July is Military Consumer Protection Month, and the California Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) joined in this annual observation in support of service members, veterans, and their families. Military Consumer Protection Month aims to educate the military community about consumer protection resources and empower them to make informed decisions.
With more than 30 major military installations, California is home to a large military community. Approximately 163,000 active duty members and 53,000 reservists and National Guard call California home. Scammers and fraudsters often target service members and their families, highlighting the need to raise awareness.
As a licensing and regulatory agency, DCA joins this annual consumer protection effort to share resources to help consumers make informed decisions.
DCA encourages the military community to get to know the Department of Consumer Affairs. This brochure provides key resources to help consumers stay informed and stay protected.
Additional resources and ways DCA supports consumers:
- A wide net: DCA is made up of 36 boards and bureaus that license 3.3 million professionals in over 280 license types. In order to be licensed, individuals must meet licensing standards and requirement.
- Transparency: The DCA License Search page allows the public to see whether a business or professional’s license is current and in good standing.
- Consumer resources: DCA provides on what to look for when dealing with a professional, tips, and how to file a complaint when something goes wrong.
- Public access: Boards and bureaus hold public meetings to discuss regulations, consumer protection efforts, and more. Anyone can watch, or even participate, at DCA’s livestream page.
- Here to help: The Consumer Information Center can help the public look up a license, file a complaint, and apply for a license. They can help in more than 200 languages at 1-800-952-5210.
All of this information and more is on DCA’s website: dca.ca.gov.
In addition, whether transitioning from military to civilian life or to a military base in California from another state, DCA has licensing resources for the military community:
DCA offers:
- Expedited license application processing
- Renewal waivers
- Temporary licensure for spouses or domestic partners
- Federal professional license portability and state registration
For more information, visit our military resources website at www.dca.ca.gov/military.
