Restoring Your Occupational Therapy License in Texas: Everything You Need to Know

Are you an occupational therapist looking to restore your Texas license? Whether your license has been expired for a year or more, understanding the restoration process is crucial. Here's a simple guide to help you navigate through the requirements and get back to doing what you love.

Understanding License Restoration Categories

The Texas Board of Occupational Therapy Examiners has categorized the restoration process into three main groups:

• Category 1: Your Texas license has been expired for at least one year but less than two years, and you are not currently licensed in another state or territory of the U.S. or applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state/territory.
• Category 2: Your Texas license has been expired for two years or more, and you are not currently licensed in another state or territory of the U.S. or applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state/territory.
• Category 3: You now have a current license in another state or territory of the U.S., or if not currently licensed in another state or territory, you are applying from the U.S. military or a non-licensing state/territory and can substantiate occupational therapy employment for at least two years immediately preceding the application.

Steps to Restore Your License

Here's a step-by-step guide to restoring your OT or OTA license in Texas:

1. Download the Correct Form: Ensure you download the Restoration Form, not the Renewal Form.
2. Submit a Current Photograph: A 2” x 2” passport-type photo is required. This can be submitted either in paper form or electronically.
3. Verification of Licenses: List all states where you have been licensed. You must submit a verification of any licenses that the Board cannot verify.
4. Take the JP Exam: This is an open-book, online 20-question exam on the OT Act and Rules.
5. Fulfill Restoration Requirements: Complete all necessary steps for your type of restoration. For questions, call the Renewal Department at 512/305-6900.
6. Submit Fingerprints: Follow the guidelines provided for fingerprint submission unless you have previously met this requirement.

Special Notes for Military Applicants

If you are a military service member, veteran, or spouse, you may qualify for expedited services. Refer to §370.3 for more information.

Additional Tips

• Overnight Mail: If you're in a hurry, use overnight mail for faster processing.
• Pre-Paid Delivery: For expedited license delivery, send a pre-paid FedEx or UPS overnight air bill.
• Start Working: You can begin working as soon as your license appears as current and unexpired on the Board's License Verification page.

For more information, please follow this link.