DIRECTORY FOR AGENCIES WITH

LICENSES AND PERMITS

*This document may not include all information regarding permits and regulations required by every department or government agency. Some
referenced documents and resources can be found in Adobe PDF format and are not included in this Word Document.
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Table of Contents



DEPARTMENT OF STATE ...................................................................................... 3

ATTORNEY GENERAL ........................................................................................... 4

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ......................................................................... 6

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH ................................................................................... 7

STATE POLICE ...................................................................................................... 8

PENNDOT AND PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION (TRANSPORTATION) .................... 9

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WELFARE .................................................................. 13

OTHER RELATED DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, & AGENCIES ......................... 15







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Department of State:

Department of States Business and Health-Related Boards and licensing requirements for professional practices:


http://www.dos.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/licensing/12483

Phone: 717.787.1057


Be aware that certain professionals must be licensed to
practice in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. To make
sure the professionals who serve you are licensed and in
good standing, call the Bureau's General Information
telephone number (717) 787-8503; or contact the
licensing board directly using the links provided below.
Professional Licensing Boards and Commissions
Business-Related Boards
Accountancy
Architects Licensure Board
Auctioneer Examiners
Barber Examiners
Certified Real Estate Appraisers
Cosmetology
Crane Operators
Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land
Surveyors and Geologists
Funeral Directors
Landscape Architects
Real Estate Commission
Vehicle Manufacturers, Dealers and Salespersons
Navigation Commission for the Delaware River and its
Navigable Tributaries













Letter to Veteran's Administration Hospitals
Regarding License Verifications
Health-Related Boards
Chiropractic
Dentistry
Massage Therapy
Medicine
Nursing
Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators
Occupational Therapy
Optometry
Osteopathic Medicine
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Podiatry
Psychology
Speech-Language and Hearing Examiners
Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and
Professional Counselors
Veterinary Medicine





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Attorney General:

Contractor & Home Improvement-Related:

ATTORNEY GENERAL REGISTER HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTRACTOR

Below is the link to the Attorney Generals web page... Frequently Asked Questions and registration. There you
will read about registration, procedures, renewal, if your company must register... etc. Good information. It is the
law for residential contractors to register with this office.
http://www.attorneygeneral.gov/hic.aspx?id=4339




In 2008, the Pennsylvania Legislature passed the Home Improvement Consumer Protection Act. The law requires
that all contractors who perform at least $5,000 worth of home improvements per year register with the Attorney
General's Office.
We have worked to ensure that the registration process is as quick and easy as possible. Registration may be
completed online or by mailing an application to our office. We encourage you to complete your registration
online, as you will receive your registration number and a printable temporary registration certificate
instantaneously.
As of July 1, 2009, consumers in Pennsylvania are able to verify registration with the Attorney General's office by
visiting the Registered Contractors page or by calling our toll-free hotline, 1-888-520-6680. Our office encourages
consumers to use registered contractors when deciding to invest in home improvements. Contractors with
questions about the law can call, 717-772-2425.











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Gym-Related:

HEALTH CLUB REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
Questions? Call (717) 783-1992
The Pennsylvania Health Club Act ("HCA") went into effect on June 20, 1990. The HCA requires many health clubs
to meet certain financial security requirements and to use contracts which contain specific notices and provisions.
The law requires all health clubs to employ persons certified to administer CPR.
To assist you in understanding and complying with this new law, please see the links on this page for additional
information.
Your health club is subject to the registration requirements of the HCA if members enter into any contracts,
agreements, or promissory notes in which they pay or agree to pay for health club services for a period of more
than three (3) months ("health club" and "health club contracts" are defined in Section 2 of the HCA). This means
that a health club is not permitted to enter into or renew contracts, or take money for more than three (3) months
unless the club first registers with the Bureau of Consumer Protection. In registering your club, you will be asked to
file and maintain proof that you have obtained a bond or letter of credit or are exempt from obtaining such
security.
A health club may be exempt from filing and maintaining a bond or letter of credit if the club meets all of the
requirements of Section 13 of the HCA. Briefly, an exempt club may not enter contracts for health club services for
a term exceeding twelve (12) months; all payments must be made in equal monthly installments; the amount a
club may charge as an initiation fee is limited; and the health club contract must contain a notice terminating a
member?s obligation to pay if the health club goes out of business without providing comparable services within
ten (10) miles (see Section 13 of the HCA). As in other business transactions, installment payments may be made
by cash, electronic fund transfer or other automatic debt mechanism. Although the exempt club does not have to
post a bond or letter of credit, the club still must register with the Bureau and its health club contracts must
comply with all other provisions of the HCA.
Clubs must register at least thirty (30) days before they advertise or sell health club contracts. Failure to comply
with the HCA will subject a health club to criminal prosecution on a misdemeanor charge and civil prosecution
under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law (see Section 15 of the HCA). After the initial
registration, failure of a health club to maintain a bond will result in the club being unable to write any further
health club contracts. Failure to maintain a letter of credit will result in the letter of credit being called in its full
amount.
This information is being provided in order to promote industry-wide compliance with the HCA. Please read the
HCA and the Health Club Registration Application (PDF) carefully. Failure to use a contract that complies with the
HCA is voidable at the option of the buyer and can subject you to legal action. If you have any questions, you
should contact your attorney or any trade association of which you are a member.
Registration Links:
Health Club Act - PDF
Health Club Certificate of Exemption - PDF
Health Club Certificate of Compliance - PDF
Health Club Registration Application - PDF
Health Club Letter of Credit (sample form) - PDF
Health Club Letter of Bond (sample form) - PDF
Health Club Sight Draft (sample form) - PDF
Health Club Filing Checklist - PDF
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Department of Agriculture:

Farm-Related:

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
2301 North Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
Click Here for Directions

General Information: (717) 787-4737

Farm registration, licensing, inspection guidelines can be found here:
www.agriculture.state.pa.us/

Farm Vehicle Registration:
http://pfb.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=721:basics-of-pa-farm-vehicle-
registration&catid=63:for-farmers&Itemid=162

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/farm_vehicle/titling%20and%20registering_fv.shtml


Food-Related:

PA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE INSPECTION
You can contact either:

Melissa Vaccaro, Food Safety Program Specialist at (717) 787-5108, or
Nichole Martz, Supervisor at (717) 346-3223.

The PA Department of Agriculture
Bureau of Food Safety & Laboratory Service
2301 N. Cameron Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110















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Department of Health:

To determine if there are any regulations or certifications required, please follow-up by contacting the department
at this number:

1-877-PA-HEALTH

SPA-Related Businesses:

According to the Pennsylvania Department of State, in reference to the establishment of a restricted
professional company:
If the company is a restricted professional company organized to render restricted professional service(s)
they are required to be indicated.
o Chiropractic, dentistry, law, medicine & surgery, optometry, osteopathic medicine and surgery,
podiatric medicine, public accounting, psychology, veterinary medicine.
The best way to determine if you fall into this category is to contact them at 717.787.1057.

Also, this business may be required to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Health:

Application to Operate Public
Pool, Hot Tub, Spa and Beach

The PA Department of Health requires an operating permit for all public swimming pools,
spas, hot tubs and beaches. An inspection must also be completed before this permit is
issued. Here you will find information on the Public Swimming and Bathing Program.
The following documents are available for download in Adobe PDF format which requires
the free software Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Application to Operate a Public Bathing Place
Submit applications to Environmental Health Specialists at the following
locations
Public Bathing Manual: General Purpose Recreational Bathing Beaches (PART II)
Commonwealth regulations for public swimming pools, spas, hot tubs and beaches:
PA Code Title 28, Chapter 18 Public Swimming and Bathing Places

If you have questions regarding this information, you may contact the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH.


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State Police:

Firearms and related work dealing with weapons and defense systems and services:

Compliance Unit - (717) 772-1896
Dealer Account information, surcharge remittance forms, or dealer compliance should be directed to the
accounting assistant responsible for your account. If you do not have that information, dial (717) 772-1896.

Questions regarding insurance for your business should be referred to the Pennsylvania Department of
Insurance; you can find helpful information and materials here.








































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PennDOT and Public Utility Commission (Transportation):

Transportation:

You may want to contact PennDOT to determine if there are any special licenses or permits necessary for your
type of business. You can do this before or after you review the information in this email.

PennDOT: 1-800-932-4600 In-State (If calling from a # with a PA area code)
Law/Regulation Related to Taxi/Limousine Services and their Classification:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/052/chapter29/chap29toc.html

Here is helpful information about automotive and taxi business regulations with the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission:

Here is the link to all of the Motor Carrier Forms listed through the PA PUC:
http://www.puc.pa.gov/filing_resources/motor_carrier_online_forms.aspx
Transportation
Motor Carrier
The PUC regulates motor carriers that transport property, passengers or household goods as well as brokers of
passenger transportation between points in Pennsylvania for compensation. Property carriers (e.g., trucking
companies) and charter bus carriers (seating capacity of more than 15) are regulated for safety and insurance
requirements only.
Effective Dec.15, 2004, motor carriers using five-axle tractor trailers to transport ashes, rubbish, excavate and road
construction materials, must obtain a certificate of public convenience to transport these items in intrastate
commerce. This is required by Act 201 of 2004, signed by Gov. Edward G. Rendell on Dec. 1, 2004. To obtain a
certificate of public convenience, these companies must complete Form 189 - Application for Motor Common
Carrier of Property, which is available under Online Forms.
Other passenger services and household goods carriers (moving companies) are regulated regarding rates,
geographical area, customer service, safety and insurance. Currently, there are approximately 7,500 carriers and
passenger brokers operating in Pennsylvania under the rules of and regulations of the PUC.
The application process for new motor carrier applicants has been streamlined. Please discard any old application
forms and instructions and replace with the new forms and instructions that have a revised date of 9/11. Please
submit one (1) original of each filing to the attention of the Secretary's Bureau; DO NOT submit copies to the
Compliance Section or the Bureau of Investigation & Enforcement.
As of April 10, 2005, taxicab and limousine service in Philadelphia falls under the jurisdiction of the Philadelphia
Parking Authority. For more information, see our Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine page (see next page).
http://www.philapark.org/taxis-limousines-1/

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Limousines, Taxis & Movers* (refer to Taxi & Bus Registration & On Call Taxi Service Checklist-PDFs)

Limousines
Limousines operating within Pennsylvania must be licensed by the Public Utility Commission, maintain adequate
insurance coverage and adhere to the Commissions vehicle safety regulations. Unlike taxicabs, limousines provide
transportation by advance reservation within points in Pennsylvania .
By definition, limousines are luxury type vehicles seating 10 passengers or less, excluding the driver. Limousines
shall have at a minimum: air conditioning, AM/FM stereo radio, deluxe leather or fabric upholstery, deluxe wheels
or wheel covers, four doors and a wheelbase of at least 109 inches.
Pursuant to commission order entered October 16, 1997 , limousine companies may establish or change rates with
one days notice to the Commission. Rates may be based on mileage or time, or both. Gratuities may be included in
rates if included in the company's filed tariff; however, customers should be informed of any and all charges,
including gratuities when quoted rates for service.
Before contracting with a limousine company, consumers should:
Ensure the limousine company is licensed by the PUC. Ask the company to provide their PUC number (if
not listed in the phone book or advertisement). To verify the validity of their license, call one of the PUC
District Offices listed in the Staff Telephone Directory.
Obtain more than one price quote, since charges vary among companies.
Retain all paperwork received from the company, such as service agreements and receipts for any fees
paid.
Complaints regarding rates, service and/or safety may be directed to the District Office closest to the companys
office location. (See Motor Carrier Complaints for more information.)
Limousine Service in Philadelphia
Effective April 10, 2005, Act 94 of 2004 transfers oversight of limousines providing service between points within
Philadelphia, and service from an airport, railroad station or hotel located in Philadelphia, from the Public Utility
Commission to the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Limousine carriers that hold operating authority from both the
Public Utility Commission and the Philadelphia Parking Authority will be regulated by the PPA for transportation to
and from Philadelphia. All other limousine transportation within Pennsylvania will be regulated by the Public Utility
Commission.
The Philadelphia Parking Authoritys scope of limousine service also includes carriers providing limousine service,
airport transfer service and group and party service as defined by the Public Utility Commission.
Questions and/or complaints about limousine service as regulated by the Philadelphia Parking Authority should be
forwarded to 1-888-591-3636 or www.philapark.org.






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Taxicabs
Taxicabs operating within Pennsylvania are required to be licensed by the Public Utility Commission, maintain
adequate insurance coverage, charge fees approved by the PUC and adhere to the commissions driver and vehicle
safety regulations. Taxi companies must also comply with certain standards regarding service set by the
commission such as:
Providing service upon demand, regardless of the distance of the trip;
Taking the shortest route to the requested destination;
Charging a fare based on an approved flat rate, odometer mileage, a meter reading or in accordance with
zones;
Posting rates inside vehicle;
Providing a receipt upon request;
Ensuring passenger area and trunk are clean and sanitary;
Ensuring vehicle meets all Pa. equipment and inspection standards; and
Marking vehicle with the name of the company, the PUC number (PUC A-#), and a vehicle number.
Ensuring meter is sealed.
Public Utility Commission Enforcement Officers conduct taxicab inspections throughout the year to ensure taxicabs
are safe and clean, drivers are properly licensed, and companies are providing reasonable service. Insurance
coverage is also monitored to ensure it remains in effect. A taxicab company failing to meet the commissions
driver, vehicle and service standards may be subject to fines and/or loss of its operating license.
To file a complaint, complete the online Taxi Complaint Form.
PUC-Regulated Transportation
The application process for new motor carrier applicants has been streamlined. Please discard any old application
forms and instructions and replace with the new forms and instructions that have a revised date of 9/11. Please
submit one (1) original of each filing to the attention of the Secretary's Bureau; DO NOT submit copies to the
Compliance Office or the Bureau of Transportation & Safety.
Property (trucking)
Household Goods in use (moving companies)
Taxicabs (except in Philadelphia)
Scheduled Route Bus Service
Airport Transfer (transportation to and from airports)
Paratransit
Group and Party Service (seating capacity of 15 or less)
Group and Party Service (seating capacity of more than 15 and includes charter, special excursion and
tour bus)
Limousines (except in Philadelphia)
Passenger Brokers






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Motor Carrier Services & Enforcement Division

The Motor Carrier Services & Enforcement Division has the responsibility of ensuring that the above transportation
services comply with PUC regulations. To achieve this goal, carriers are required to:
File an application to begin or change their services;
Adhere to a strict safety code;
Obtain adequate insurance coverage to protect the public;
Establish rates that are just and reasonable; and
Provide service to all members of the public without discrimination

Federal Preemption

Motor Carrier of Property

The federal Aviation Authority Act of 1994 preempted states authority to regulate rates, geographical area and
service of motor carriers of property, except for matters involving safety and insurance. In 1995, the PUC adopted
this regulation.

Charter Bus Transportation
On June 9, 1998, the federal Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA Act) preempted states' authority
to regulate rates and geographical area of charter bus transportation. The commission extended the preemption
to include any group and party carriers using vehicles with seating capacities of more than 15 passengers including
the driver. The PUCs final decision was adopted December 17, 1998. The commission continues to regulate these
carriers for safety and insurance
MECHANICS:

PennDOT regulates repair shops and automotive centers; therefore if you have specific questions related to
registering a business in the automotive repair field, you will want to forward them to PennDOT:

PennDOT: 1-800-932-4600 In-State (If calling from a # with a PA area code)

Here are the links to PennDOTs resource pages for mechanics to register your auto repair business:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/station_owners.shtml
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/forms/stationOwnersForms.shtml

FAQ PAGE: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/safety_stationmech_faq.shtml#Q01

MOTOR CARRIER and TOWING/TRANSPORTER SERVICES*:

Here is the link to all of the Motor Carrier Forms listed through the PA PUC:
http://www.puc.pa.gov/filing_resources/motor_carrier_online_forms.aspx

*Refer to ifta and Registering a Twoing, Salvage, Transporter, Reposessor, or Watercraft Trailer Dealers - PDFs.

AUTOBODY and INSPECTION SERVICES:

http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/inspections/station_owners.shtml
http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/forms/stationOwnersForms.shtml
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Department of Public Welfare:

Childcare:

Here is information on regulations and links to other helpful pages:
Child Care Regulations
The child care facility regulations for Child Care Centers, Group Child Care Homes and Family Child Care Homes
became effective on Sept. 22, 2008. The documents and links listed below are resources to help you understand
the changes to the regulations as well as important information you will need in order to comply with these new
regulations.

Regulations
The Department of Public Welfare regulations for operating a child care facility are available on the Web. Listed
below is each regulation that pertains to operation of a child day care facility, a brief description of the regulation
and the hyperlink to the regulation:
55 Pa. Code, Chapter 20, Licensure or Approval of Facilities and Agencies. This regulation provides the rules
regarding applying for a certificate of compliance (license), frequency and content of DPW inspections, preparing
and issuing a certificate of compliance, conditions under which a certificate of compliance may be denied, not
renewed, or revoked and the DPW licensure or approval decisions that may be appealed. Chapter 20 applies to
child day care centers and group day care homes. View the regulation.
55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3270, Child Care Centers. This regulation provides the rules regarding operation of a child
day care center. A child care center is a facility in which seven or more children unrelated to the operator receive
child care services. A child day care center must have a certificate of compliance (license) from DPW in order to
operate. View the regulation.
55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3280, Group Child Care Homes. This regulation provides the rules regarding operation of a
group day care home. A group care home is a facility in which seven to 12 children unrelated to the operator
receive child care services. A group day care home must have a certificate of compliance (license) from DPW in
order to operate. View the regulation.
55 Pa. Code, Chapter 3290, Family Child Care Homes. This regulation provides the rules regarding operation of a
family care home. A family day care home is a facility in which four, five or six children unrelated to the operator
receive child care services. A family care home must be located in a home and must have a certificate of
registration from DPW in order to operate. View the regulation.





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Information and Resources about the Regulations
The documents listed below are resources to help you understand the changes to the regulations as well as
important information you will need in order to comply with these new regulations. (All documents are PDF
downloads)
Child Care Regulations - Frequently Asked Questions
CD 208 - Child Service Report
C-10 #01 PEMA Update to Emergency Plan Toolkit
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Part C (infants/Toddlers)
Act 212
Chapter 4226
Chapter 14
Other Topics

Child Care Regulations
Child Care Resources for the Business Community
Early Learning Provider Requirements
Keystone Stars Child Care Quality Initiative
Resources for Early Learning Providers






























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OTHER RELATED DEPARTMENTS, COMMISSIONS, & AGENCIES:


PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION:

www.puc.state.pa.us/

Inspection
Motor Carrier Safety
Enforcement Pittsburgh & Altoona District Office
Enforcement Philadelphia District Office
Enforcement Harrisburg District Office
Enforcement Scranton District Office















Kasha Schreffler, Administrator Phone: 717-787-6382
Cathy Royer, Executive Secretary Phone: 717-783-3847
Fax: 717-787-3114
Phillip Jones, New Entrant Administrator Phone: 570-963-4590
David W. Loucks, Chief of Enforcement Phone: 717-783-5010
Fax: 717-787-3114
Charles S. Bowser, Manager Phone: 412-423-9310
Fax: 412-820-2607
William P. Kilrain, Manager Phone: 215-965-3721
Fax: 215-965-4262
Kurt Kauffman, Manager Phone: 717-787-7598
Fax: 717-787-3114
Kurt Kauffman, Manager Phone: 570-963-4590
Fax: 570-963-3310
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DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY:

http://www.depweb.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/permits,_licensing___certifications/6009

Permits, Licensing & Certifications
Welcome to the Permits, Licensing and Certifications Center. On this page is information on the pre-application
information tool, the permit review process and permit decision guarantee, information on permit and
authorization packages, and instructions on how to find and track permit applications.
Permit Application Consultation Tool (PACT)
As part of its continuing effort to create a more efficient permit application procedure, DEP has developed an
online Permit Application Consultation Tool. Its designed to quickly and easily assist potential applicants in
determining which environmental permits, authorizations or notifications would be needed for specific projects.
Based on the users responses to a series of simple questions, PACT provides information on permits and other
information an applicant should consider. This information will serve as the foundation for a pre-application
conference where both the applicant and the department can discuss the applicable requirements, and plan for a
thorough and efficient review process.
To use the tool or learn more, click here.
Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee
By signing Executive Order 2012-11 on July 24, 2012, Gov. Tom Corbett charged DEP with developing and
implementing a policy that results in more timely permitting decisions, provides clear expectations for applicants
to improve the quality of permit applications, establishes performance measures for DEPs permit review staff, and
implements electronic permitting tools to enhance internal operations.
In response, DEP issued the "Permit Review Process and Permit Decision Guarantee Policy and the "Permit
Coordination Policy. To learn more, click here.
Permit/Authorization Packages
Information on DEP permit/authorization packages can be found through DEP's Online Library (eLibrary) in the
following manner: those that are department-wide; those that are program specific; and those certifications that
are program specific.
The Department-Wide Permit/Authorization Packages section of eLibrary contains forms and information (e.g.,
General Information Form, contacts, maps, policies, etc.) that are used by multiple programs throughout DEP. Also
found within this section is information on the DEPs Land Use Policy as well as Act 46.
The department's land use policy, which was revised on August 19, 2009, lists the applications affected by the
policy, outlines the requirements for applicants and lays out DEP's review process for these applications. To learn
more, click here.
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Act 46 was a component of the budget legislation signed by Governor Rendell on July 6, 2010, was effective upon
his signing and is in effect until July 1, 2013. DEP understands Act 46 as being aimed at providing some relief to the
building industry impacted by the economic downturn and toward that end is focused on land development for
residential and commercial purposes. It implicates several DEP programs, as well as some local approvals overseen
by DEP. Not all approvals issued by DEP are extended or otherwise affected by Act 46. Act 46 provides a process
for holders of approvals that have been issued from government agencies such as DEP, to obtain a verification that
an approval has been extended under this new law. Holders of approvals should NOT assume that an expiration
date has been extended under Act 46 unless it is listed in the DEP Guidance for Implementation of Act 46, AND
the holder has received verification under the process described in the Guidance. To find guidance related to Act
46 or the Verification Request form, click here.
The Program-Specific Permit/Authorization Packages section of eLibrary contains forms and information that are
specific to a DEP program (e.g., Air Quality, Mining, Water Management, etc.). This includes information related to
individual permits, general permits, licensing, and the application forms and instructions needed to apply for that
permit/authorization.
At this time, information on those certifications that are program specific can be found on the programs webpage.
For example, information regarding Certification of Water and Wastewater Operators can be found by clicking
here.
Submission and Tracking of Permits
To find more information on permits received or to track the progress of a specific permit that information can be
found through Pennsylvanias Environment Facility Application Compliance Tracking System (eFACTS). To learn
more, click here.
Additionally, DEPs Electronic Notification System (eNOTICE) allows users to receive specific updates on selected
items. Items that can be selected include: permit applications, draft technical documents, regulations and Land
Recycling Act 2 Notices. To learn more, click here.











PA DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE (CIGARETTE TAX LICENSE):

http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/for_licensees/16066

Reporting/License Enforcement: 717-783-4649