What are DOPL’s Objectives and limitations:


January 10, 2022

Utah’s Department of Commerce licenses most of the professions and occupations in the State of Utah, and most of these are found in the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing. (DOPL) The vast majority of licensed professionals desire to provide an excellent service to the public. DOPL helps the public by guaranteeing a minimum competency for practice and removing bad actors from the economy.

Licensing guarantees minimum competency and standards for practice. For example, using a licensed individual helps you know that your doctor went to medical school, your burglar alarm agent received a criminal history background check, and your contractor was checked for financial responsibility when handling your construction loan. But DOPL also investigates complaints against licensed and unlicensed individuals, further refining the professionalism of practitioners, and removing fraudsters from the market.

Licensing doesn’t ensure that you’ve hired the best person for the job. Licensing helps elevate trust in the entire economy, but you still need to do your work to protect yourself in our free market. Get additional opinions when given a treatment plan, check online reviews when choosing a burglar alarm company, and seek references and a clear written contract when hiring a contractor for your project. DOPL can help improve the likelihood that your surgery, home monitoring and remodel will succeed, but you still need to do your homework to ensure that you receive the best professional services possible.

Together, you and the Department of Commerce are partners as we work to increase trust in Utah’s commercial activities. Let’s go, Utah!