AutoBridge

User Guide: Licensed Professional Approval Workflow

Last updated: January 15, 2026


Overview

The Licensed Professional feature allows contractors, engineers, and other licensed professionals to register their professional licenses within the Permitting System. Once registered and verified by staff, these licenses can be used when applying for permits that require licensed professionals.

Key Benefits

BenefitDescription
Streamlined ApplicationsPre-verified licenses speed up permit applications
Compliance TrackingSystem tracks license expiration and status
Verification WorkflowStaff can validate licenses before approval
Centralized ManagementAll licenses stored in one profile location

For Citizens/Applicants: Registering Your License

Accessing License Management

  1. Log in to the Citizen Portal
  2. Click on your profile icon (top right)
  3. Select Account Settings or Profile
  4. Navigate to the Licenses Info tab in the sidebar

Understanding the License Page

The Licenses page displays two sections:

SectionDescription
Active LicensesVerified and approved licenses ready for use
License RequestsSubmitted licenses pending verification

Adding a New License

  1. From the Licenses Info page, click "Add a License"
  2. Complete the license registration form:

Required Information:

FieldDescriptionExample
License NameYour name as shown on licenseJohn A. Smith
License TypeCategory of licenseElectrical, Plumbing, Structural
Issuing AgencyOrganization that issued licenseMD Board of Architects
Issue DateDate license was issued01/15/2020
Expiration DateDate license expires01/15/2026
License DocumentUpload copy of licensePDF, JPG, or PNG file
  1. Review all information for accuracy
  2. Click "Submit" to send for verification

Supported File Formats

When uploading your license document:

  • PDF - Preferred for multi-page documents
  • JPG/JPEG - Photos of license
  • PNG - Scanned images
  • SVG - Vector graphics (if applicable)

Tip: Ensure the uploaded document is clear, legible, and shows all required information including license number, name, and expiration date.

License Status Workflow

After submission, your license goes through these stages:

StageStatusNext Step
1Submitted→ Pending Verification
2Pending Verification (Staff reviewing)→ Decision
3aApprovedMoves to Active Licenses
3bDeniedYou receive reason, can resubmit
3cMore Info RequiredYou receive request, can update

License Status Meanings

StatusBadge ColorDescription
Pending VerificationYellow/OrangeAwaiting staff review
Approved/ActiveGreenVerified and ready to use
DeniedRedNot approved (see reason)
ExpiredGrayPast expiration date
More Info RequiredYellowStaff needs additional information
RevokedRedManually deactivated by staff

Viewing License Details

For any license in your list:

  1. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) on the license card
  2. Select "View" to see full details
  3. Modal displays:
    • License name and type
    • Issuing agency
    • Issue and expiration dates
    • Date of signature
    • License document preview
    • Current status

Renewing a License

When your license is approaching expiration:

  1. Navigate to Licenses Info in your profile
  2. Click "Renew a License"
  3. Select the license to renew
  4. Update information as needed:
    • New expiration date
    • Updated license document
  5. Submit for re-verification

Note: You'll receive automatic reminders 30 days before license expiration.


For Citizens/Applicants: Using Licenses in Permit Applications

Selecting Your License on a Permit

When applying for a permit that requires a licensed professional:

  1. Start your permit application
  2. At the Licensed Professional field:
    • Your licenses appear if you're the professional
    • Select the appropriate license from the dropdown
  3. Only Active (approved) licenses are available for selection

Adding a Different Professional

If you're the property owner but not the licensed professional:

  1. In the Licensed Professional field, click "Search"
  2. Search by:
    • Professional's name
    • License number
    • Company name
  3. Select from search results (only Active licenses shown)
  4. If not found, click "Add New Professional" to invite them

License Requirements by Permit Type

Some permits require specific license types:

Permit TypeRequired License
Electrical WorkElectrical License
Plumbing InstallationPlumbing License
HVAC SystemsMechanical License
Fire SuppressionFire Safety License
Structural ChangesStructural Engineer License

Note: Permit types may be restricted if you don't have the required license on file. Contact the county for clarification on specific requirements.


For Licensed Professionals: Authorized Users

Understanding Authorized Users

Licensed professionals can designate other citizen portal account holders to use their license credentials when submitting permit applications. These designated users are called Authorized Users (or Authorized Agents).

Key Benefits of Authorized Users

BenefitDescription
DelegationAllow office staff or assistants to submit permits on your behalf
EfficiencyMultiple people can work under your license credentials
FlexibilityGrant and revoke access as business needs change
AccountabilityTrack which authorized user submitted each application

Who Can Be an Authorized User?

An Authorized User must:

  • Have an existing citizen portal account (create one first if needed)
  • Be designated by a licensed professional with an Active license
  • Have the delegation approved by county staff
  • Submit applications under the delegating professional's license

Designating an Authorized User

Step 1: Authorized User Creates Account

The person you want to authorize must first:

  1. Create a citizen portal account
  2. Complete their basic profile information
  3. Provide you with their account email address

Step 2: Submit Delegation Form

  1. Navigate to ProfileLicenses Info
  2. Find your Active license card
  3. Click Manage Authorized Users or Add Authorized User
  4. Complete the delegation form:
FieldDescription
User to AuthorizeSearch by email or name
Delegation Start DateWhen authorization begins
Delegation ExpirationOptional end date for authorization
ScopeWhich permit types they can submit (all or specific)
Authorization LetterUpload signed authorization document
  1. Submit the delegation request

Note: Written authorization is required. You may need to upload a signed letter or complete a certification statement.

Step 3: County Staff Approval

After submission:

  1. County staff reviews the delegation request
  2. Staff verifies your license is Active
  3. Staff confirms the authorization letter
  4. Upon approval, the Authorized User's permissions expand

What Authorized Users Can Do

Once approved, your Authorized Users can:

ActionAllowed
Start permit applications using your licenseYes
Submit applications on your behalfYes
View permits they submittedYes
Schedule inspectionsYes
Respond to revision requestsYes
Modify your license informationNo
Add other authorized usersNo
See your other permitsNo

Managing Your Authorized Users

View Current Authorized Users:

  1. Go to ProfileLicenses Info
  2. Click on your license card
  3. Select View Authorized Users
  4. See list of all current and past authorizations

Revoke Authorization:

  1. Find the Authorized User in your list
  2. Click Revoke Access
  3. Confirm the revocation
  4. User immediately loses ability to use your license
  5. Previously submitted applications remain linked to your license

Authorized User Status

StatusMeaning
PendingAwaiting county staff approval
ActiveUser can submit permits under your license
ExpiredAuthorization end date has passed
RevokedYou or county staff cancelled authorization

Important Considerations

  1. Responsibility - You remain responsible for all permits submitted under your license, including those submitted by Authorized Users
  2. License Status - If your license expires or is revoked, all Authorized Users lose their delegated privileges
  3. Unlimited Users - You can designate unlimited Authorized Users per license
  4. Multiple Licenses - If you hold multiple licenses, you must authorize users separately for each license type
  5. Audit Trail - The system records which authorized user submitted each application

For Authorized Users

If You've Been Authorized:

  1. You'll receive an email notification when your authorization is approved
  2. Log in to your citizen portal account
  3. When starting a new permit application:
    • Select "Licensed Professional" when prompted
    • Your delegating professional's license will appear in "Use Authorized License"
    • Select their license to proceed
  4. The permit will be submitted under their license credentials

What You'll See:

  • The license holder's name and credentials on the application
  • Your name recorded as the submitting agent
  • Access to the permit for status updates and revision responses

For Staff: Reviewing License Submissions

Accessing the License Review Queue

  1. Log in to the Entity Manager application
  2. Navigate to the Licensed Professionals entity
  3. Go to the Pending Verification view/dashboard
  4. See all licenses awaiting review

License Review Dashboard

The dashboard displays:

  • Submission date
  • Applicant name
  • License type
  • Uploaded documents
  • Current status

Reviewing a License Submission

For each pending license:

  1. Open the record by clicking on it

  2. Review submitted information:

    • License holder name
    • License type and number
    • Issuing agency
    • Issue and expiration dates
    • Uploaded license document
  3. Verify the license:

    • Open the license document
    • Cross-reference with issuing agency (if available)
    • Verify expiration date is valid
    • Confirm name matches submission

Verification Resources

Use these resources to verify licenses:

License TypeVerification Source
ElectricalMD Dept of Labor - Electrician License Lookup
PlumbingMD Dept of Labor - Plumbing License Lookup
HVACMD Dept of Labor - HVACR License Lookup
EngineeringMD Board of Professional Engineers
ArchitectureMD Board of Architects

Note: Links to certifying body verification URLs may be provided in the system configuration.

Approval Actions

After reviewing, take one of these actions:

Approve License

  1. Verify all information is correct
  2. Click "Approve" or set status to "Approved"
  3. Add approval notes (optional)
  4. Save the record
  5. Applicant receives approval notification
  6. License moves to "Active Licenses" in applicant's profile

Deny License

  1. Identify the issue(s) with the submission
  2. Click "Deny" or set status to "Denied"
  3. Required: Enter denial reason
    • Be specific and actionable
    • Example: "License number does not match issuing agency records"
  4. Save the record
  5. Applicant receives denial notification with reason

Request More Information

  1. Identify missing or unclear information
  2. Click "Request Info" or set status to "More Info Required"
  3. Required: Specify what is needed
    • Example: "Please upload a clearer image of your license showing the license number"
  4. Save the record
  5. Applicant receives notification to update their submission

Staff Notes and Comments

When reviewing:

  • Add internal notes visible only to staff
  • Document verification steps taken
  • Note any concerns or special circumstances
  • All actions are logged in the audit trail

For Staff: Managing Existing Licenses

Monitoring Expiring Licenses

  1. Navigate to Licensed Professionals entity
  2. Use the Expiring Soon view/filter
  3. See licenses expiring within 30/60/90 days
  4. Contact professionals about renewal if needed

Revoking a License

If a license must be revoked:

  1. Open the license record
  2. Change status to "Revoked"
  3. Enter revocation reason
  4. Save the record
  5. Professional receives notification
  6. License no longer appears in Active Licenses
  7. License cannot be used on new permit applications

When to Revoke:

  • License reported as fraudulent
  • Issuing agency confirms revocation
  • Disciplinary action by licensing board
  • Professional requests removal

Reactivating a License

If a revoked license should be reactivated:

  1. Open the license record
  2. Verify the issue has been resolved
  3. Change status to "Approved"
  4. Add notes explaining reactivation
  5. Save the record
  6. Professional receives notification
  7. License returns to Active status

For Staff: Managing Authorized User Delegations

Reviewing Delegation Requests

When a licensed professional submits an Authorized User delegation:

  1. Navigate to the License Delegations queue or dashboard
  2. Review pending delegation requests
  3. For each request, verify:
    • The license holder has an Active license
    • The authorization document is valid and signed
    • The authorized user has a valid account

Approving a Delegation

  1. Open the delegation request
  2. Review the submitted authorization letter
  3. Confirm the license holder's identity
  4. Click Approve Delegation
  5. Both parties receive email notification
  6. Authorized User's permissions are expanded

Denying a Delegation

  1. Open the delegation request
  2. Click Deny Delegation
  3. Enter a specific reason (required)
  4. Both parties are notified with the denial reason

Managing Active Delegations

Staff can view and manage all active delegations:

ActionWhen to Use
View DetailsSee delegation scope and history
Revoke DelegationWhen requested or for compliance issues
Extend ExpirationIf delegation needs more time

Delegation Revocation by Staff

Staff may revoke a delegation if:

  • License holder requests revocation
  • License becomes expired or revoked
  • Compliance or fraud concerns arise
  • Business relationship ends

To revoke:

  1. Open the delegation record
  2. Click Revoke Delegation
  3. Enter revocation reason
  4. Both parties are notified

Automated Notifications

For Applicants

EventNotification
License SubmittedConfirmation email with reference number
License ApprovedApproval email, license now available
License DeniedDenial email with reason
More Info RequestedEmail with specific request
Expiring in 30 DaysReminder to renew
License ExpiredNotice that license is no longer active
Delegation SubmittedConfirmation of authorized user request
Delegation ApprovedAuthorized user can now use your license
Delegation DeniedDenial with reason
Delegation RevokedAuthorization has been terminated

For Authorized Users

EventNotification
Delegation ApprovedYou can now submit permits under the license
Delegation DeniedRequest was not approved (with reason)
Delegation RevokedYour authorization has been terminated
License ExpiredDelegating professional's license expired

For Staff

EventNotification
New SubmissionTask notification for review queue
Applicant ResponseAlert when additional info provided
Approaching DeadlineReminder for pending reviews
New Delegation RequestTask for delegation approval queue

License Types

Available License Categories

TypeCodeDescription
ElectricalelectricalLicensed electricians
Fire Safetyfire_safetyFire protection professionals
MechanicalmechanicalHVAC and mechanical systems
PlumbingplumbingLicensed plumbers
StructuralstructuralStructural engineers

Note: Additional license types may be configured by administrators based on county requirements.


Troubleshooting

For Applicants

Q: I submitted my license but it's not showing in Active Licenses. A: New submissions require staff verification. Check the "License Requests" section for status. Verification typically takes 1-3 business days.

Q: My license was denied. What do I do? A: Review the denial reason in your notification email. Address the issue and resubmit through "Add a License" with corrected information.

Q: I can't select my license on a permit application. A: Only "Active" (approved) licenses can be used. Check your license status in Profile → Licenses Info. If pending, wait for approval. If denied, resubmit.

Q: My license is about to expire. How do I renew? A: Click "Renew a License" in your Licenses Info page, update the expiration date and upload the renewed license document.

Q: I uploaded the wrong document. Can I change it? A: If your license is still pending, you may be able to update it. If already approved, add a new license or contact county staff.

Q: The license type I need isn't in the list. A: Contact Permitting Support to request additional license types or clarify which existing type applies to your situation.

Q: How do I add an Authorized User to my license? A: Navigate to Profile → Licenses Info, click on your active license, and select "Manage Authorized Users" or "Add Authorized User." The person must have a citizen portal account first.

Q: My Authorized User's delegation is pending. How long does approval take? A: Delegation requests are typically reviewed within 1-3 business days. The authorized user will receive an email when approved.

Q: Can I revoke an Authorized User's access immediately? A: Yes, you can revoke access at any time from your license management page. The user loses access immediately upon revocation.

Q: I'm an Authorized User but can't see the license I should have access to. A: Verify that the delegation was approved (check your email for confirmation). If approved, ensure you're selecting "Use Authorized License" when starting an application.

For Staff

Q: How do I verify a license from another state? A: Each state has licensing board websites. Search for "[State] [License Type] license verification" or contact the issuing agency directly.

Q: The applicant disputes my denial. What do I do? A: Review the original submission again. If the denial was in error, you can update the status to Approved. If not, provide additional clarification to the applicant.

Q: I need to approve multiple licenses quickly. Is there a bulk option? A: Check if your system has bulk actions enabled in the license dashboard. Otherwise, process each individually to ensure proper verification.

Q: A license was approved but should have been denied. Can I change it? A: Yes, you can change an approved license to Revoked status with an explanation. The professional will be notified.


Best Practices

For Applicants

  1. Submit clear documents - Ensure license image is readable
  2. Double-check information - Verify all dates and names
  3. Renew promptly - Don't wait until expiration
  4. Keep records - Save confirmation emails
  5. Update promptly - Respond to info requests quickly

For Staff

  1. Verify independently - Don't rely solely on submitted documents
  2. Be specific - Provide clear reasons for denials
  3. Document everything - Add notes for audit trail
  4. Process promptly - Don't let requests sit too long
  5. Use resources - Leverage verification websites

Related Features


Technical Notes

Component Locations:

  • License Management: /apps/citizen-portal-host/src/pages/Profile/License/
  • License List: /pages/Profile/License/LicensesList/LicensesList.tsx
  • Add/Renew Form: /pages/Profile/License/AddRenewLicenseForm/
  • License Card: /pages/Profile/License/LicenseCard/

Profile Sidebar Navigation:

  • Path: ProfileLicenses Info
  • Route: /user-profile/licenses-info

License Constants:

LICENSE_CONSTS = {
  TYPE: 'type',
  ISSUE_DATE: 'issue_date',
  EXPIRATION_DATE: 'expiration_date',
  IS_ACTIVE: 'is_active',
  ISSUING_AUTHORITY: 'issuing_authority',
  NAME: 'license_name',
  LICENSE_DOCUMENT: 'license_file',
  LICENSE_ISSUING_AGENCY: 'license_issuing_agency',
  LICENSE_EXPIRATION_DATE: 'license_expiration_date',
  SIGNATURE_OF_LICENSEE: 'signature_of_licensee',
}

License Types:

LICENSE_TYPE_OPTIONS = [
  { label: 'Electrical', value: 'electrical' },
  { label: 'Fire Safety', value: 'fire_safety' },
  { label: 'Mechanical', value: 'mechanical' },
  { label: 'Plumbing', value: 'plumbing' },
  { label: 'Structural', value: 'structural' },
]

Data Flow:

StepAction
1Applicant submits license
2Record created with "Pending" status
3Staff reviews in Entity Manager
4Staff approves/denies
5Status updated
6Notification sent to applicant
7If approved, license available for permit applications

For additional assistance, contact your System Administrator.