reporters Board
- Dental Hygiene Committee of California
- Dental Board of California
- Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation, Bureau of
- Engineers, Land Surveyors, and Geologists, Board for Professional
- Guide Dogs for the Blind, Board of
- Landscape Architects Technical Committee
- Medical Board of California
- Medical Marijuana Regulations, Bureau of
- Naturopathic Medicine Committee
- Occupational Therapy, California Board of
- Optometry, Board of
- Osteopathic Medical Board of California
- Pharmacy, Board of
- Physical Therapy Board of California
- Physician Assistant Board
- Podiatric Medicine, Board of
- Private Postsecondary Education, Bureau for
- Professional Fiduciaries Bureau
- Psychology, Board of
- Real Estate, Bureau of
- Real Estate Appraisers, Bureau of
- Registered Nursing, Board of
- Respiratory Care Board
- Security and Investigative Services, Bureau of
- Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board
- Structural Pest Control Board
- Telephone Medical Advice Services Bureau
- Veterinary Medical Board
- Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians, Board of
