Work and business
Who handles getting a professional or occupational license?
Who handles it
A licensing board or agency in your state issues most professional and occupational licenses.
- Not Federal
- State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 3 sources
Why state government
Most occupations are licensed at the state level. Each state sets its own requirements, so a license from one state may not carry over to another.
What to do next
- Use the CareerOneStop License Finder to look up the licensing agency and its requirements in your state.
- Contact that licensing agency to start your application.
- If you are moving, ask the new state’s licensing agency how it recognizes licenses from other states.
In your state
Find your state’s official offices on our state pages.
What varies
Licensing requirements often differ from state to state. Some businesses also need licenses from a county or city.
Learn the background: How does state government work?