Debt collector licenses are required beginning on January 1, 2022 but a debt collector that applies for a license before that date can continue to operate while the application is pending. In its Notice of Rulemaking Action, the DFPI states that it anticipates that final rules will become effective on or about November 19, 2021, thereby allowing debt collectors to apply for a license before January 1, 2022. Specifically, the DFPI is proposing to add the following sections to subchapter 11.3 of title 10 of the California Code of Regulations setting forth the requirements for obtaining a debt collection license under the DCLA: Section 1850 – Defines terms used in the regulations.