Search Cateogry: Speech, Hearing and Communication Services
Speech, Hearing and Communication Services Licensure Board
We’re excited to share that beginning August 1, 2026, the Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) will continue transitioning to a 2-year renewal cycle. Through this transition, licenses within this board will ultimately expire on licensee’s birthday.
Fee Adjustments: Beginning with the issuance of a 2-year license renewal, fees will be adjusted to align with the extended renewal period. Licensees will only be charged for whole years. While DOPL has placed all license renewals under a fee holiday, licensees who renew on or before their expiration date will not be charged a renewal fee. Licensees who fail to renew by their expiration date will be responsible for all applicable fees, which will include fees associated with any additional years of licensure if the renewed license period extends beyond two years.
Current Licensees: Those currently licensed will be distributed based on date of birth and birth year (even/odd). Those who have a Provisional license will have no changes in how they are issued. See the tables below for additional details:
2026 Renewal
| Even Year DOB | Odd Year DOB |
|---|---|
| Licenses will expire in 2028 on the licensee’s birthday | Licenses will expire in 2027 on the licensee’s birthday |
2027 Renewal (Those still on one-year renewal)
| Even Year DOB | Odd Year DOB |
|---|---|
| Licenses will expire in 2028 on the licensee’s birthday | Licenses will expire in 2029 on the licensee’s birthday |
New Applicants: All new applicants will be issued at least a 2-year license that expires on the original issue date of that license (if issued for a business Video Remote Interpreting Provider) or on the licensee’s birthday (if issued for an individual). The birth year will not be considered for new applicants.
We understand that this process isn’t as simple as flipping a switch, but we’re 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.
- Why is my renewal cycle changing?
- 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.
- How are my Continuing Education Credits changing?
- There are no changes to your current Continuing Education requirements. Please be aware – The language of the rules do state – “Each licensee will successfully complete [requirements], in the twelve (12) months preceding each renewal of their license” This means, you must watch your dates when submitting CE.
- How are my fees changing?
- Once the Fee Holiday has been lifted and you have moved 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, unless otherwise stated.
For more details, visit the DOPL Website.
Thank you for your hard work and continued dedication.
The Idaho Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses (DOPL) is excited to announce that it will be waiving renewal fees for all licenses within the Speech Hearing and Communications Services Licensure Board. This change will be going into effect on January 1st, 2026, and DOPL will continue to monitor revenues and expenses and inform the relevant stakeholders prior to lifting the fee holiday. This means that when you renew on or after this date, you will not pay a renewal fee.
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?
- DOPL is required to maintain board cash balances between 30% and 150% of a 5-year rolling average of expenditures. The Speech Hearing and Communications Services Licensure Board has been selected for a fee holiday to reduce its excessive cash balance.
- How long will the renewal fee be waived?
- DOPL will monitor the Speech Hearing and Communications Services Licensure Board’s cash balances closely to determine the most appropriate time to reinstate the renewal fees.
- My license renewal will be for two years; will both years be waived?
- If this change is still in place when your renewal window opens, then both years will be waived.
- I am a new licensee; will the fee be waived for my initial license?
- No, only license renewals will be waived as part of this fee holiday.
- How are my Continuing Education Credits changing?
- There are no changes to your current Continuing Education requirements.
- Will I still be able to renew early?
- If your renewal is due on or after January 1st, 2026, and you renew early (within the 60-day window), you will still be charged a renewal fee, but you will be issued a refund by January 31st, 2026.
- What 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.