Reinstatement requires submitting an process to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), paying a reinstatement fee, and meeting specific conditions that depend on how long your license has been expired
An expired Texas Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license cannot be used to practice until it is reinstated. The path back depends on whether your license expired recently or years ago. If your license has been expired for fewer than two years, reinstatement is typically straightforward: you submit a reinstatement process, pay the required fee, and provide proof that you meet current continuing education requirements. If your license has been expired for two years or longer, TDLR may require you to retake the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or meet additional conditions set by the board.
The reinstatement process itself takes weeks, not days. TDLR processes applications in the order received, and you should expect four to eight weeks from submission to approval. During this time, you cannot legally practice as an LPC. Understanding the specific requirements for your situation — how long the license has been expired, whether you have kept up with continuing education, and what TDLR's current rules require — will determine which forms you need and what documentation to gather.
Key Takeaways
- Reinstatement applications go to the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), not to a local board or your former employer.
- Licenses expired fewer than two years usually require a reinstatement process, the reinstatement fee, and proof of current continuing education hours.
- Licenses expired two years or longer may require retaking the NCE or meeting other conditions set by TDLR at the time of process.
- You cannot practice as an LPC while your reinstatement process is pending, even if you have submitted all required documents.
How long your license has been expired matters for what you must do
TDLR divides reinstatement into two categories based on the expiration date. If your license expired within the past two years, you are in the standard reinstatement track. If your license expired more than two years ago, TDLR treats it as a longer lapse and may impose additional requirements.
For licenses expired fewer than two years, you typically need to show that you have completed the continuing education hours required during the period your license was expired. Texas LPCs must complete 20 hours of continuing education per renewal period (usually every two years). If you did not complete those hours while your license was active, you will need to complete them before or during the reinstatement process. TDLR's current rules allow you to complete missing hours and submit proof with your reinstatement process.
For licenses expired two years or longer, TDLR's rules become stricter. The board may require you to retake the NCE, depending on how long the lapse has been and the board's current policy. As of recent years, TDLR has required exam retakes for licenses expired more than five years, though this threshold can change. Contact TDLR directly to confirm what is required for your specific expiration date, because the rule depends on when your license expired and the board's current reinstatement standards.
The reinstatement process and required documents
You will submit your reinstatement request through TDLR's online licensing system or by mail. The online system is faster and allows you to track your process status. To start, log into your TDLR account or create one if you no longer have access. You will need your license number or Social Security number to locate your record.
The reinstatement process itself asks for basic information: your current name, address, contact details, and employment information. You will also declare whether you have been disciplined, convicted of a crime, or had any legal action taken against you since your license expired. Answer these questions truthfully; TDLR cross-checks responses against court records and law enforcement databases.
Required documents typically include proof of continuing education completion. This means official certificates or transcripts from the continuing education provider showing course name, hours, date completed, and provider approval number. TDLR will not accept photocopies or informal documentation. If you completed hours through your employer or a university, request an official transcript or certificate directly from that institution. If you completed hours through an online provider, read or request the official certificate from their system.
You will also need to pay the reinstatement fee. As of recent years, TDLR's reinstatement fee for LPCs is approximately $100 to $150, though this amount can change. Check TDLR's current fee schedule on their website before submitting your process, because fees are updated periodically and your process may be rejected if payment is insufficient.
Submitting your process online versus by mail
TDLR's online system, accessible through their website, is the faster route. You upload documents directly, pay by credit card or electronic check, and receive a confirmation number when ready. The system also allows you to check your process status at any time by logging back in. Most applications submitted online are processed within four to six weeks.
If you submit by mail, send your completed process form, all required documents, and a check or money order to the address listed on TDLR's website. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and a brief statement that you are requesting reinstatement. Mail takes longer to process — expect six to eight weeks — because TDLR must receive the envelope, log it into their system, and manually review the contents. There is also a higher risk of documents being lost or misfiled in the mail.
Whichever method you choose, keep a copy of everything you submit. If you submit online, save your confirmation number and take screenshots of the uploaded documents. If you mail your process, use certified mail with return receipt so you have proof of delivery. This documentation protects you if TDLR later claims they did not receive something.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
Once TDLR receives your process, they will send you a confirmation email or letter acknowledging receipt. This does not mean your process is approved; it means it has entered the queue. TDLR processes applications in the order received, and the queue can be long during busy periods.
During the review period, TDLR staff will verify your continuing education hours by contacting the providers directly or checking their database. They will also run a background check to confirm you have no new disciplinary history or criminal convictions since your license expired. If everything checks out, you will receive an approval letter and your license will be reinstated in TDLR's system.
If TDLR finds a problem — missing hours, incomplete documentation, or a background issue — they will send you a letter explaining what is missing or what needs to be addressed. You will have a set time (usually 30 days) to respond and provide the missing information. If you do not respond within that window, your process may be denied and you will have to start over.
Continuing education requirements during the reinstatement process
If you are short on continuing education hours, you can complete them while your reinstatement process is pending. You do not have to wait for approval to enroll in courses. However, you must submit proof of completion to TDLR before they will finalize your reinstatement. If your process is already under review and you complete additional hours, send TDLR a letter with your license number and the new certificates, and ask them to add the documents to your file.
Texas recognizes continuing education from TDLR-approved providers. Most providers are universities, professional counseling organizations, and online education companies. Before enrolling, confirm that the provider is TDLR-approved and that the course counts toward LPC requirements. Some courses are approved for general credit, while others count only toward specific categories (such as ethics or substance abuse). Check the course description to may support it meets your needs.
If you completed continuing education hours after your license expired but before you explore for reinstatement, those hours count toward your reinstatement requirement. You do not lose credit for hours completed during the lapse period, as long as you can provide official documentation.
If your reinstatement process is denied
TDLR may deny a reinstatement process if you do not meet the requirements or if background issues arise. Common reasons for denial include incomplete continuing education, failure to respond to TDLR's request for missing documents, a new criminal conviction, or a disciplinary action taken against you since your license expired.
If your process is denied, TDLR will send you a letter explaining the reason. You have the right to request a hearing before the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH) to contest the denial. The hearing process is formal and involves presenting evidence and testimony. Many people hire an attorney who specializes in professional licensing to represent them at a hearing. If you choose to pursue a hearing, you must request it within a specific time frame (usually 30 days from the denial letter), so act quickly if you want to challenge the decision.
Alternatively, you can address the reason for denial and reapply. For example, if you were denied because you did not complete enough continuing education, you can complete the missing hours and submit a new reinstatement process. If you were denied because of a criminal conviction, you may need to wait a certain period or provide additional documentation showing rehabilitation or context.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice as an LPC while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice as an LPC until your license is reinstated and appears in TDLR's active license database. Practicing on an expired or pending license is a violation and can result in disciplinary action. If you need to work in a counseling role during the reinstatement period, you must work under supervision or in a role that does not require an active LPC license.
What if I cannot find my continuing education certificates?
Contact the provider directly and request an official transcript or duplicate certificate. Most providers maintain records for at least five years and can reissue documentation. If the provider is no longer in business, contact TDLR and explain the situation; they may allow you to retake the hours or provide alternative documentation. Do not submit informal proof or handwritten notes — TDLR requires official documentation from the provider.
How much does reinstatement cost?
The reinstatement fee is typically $100 to $150, depending on TDLR's current fee schedule. You may also need to pay for continuing education courses if you are short on hours. Check TDLR's website for the exact current fee before submitting your process, as fees are updated periodically and paying the wrong amount will delay processing.
Do I need to retake the NCE to reinstate my license?
It depends on how long your license has been expired. Licenses expired fewer than two years usually do not require exam retakes. Licenses expired more than five years typically do require retaking the NCE, though TDLR's policy can change. Contact TDLR directly with your expiration date to confirm whether you must retake the exam.
What if I have a criminal conviction or disciplinary history since my license expired?
You must disclose this on your reinstatement process. TDLR will review the details and decide whether reinstatement is possible. A conviction or disciplinary action does not automatically bar reinstatement, but it may delay the process or require additional documentation. If you have concerns about how your history will affect reinstatement, consider consulting with an attorney before submitting your process.