I am frequently asked: When a Connecticut professional or occupational license is nonrenewed by a regulator, does the license stay in effect pending appeal? The answer is yes, if a license renewal application is denied the license will remain valid and in effect pending a final decision after all hearings and appeals have been exhausted, provided that the license holder has filed a renewal application and paid the proper application fee on time. Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection licenses 21 different occupations and professions, from architects to well drillers. At the Department of Consumer Protection, a licensee has the right to a hearing at the Department if the Department intends to deny a renewal application. As to all licensing agencies in Connecticut, if a license is not renewed, the license holder has the right to take an appeal to the Superior Court.
The statutory reference for this is Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 4-182(b), which provides, “When a licensee has made timely and sufficient application for the renewal of a license or a new license with reference to any activity of a continuing nature, the existing license shall not expire until the application has been finally determined by the agency, and, in case the application is denied or the terms of the new license limited, until the last day for seeking review of the agency order or a later date fixed by order of the reviewing court.”