The DCP License Services Division issues a variety of licenses, registrations, and permits to individuals and businesses in Connecticut. There are more than 260,000 active credentials across 130 credential types.
Biggest Movers: Industry Trends in Connecticut
Percentages are based on total application numbers from 2020 to 2025, highlighting which industries have seen the biggest growth or greatest decline.
Industries with biggest growth based on applications processed from 2020 to 2025:
- Cottage Food Operator (191%)
- Health Club (180%)
- Heating and Cooling (71%)
- Electricians (68%)
- Plumbers (64%)
Industries with biggest decline based on applications processed from 2020 to 2025:
- TV & Radio Service and Dealers (-51%)
- Home Heating Dealers (-33%)
- Real Estate Brokers and Salespeople (-30%)
- Gas Stations (-27%)
- Food Manufacturers (-17%)
Active Status: Industries with Most Active Credentials in Connecticut
The following industries hold the highest number of credentials issued by DCP.
- Occupational Trades (41,908): Professionals that work in electrical, Heating Ventilation and Cooling (HVAC), home inspection, plumbing and pipefitting, sheet metal work, and pool installations.
- Average approval time: 40 days (longer approval time due to third-party competency testing)
- Home Improvement and New Home Construction (29,331): Registrations for contractors on residential properties, single or multifamily dwellings, condominiums or common interest communities, and charge more than $1,000/month for 12 month/year.
- Average approval time: 2 days
- Real Estate (27,119): Licensure for individuals buying or selling real estate property on behalf of a consumer. This includes real estate salespeople, brokers, real estate teams, community association managers, and temporary appraisers. Approval ensures individuals are qualified and meet the necessary education requirements.
- Average approval time: 23 days
- Accountancy (24,790): Credentials include a Certified Public Account (CPA) Certificate Registration, License, and Accountancy Firm Permits, for example, a home office. Credentials are issued based on education, exams, experience, and ethical requirements.
- Average approval time: 15 days
License Services Division at a Glance
The License Services Division is comprised of 22 full-time staff. In 2025, the team replied to an average of 800 emails per week and answered 18,490 phone calls.
In a survey sent to applicants:
- 97% of respondents rated License Services as Good or Satisfactory
- 93% of respondents said they were informed about the progress of their application during the review process.
Applications Processed
- 38,271 new applications
- 197,312 renewal applications
Most Renewals in 2025
In 2025, the credential type with the most renewal application submissions was the Controlled Substance Registration for Practitioner. Registered individuals can distribute, dispense, conduct research, administer or procure controlled substances through professional practices.
Application Improvements
Since 2015, digital certifications have saved the State of Connecticut over $1 million
License Services offers digital certifications and notices for many credentials, jump starting careers, getting Connecticut to work faster, and saving money.
- Applicants no longer wait to receive their credential through the mail, which can take days or weeks to arrive.
- Most new applicants receive digital credentials immediately upon approval.
- For renewals, digital certificates allow current credential holders to continue their work without interruption if there are no changes to their credential.
- Most credential holders no longer need to request a physical replacement. They can now print multiple copies and send a copy of their credential to interested parties.
That means the doctor who needs their renewed registration to prescribe medication the following day, or the real estate agent with a closing scheduled next week, can continue their work knowing they have a copy of their most up to date credentials in hand.
- To learn more about credentials issued by the Department of Consumer Protection and how to apply, visit our Licensing page.