Licensing Predetermination Review - Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing
The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing is committed to supporting Marylanders re-entering the workforce. If you want to start a professional career but worry that a past criminal history might stop you from getting a license, the Occupational Licensing and Certification Predetermination Review Process might be helpful for you.
After House Bill 557 was signed into law in 2026, Marylanders with a criminal record can now seek a predetermination review to see if their record might disqualify them from receiving an occupational license before they complete the requirements to apply for one.
We review all past criminal records individually during the regular application process. However, this optional predetermination review lets you check if your background prevents licensing before you spend time and money on classes, training, or exams.
Predetermination review is available for licenses under any board or license type in the Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. The review costs $100. If your household income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty line, you may qualify to have this fee waived.
Use the guidelines below to decide if asking for a review makes sense for you.
Please note: No specific crime automatically bars you from getting a license from our Division. All applications are assessed individually.
Who should ask for a review?
You should consider requesting a predetermination review if your record includes:
- Felony Charges or Convictions: Serious offenses are looked at closely by licensing boards and have a higher chance of affecting licensure.
- Recent Convictions: Recent offenses require more detailed review than older, settled cases.
- Violent Crimes: Crimes involving violence will generally receive extra scrutiny and have a higher chance of affecting licensure.
- Financial Crimes or Fraud: If you are applying to a board where financial oversight or fiduciary duty is required, past felonies involving money or fraud will likely affect licensure.
- Crimes Involving Vulnerable Groups: Convictions related to child abuse, sexual harm, or sexual abuse material will likely affect licenses in fields involving work with children or entering private homes.
Who may not need a review?
You likely do not need to request or pay for a predetermination review if your record only contains:
- Minor Traffic Tickets: Basic traffic violations or driving points do not prevent licensing unless they are criminal misdemeanors.
- Older Non-Violent Misdemeanors: Minor offenses, drug possession, or DUIs more than three years old are usually not viewed as major barriers and typically do not need a predetermination review.
Apply for a Review
To learn more about applying for a review, contact your specific licensing board or program.