Residential and Community-Based Care Licensing and Certification: Personal Care Agency

Background check applications for all users

To prepare for the transition to the new DHS DQA Provider Portal, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) will not accept any new background check applications for entity operators, non-client residents, or other required individuals for new or renewing entity license/certification applications, or for rehabilitation review applicants as of November 22, 2025.

DQA will resume accepting background check applications on December 15, 2025, through the DHS DQA Provider Portal. To prepare for this transition and for more information, visit our webpage. Caregiver background checks completed by entities for employees and contractors are not affected by this transition.

Learn more about licenses for personal care agencies (PCAs) in Wisconsin. You can also view PCA Rules and Regulations.

Type

Initial, Renewal

Description

A PCA license is for any person, tribal nation, county, or independent living center that intends to give personal care services as a free-standing agency. Services are given to people where they live. They can include help with daily living (bathing, eating, dressing) or taking a person to a medical appointment.

Fees

None

Instructions

To apply for a PCA license, first view PCA Application and Certification Process. For an application, either:

Glossary

 
Last revised August 15, 2025