Big changes are on the way! Stay informed about important licensure updates that may impact your renewal cycle

We are thrilled to announce that on October 14^th, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) will continue transitioning from 1-year licenses to 2-year licenses! This change is designed to ease the burden of annual renewals, giving you more time to focus on what matters most — your profession.

Here’s what you need to know about the transition:

• Born in an odd year?
  • Starting October 14^th, when you renew, your license will be valid for 2 years.
  • If your license expires on or before the implementation date, you may choose to renew it before the system’s changes go into effect on October 14^th, (up to 60 days prior to your expiration date). By choosing to renew ahead of the implementation date, your license will be valid for only 1 year.
• Born in an even year?
  • Your 2025 licensure renewal will be valid for 1 year, and starting in 2026, you’ll move to a 2-year renewal cycle.
• Fee Adjustment:
  • Once you renew under the extended renewal period of 2 years on or after October 14^th, your license fee will double to cover both years.

We understand this process is not as simple as flipping a switch, but we are confident this change will make things easier for you in the long run. Thank you for your continued flexibility as we implement more streamlined processes intended to support you, our professionals.

To help you familiarize yourself with the changes, we have gathered some Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for you below.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):  

• Why is this change happening?
  • The transition to 2-year licenses is designed to reduce the administrative burden of annual renewals for licensees while improving efficiency. This change gives you more time to focus on your profession instead of renewing your license every year.
• Why is my renewal dependent on the year I was born? 
  • To ensure a smooth transition, DOPL is phasing in the new renewal cycle based on birth year. This method evenly distributes renewals over two years while ensuring steady cash flow for the boards. This allows DOPL to ensure that your license renewals and fees are handled with the utmost care.
• I was born in an odd year – why do I have to pay for two years now while others get to renew for one year? 
  • Since licenses are moving to a 2-year cycle, your renewal in 2025 will cover two years instead of one. Those born in even years will transition in 2026, so their 2025 renewal will still be for one year. This staggered approach ensures a manageable transition process for licensees while ensuring steady cash flow for the boards. This allows DOPL to ensure that your license renewals and fees are handled with the utmost care.
• I was born in an even year – why do I have to wait until 2026 to renew for two years?
  • The transition is structured to phase in the changes gradually, avoiding an overwhelming number of renewals all at once. Since odd-year births are moving first, even-year births will follow in 2026 to balance the workload and ensure a smooth transition. This allows DOPL to ensure that your license renewals and fees are handled with the utmost care.
• How are my Continuing Education Credits changing?
  • There are no changes to your current Continuing Education requirements.

• How are my fees changing? 
  • Once you move to a 2-year renewal cycle, your licensing fee will double to reflect the extended renewal period. This means you will pay for two years upfront, but you will only need to renew every other year.
• Will I still be able to renew early?
  • You will still be able to renew up to 60 days prior to your license expiration on your birthday.
• How does this new cycle work if I renew late?
  • It is the responsibility of every licensee to maintain their own active licenses. If your license expires and you do not renew by the allotted deadline, you will be responsible for any reinstatement fees, along with a 2-year licensing fee. Your next renewal would be at least 2 years from your reinstatement date, on your next birthday.
• What if I cannot afford to pay for a two-year renewal right now?
  • Please contact DOPL at (208) 334-3233 for other options.