License Clerks

Career summary

License clerks interview people who apply for various licenses. Some of the most common licenses that people apply for are for marriage, driving, or dog ownership.

License clerks give people the proper paperwork for the license they want. Clerks review the paperwork with the applicants to make sure all the information is correct.

Clerks give tests for licenses that require passing a test. They evaluate the test results and paperwork to determine if applicants qualify for licenses.

Before issuing licenses, clerks collect the fees. They submit the fees and paperwork to record the license. They may prepare bank deposits for the fees collected.

License clerks make sure that people obey the regulations for the license they have. They contact people who are non-compliant to let them know of the rules and what they must do to keep their license.

Related careers

This career is part of the Government and Public Administration cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Compliance Officers and Inspectors
• Counter and Rental Clerks
• Credit Checkers and Authorizers
• Customer Service Representatives
• General Office Clerks
• Hotel Desk Clerks
• Insurance Policy and Claims Clerks
• Interviewing Clerks
• Postal Clerks
• Receptionists
• Secretaries

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to license clerks.

• Interview people to make sure the data on the application form is correct.
• Enforce licensing regulations. Contact non-compliant people by phone or mail.
• Answer questions and provide advice to customers about policies and procedures.
• Use computers to enter application information.
• Issue licenses to drive, to marry, to own pets, or for other things.
• Collect fees for the licenses.
• Administer appropriate tests.
• Evaluate test results and paperwork to decide whether applicants qualify for licenses.
• Count license applications and fees received.
• Prepare bank deposits of collected fees.
• Submit licensure fees and reports to government to have on record.
• Maintain accurate records.

Common work activities

License clerks perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Perform for or work with the public
• Get information needed to do the job
• Evaluate information against standards
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Process information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Document and record information
• Perform administrative tasks
• Analyze data or information
• Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, license clerks:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a high level of job-required social interaction. They constantly work with applicants.
• Communicate by phone and in person on a daily basis. They also write e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
• Are sometimes placed in conflict situations when people might become unpleasant or angry if they do not qualify for licenses.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Often work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Almost always work indoors. May go outdoors to give a driver's test or check a car's condition.
• May be exposed to noisy conditions.
• Work physically close to others, often within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are complete. It is important that the government have complete information about who has licenses.
• Make decisions that affect customers on a regular basis. They often consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set some of the daily tasks and goals independently, but usually consult another first.
• Must meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines.
• Repeat the same tasks.

Hours/travel

• May work full time or part time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

License clerks frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.
• Repeat the same movements.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.

It is important for license clerks to be able to:

• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for license clerks to be able to:

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

Skills and abilities

License clerks need to:

Communicate

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand written information.
• Understand spoken information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Read and understand work-related materials.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Manage the time of self and others.
• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Data Entry and Processing
• Office Support

Training

To work as a license clerk, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

While not required, training in computer skills and office practices can be very useful. Community and junior colleges, vocational schools, and private business schools all offer related training.

On-the-job training

Most license clerks learn their skills on the job. Training typically lasts more than a year. You need keyboarding skills and knowledge of office practices to be hired.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Computer Applications
• Office Procedures

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers prefer applicants who are familiar with office practices and technology. They look for people who are courteous and tactful with the public.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• License Clerks 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by area of the country and the clerk's responsibilities.

Benefits for full time employees usually include paid vacation, sick leave, and health insurance. Part-time employees may not receive insurance coverage.

National wage information is not available specifically for license clerks. However, they are part of the larger group of "court, municipal, and license clerks."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• State and local government agencies

National outlook

Demand for this occupation will grow about as fast as average. As the population grows, more people will need licenses. Because much of the work done by license clerks involves checking paperwork, it is unlikely that these workers will be replaced by computers. Some of the tests they give are done on computers, but clerks will be needed to help customers.

Job openings will occur as people retire or leave the occupation.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for license clerks. However, they are part of the larger group of "court, municipal, and license clerks."

Other resources

References

Career cluster

• Government and Public Administration

Career path

• Conventional (Business Operations)

O*Net  occupation

• License Clerks (43-4031.03) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 2 - Some preparation needed. Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed.

DOT occupations

• Dog Licenser (249.367-030) 
• License Clerk (205.367-034) 
• Supervisor, Dog License Officer (379.137-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Conventional/Enterprising/Social

COPSystem

• Clerical