How to Renew Your CNA License in Texas

Texas CNA licenses expire every two years and must be renewed before they lapse

Your Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license in Texas is valid for two years from the date it was issued. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) does not send renewal reminders, so you need to track your own expiration date. You can renew your license up to 90 days before it expires, which gives you a window to complete the process without interruption to your work.

Renewal requires you to submit a form, pay a fee, and meet continuing education requirements. The entire process can be done by mail or online, and most renewals are processed within two to four weeks. If your license has already expired, you can still renew it, but you may face additional requirements or delays.

Key Takeaways

You can renew your CNA license starting 90 days before the expiration date shown on your card.
Renewal requires proof of 12 hours of continuing education completed within the two years before you renew.
The renewal fee is set by HHSC and varies depending on whether you renew by mail or online.
You must submit Form CNA-3 (Renewal process) along with your continuing education documentation and payment.
If your license has expired, you can still renew it, but you will need to complete additional steps and may face a late fee.

Check your expiration date and gather your documents

Your CNA license expiration date is printed on the front of your card. Write this date down or set a phone reminder for 90 days before it expires so you do not miss the renewal window. You will need several documents ready before you start the renewal process: your current CNA license or a copy of it, proof of your 12 hours of continuing education, and a valid form of payment.

The 12 hours of continuing education must be completed within the two-year period before your renewal date. These hours can come from your employer, a nursing school, or an approved continuing education provider. You will need documentation showing the course name, the number of hours, the date completed, and the provider's name. If you have not completed your continuing education yet, you must do so before submitting your renewal process.

Complete the renewal process form

You will need to fill out Form CNA-3, which is the official renewal process for Texas CNAs. This form asks for your name, license number, date of birth, and contact information. You can read the form from the HHSC website or request it by mail. The form is straightforward and takes about 10 minutes to complete.

On the form, you will declare that you have completed your continuing education hours and that the information you are providing is accurate. You will also indicate whether you are renewing by mail or online. Keep a copy of the completed form for your records before you submit it.

Submit your renewal by mail or online

Texas allows you to renew your CNA license through two methods. Online renewal is faster and requires you to create an account on the HHSC licensing portal, upload your continuing education documentation, and pay the renewal fee by credit card or debit card. Online renewals typically process within one to two weeks. Mail renewal requires you to print Form CNA-3, attach copies of your continuing education documentation, include a check or money order for the renewal fee, and mail everything to the HHSC address listed on the form. Mail renewals take two to four weeks to process.

Whichever method you choose, make sure your continuing education documentation is clear and complete. If HHSC cannot read your course information or verify your hours, they will contact you to request additional documentation, which delays your renewal. If you are renewing online, upload PDF or image files that are straightforward to read.

Pay the renewal fee

The renewal fee is set by HHSC and covers the cost of processing your process and issuing your new license. The fee amount varies and may differ between online and mail renewal options. You can pay by credit card, debit card, check, or money order, depending on which renewal method you choose. Online payment is when ready, while mail payments must clear before your process is processed.

If you are renewing by mail, make your check or money order payable to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Write your license number on the back of the check so your payment can be matched to your process. Do not send cash through the mail.

What happens after you submit your renewal

Once HHSC receives your complete renewal process, they will review your continuing education documentation and verify that you meet all renewal requirements. If everything is in order, they will process your renewal and mail your new license card to the address on file. You should receive your new card within two to four weeks of submission for mail renewals, or one to two weeks for online renewals.

While your renewal is being processed, your current license remains valid as long as it has not expired. You can continue working as a CNA during this time. If your license expires before your renewal is processed, you must stop working as a CNA until your new license arrives. This is why renewing early — within the 90-day window — is important.

Renewing a license that has already expired

If your CNA license has expired, you can still renew it, but the process is slightly different. You will need to submit Form CNA-3 along with your continuing education documentation and payment, just as you would for a regular renewal. However, HHSC may require you to provide additional documentation or may assess a late fee for renewing after the expiration date.

Once your expired license is renewed, you cannot work as a CNA until your new license arrives. If you have been working without a valid license, you may face disciplinary action from HHSC or your employer. To avoid this situation, submit your renewal process as soon as possible after your license expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my CNA license if I have not completed my 12 hours of continuing education?

No. You must complete your 12 hours of continuing education before you submit your renewal process. If you have not finished your hours, complete them first, then submit your renewal with the documentation of completion.

What if I lose my CNA license card before I renew it?

You can still renew your license. On Form CNA-3, indicate that your card was lost and provide your license number if you remember it. HHSC can look up your license information in their system. Your new card will be mailed to your address on file.

How do I know if my renewal was received and processed?

If you renewed online, you should receive a confirmation email when ready after submission. For mail renewals, HHSC does not send a confirmation. You can contact HHSC directly to ask about the status of your renewal, or check the HHSC website to see if your license information has been updated.

Can I renew my CNA license if I have moved to a different state?

Your Texas CNA license is only valid in Texas. If you have moved to another state, you will need to obtain a CNA license in that state. You can still renew your Texas license if you wish, but you cannot work as a CNA in another state using a Texas license.

What if HHSC rejects my renewal process?

HHSC will contact you if your process is incomplete or if there is a problem with your continuing education documentation. They will explain what is missing and give you instructions on how to fix it. You can then resubmit your process with the corrected information.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.