My Texas Professional License Is Expired — What Do I Do?

How Long Can You Wait?

The short answer: not long. Once your license expires, you are no longer authorized to work. There is generally no grace period for active licensed work in Texas, even if your application to renew is pending.

Some regulatory boards allow a brief window (typically 30–60 days) to submit a renewal application without incurring a late fee, but that does not extend the validity of your license. Your license is expired the moment the expiration date passes.

If you are actively working—taking on jobs, serving clients, or pulling permits—and your license is expired, you are in violation of Texas law.

Step 1: Find Out Exactly When It Expired

Use LicenseStatusVerify or your regulator's website to confirm the exact expiration date. This matters for two reasons:

• If it expired very recently, you may qualify for a simple renewal without penalties.
• If it expired months or years ago, you may face late fees, re-examination requirements, or disciplinary action.

Step 2: Contact Your Regulator Immediately

Once you know your license is expired, contact the appropriate regulatory board right away. Here are the main contacts:

• TDLR (most trades): Phone: 1-800-803-9202 | Web: www.tdlr.texas.gov
• TSBPE (plumbers): Phone: 512-936-5200 | Web: www.tsbpe.texas.gov
• TDA (pest control): Web: www.texasagriculture.gov

Ask whether you can renew online, by mail, or in person, and what fees or penalties apply.

Step 3: Complete Any Continuing Education Requirements

Most TDLR renewals require a specified number of continuing education (CE) hours. You must complete these before or as part of your renewal application. To check your CE balance:

• Log into the TDLR online portal at vo.licensing.hpc.texas.gov
• Look for a "CE Balance" or "Continuing Education" section.
• If you're short, register for approved CE courses immediately. Many providers offer online or in-person classes.

Do not submit your renewal application until your CE hours are satisfied. The board will reject it.

Step 4: Pay Renewal Fees

Submit your renewal application with the required fee. Be aware:

• Standard renewal fee: Covers most on-time renewals (varies by license type, typically $100–$300).
• Late renewal fee: If you renew after the expiration date, you will pay an additional late fee (often equal to or exceeding the standard renewal fee).
• Re-examination: If your license expired more than a certain period ago (often 5+ years), you may be required to pass the licensing exam again before renewing. This adds significant time and cost.

Renew as soon as possible to avoid these additional costs. Submit payment through the regulator's online portal, by check, or in person—ask which methods are accepted.

What Happens If You Work with an Expired License

Do not continue working while your license is expired. The penalties are severe:

• Civil penalty: Up to $1,000 per violation (per day of work, in some cases).
• Disciplinary action: The regulatory board can issue a formal complaint, fine you, or revoke your license permanently.
• Criminal charges: In some cases, particularly for serious license violations, criminal prosecution is possible.
• Personal liability: If a customer is harmed by unlicensed work you performed, you may face a lawsuit.
• Future licensing obstacles: A history of working with an expired license can make it harder to renew or get licensed in other states.

What Employers Should Know

If you are hiring or supervising licensed workers, verify licenses regularly—not just at hiring. An employee's license can expire without your knowledge. If you knowingly employ someone with an expired license, you and the company may face:

• Liability for unlicensed work performed
• Fines and penalties from the regulator
• License suspension or revocation for your own license
• Insurance claims denial if the employee causes damage

Use LicenseStatusVerify to audit your workforce quarterly and catch expirations before they become a problem.

Regulator Contacts and Online Portals

TDLR License Renewal Portal: vo.licensing.hpc.texas.gov (most trades: electricians, HVAC, plumbers, cosmetologists, etc.)

TSBPE (Plumbers): www.tsbpe.texas.gov

TDA (Pest Control): www.texasagriculture.gov