LawWiki
HomeCodesSearchGlossaryAPIAbout
LawWiki

Plain English summaries of California law with zero-hallucination AI. Every summary is verified against official source text.

Product

  • Search
  • Codes
  • About

Legal

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • Disclaimer

© 2026 LawWiki. All rights reserved.

HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 2Ch. 4Art. 4§ 1686 License Reinstatement Petitions

§ 1686 License Reinstatement Petitions

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 1686 License Reinstatement Petitions

Key Takeaways

  • •If your work license is taken away or you're on probation, you have to wait a certain time before you can ask to get it back.
  • •The wait time depends on why your license was taken: 3 years for bad behavior, 2 years for long probation, or 1 year for shorter probation or health issues.
  • •When you ask to get your license back, the board looks at what you've done since losing it, why you lost it, and if you've tried to improve.
  • •You can't ask to get your license back if you're still in trouble with the law or have another case pending.

Example

A doctor lost their medical license for doing something wrong at work.

The doctor has to wait at least 3 years before they can ask the board to give their license back. During that time, they need to show they’ve learned from their mistake and are ready to be a good doctor again.

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

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 1686 License Reinstatement Petitions

A person whose license, certificate, or permit has been revoked or suspended, who has been placed on probation, or whose license, certificate, or permit was surrendered pursuant to a stipulated settlement as a condition to avoid a disciplinary administrative hearing, may petition the board for reinstatement or modification of penalty, including modification or termination of probation, after a period of not less than the following minimum periods have elapsed from the effective date of the decision ordering disciplinary action: (a) At least three years for reinstatement of a license revoked for unprofessional conduct or surrendered pursuant to a stipulated settlement as a condition to avoid an administrative disciplinary hearing. (b) At least two years for early termination, or modification of a condition, of a probation of three years or more. (c) At least one year for modification of a condition, or reinstatement of a license revoked for mental or physical illness, or termination, or modification of a condition, of a probation of less than three years. The petition shall state any fact required by the board. The petition may be heard by the board, or the board may assign the petition to an administrative law judge designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code. In considering reinstatement or modification of penalty, the board or the administrative law judge hearing the petition may consider (1) all activities of the petitioner since the disciplinary action was taken, (2) the offense for which the petitioner was disciplined, (3) the petitioner’s activities during the time the license, certificate, or permit was in good standing, and (4) the petitioner’s rehabilitative efforts, general reputation for truth, and professional ability. The hearing may be continued from time to time as the board or the administrative law judge as designated in Section 11371 of the Government Code finds necessary. The board or the administrative law judge may impose necessary terms and conditions on the licentiate in reinstating a license, certificate, or permit or modifying a penalty. A petition under this section shall not be considered while the petitioner is under sentence for any criminal offense, including any period during which the petitioner is on court-imposed probation or parole. A petition shall not be considered while there is an accusation or petition to revoke probation pending against the person. The board may deny without a hearing or argument any petition filed pursuant to this section within a period of two years from the effective date of the prior decision following a hearing under this section. This section shall not be deemed to alter Sections 822 and 823. (Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 497, Sec. 1. (AB 991) Effective January 1, 2020.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

reinstatementmodification of penaltyprobationdisciplinary actionadministrative law judge

Related Statutes

  • § 2661.7 License Reinstatement Periods
  • § 1670.1 Dental License Discipline Rules
  • § 1671 Licentiate Probation Conditions
  • § 1672 Probation Cost Payment Requirements
  • § 1957 License Reinstatement Petitions

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 1686.
View Official Source