What reinstatement requires and who decides

Reinstatement of a physical therapy license means restoring your right to practice after your license has expired or been voluntarily surrendered. The process is not automatic — you must submit a formal request to your state's physical therapy licensing board, and that board decides whether to grant it based on how long your license has been inactive, what you've done during that time, and whether you meet current practice standards.

Each state sets its own reinstatement rules. Some states allow reinstatement within a set window (often 2 to 5 years after expiration) with minimal additional requirements. Others require you to complete continuing education, pass a current jurisprudence exam, or even retake the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) if your license has been inactive for many years. A few states treat reinstatement the same as a new license process.

The board that oversees your reinstatement is your state's physical therapy licensing board, sometimes called the Board of Physical Therapy or the Department of Health's Physical Therapy section. You cannot reinstate through the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) or through your employer — only through your state board.

Key Takeaways

  • Reinstatement rules vary by state, so your first step is to contact your state physical therapy licensing board directly to learn what documents and fees they require.
  • Most states allow reinstatement within 2 to 5 years of expiration with continuing education hours, but some require retaking the NPTE if the lapse is longer.
  • You will need to submit proof of continuing education, pay a reinstatement fee, and often complete a jurisprudence exam specific to your state's laws and regulations.
  • Processing time typically ranges from 2 to 8 weeks after the board receives a complete process, though this varies by state workload.

How long your license can be inactive before reinstatement becomes difficult

Most states allow reinstatement by continuing education and fee payment if your license has been inactive for 2 to 5 years. Within this window, you usually do not have to retake the NPTE. You will need to show that you completed the required continuing education hours during your inactive period — or, in some states, you can complete those hours after you submit your reinstatement request but before the board approves it.

If your license has been inactive for longer than your state's reinstatement window — often 5 to 10 years depending on the state — you may be required to retake the NPTE, complete a refresher course, or submit to a more thorough review by the board. Some states have no time limit and will reinstate anyone who meets current requirements, while others will not reinstate at all if the lapse exceeds a certain number of years and instead require you to explore as a new licensee.

Contact your state board before assuming your license cannot be reinstated. The board can tell you exactly what your state requires based on when your license expired and what you have done since then.

Documents and information the state board will ask for

When you contact your state physical therapy licensing board to begin reinstatement, be ready to provide the following:

  • Your current legal name and any previous names you have used professionally
  • Your license number and the date your license expired or was surrendered
  • Proof of continuing education hours completed during the inactive period (transcripts, certificates, or course completion records)
  • A completed reinstatement process form, which the board will provide
  • The reinstatement fee, which varies by state but typically ranges from $100 to $400
  • Proof of current CPR certification (most states require this)
  • A statement of any disciplinary action, criminal convictions, or malpractice claims since your license became inactive

Some states also require you to pass a jurisprudence exam covering your state's physical therapy practice act and regulations. A few states ask for letters of reference or proof that you have been working in a related field during your inactive period. Ask your state board for a complete checklist before you gather documents — submitting an incomplete process will delay your reinstatement.

Continuing education requirements during the inactive period

Most states require you to complete a certain number of continuing education hours per year while your license is inactive, or to complete a lump sum of hours before reinstatement. The number varies widely — some states require 15 to 20 hours per year of inactivity, while others require 30 or more. A few states do not require continuing education for reinstatement if the lapse is short.

Continuing education must come from approved providers. The FSBPT offers courses that are accepted in most states, as do many universities, professional associations, and online education platforms. Your state board publishes a list of approved providers on its website. Courses must be relevant to physical therapy practice — general business or management courses usually do not count.

If you did not complete continuing education during your inactive period, you can often complete the required hours after you submit your reinstatement request. Some states allow you to complete them up until the board votes on your process. Check with your state board about the important date for submitting proof of completion.

The reinstatement timeline and what happens after approval

The timeline from submission to approval typically takes 2 to 8 weeks, depending on how quickly your state board processes applications and whether your process is complete. If you submit an incomplete process, the board will usually send you a list of missing items and give you 30 to 60 days to provide them. Missing that important date may require you to resubmit your entire process.

Once the board approves your reinstatement, you will receive a new license certificate or a notice that your license has been restored. Some states issue a new license number; others restore your original number. You may need to pay an additional fee to receive a physical certificate, or you may be able to print your license from the board's online portal.

After reinstatement, your license will be subject to the same renewal requirements as any active license in your state. You will need to renew on your state's schedule (usually every 1 to 3 years) and continue to complete continuing education hours to keep your license current.

When reinstatement is denied or when you should consider other options

A state board may deny reinstatement if you have an unresolved disciplinary case, a criminal conviction related to patient care, or a history of malpractice claims that the board believes makes you unsafe to practice. If your license was revoked rather than straightforward expired, reinstatement is usually not possible — you would have to explore for a new license and may face additional scrutiny.

If reinstatement is denied, you have the right to request a hearing before the board or to appeal the decision through your state's administrative process. The board must provide you with the specific reason for denial and information about how to appeal. If you believe the denial was unfair, consult an attorney who specializes in professional licensing in your state.

If your license lapsed many years ago and your state requires retaking the NPTE or completing a refresher program, you may want to explore whether your state allows you to take the exam or course before formally explore for reinstatement. This lets you know whether you are ready before you pay the reinstatement fee.

How to contact your state physical therapy licensing board

Your state physical therapy licensing board is usually part of your state's Department of Health, Department of Professional Regulation, or Department of Licensing. The board's website will have a reinstatement process form, a list of required documents, current fees, and contact information for staff who can answer questions about your specific situation.

To find your state board, search "[your state] physical therapy licensing board" or "[your state] physical therapy board" online. You can also call your state's Department of Health and ask for the physical therapy licensing section. Having your license number and the expiration date ready will speed up the conversation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice physical therapy while my reinstatement is pending?

No. You cannot legally practice physical therapy with an expired or surrendered license, even if your reinstatement process is under review. Practicing without a current license is illegal and can result in fines or criminal charges. You must wait for the board to approve your reinstatement before you begin seeing patients.

Do I have to retake the NPTE to reinstate my license?

It depends on how long your license has been inactive and your state's rules. Most states do not require retaking the NPTE if your license lapsed within 2 to 5 years. If it has been longer, your state board may require it. Contact your state board to find out whether the NPTE is required in your situation.

What if I let my license expire in one state but I want to reinstate it in a different state?

You will need to go through that state's reinstatement process, not the original state's. Each state has its own licensing board and its own rules. You cannot transfer a reinstatement from one state to another. Some states allow you to use the NPTE score from your original licensure, but you will still need to meet the new state's continuing education and other requirements.

How much does reinstatement cost?

Reinstatement fees vary by state, typically ranging from $100 to $400. Some states charge a separate fee for the jurisprudence exam or for receiving a new license certificate. Contact your state board for the exact fee and whether you can pay online or must submit a check or money order.

Can I reinstate my license if I have a criminal record?

A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from reinstatement, but you must disclose it on your process. The board will review the nature of the conviction and how long ago it occurred. Convictions related to patient care, dishonesty, or violence are more likely to result in denial. Contact your state board to discuss your specific situation before submitting your process.