§ 16240 Unlicensed Professional Practice Ban

Business and Professions Code·California

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Key Takeaways

•You can't work in a job that needs a license if you don't have one.
•You can't pretend to be licensed if you're not.
•Breaking this rule can get you in trouble with the law.

Example

Someone starts cutting hair and charges money without a barber or cosmetology license.

This person is breaking the law because they are doing a job that requires a license without having one. They could be arrested or fined.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 16240 Unlicensed Professional Practice Ban

Every person who practices, offers to practice, or advertises any business, trade, profession, occupation, or calling, or who uses any title, sign, initials, card, or device to indicate that he or she is qualified to practice any business, trade, profession, occupation, or calling for which a license, registration, or certificate is required by any law of this state, without holding a current and valid license, registration, or certificate as prescribed by law, is guilty of a misdemeanor. (Amended by Stats. 1990, Ch. 1207, Sec. 33.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

misdemeanor license registration certificate practice advertises business trade profession occupation calling

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 16240.

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References