California Workers Need Universal Licensing Recognition

Key Takeaways

Nearly 1 in 6 workers in California are forced to seek permission from the government through an occupational license to work in their desired field.

In California, workers, on average, spend 837 days and $517 to earn their license.

License restrictions in California cost the economy $22 billion and nearly 195,000 jobs.

Universal licensing recognition would make occupational licenses portable across state lines, allowing workers to move to California and get right back to work.

25 other states have implemented universal licensing recognition laws to allow workers to transfer occupational licenses across states (as of 2024).

OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING IS A BARRIER TO EMPLOYMENT IN California

5 BENEFITS OF UNIVERSAL LICENSING RECOGNITION

  1. Increased Mobility: States that have passed universal recognition have experienced a nearly 50% increase in interstate migration among those with low portability licenses.
  2. Stronger Workforce: When states enact universal licensing recognition, they experience increased labor market participation and lower unemployment. Workers have more incentive to invest in their own skills, and there is no evidence of a decline in worker quality or customer satisfaction.
  3. Enhanced Business Environment: Greater portability of occupational licenses makes it easier for businesses to attract workers, which fosters greater entrepreneurship.
  4. More Growth, Bigger Paychecks: Enhanced economic dynamism brings about higher productivity and paycheck-enhancing economic growth.
  5. Improved Affordability: Universal licensing recognition can mitigate the excessive licensing rules that currently cost consumers more than $200 billion annually in the form of higher prices.

It’s time for CALIFORNIA to RECOGNIZE ALL LICENSES.

Join The
Movement



By providing your information, you become a member of America First Policy Institute and consent to receive emails. By checking the opt in box, you consent to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages. Message and data rates may apply. Message frequency varies. Text STOP to opt-out or HELP for help. SMS opt in will not be sold, rented, or shared. You can view our Privacy Policy and Mobile Terms of Service here.