What happens when your social worker license expires and you want to practice again
A resumed social worker license is a license you get back after it has lapsed — meaning you let it expire without renewing it on time, and now you want to work as a social worker again. The process is not the same as a standard renewal. Most states require you to complete additional steps: proof that you have kept up with continuing education, a fee that is often higher than a regular renewal, and sometimes a background check or verification that you have not been disciplined since the license lapsed.
The exact requirements depend on your state, how long the license has been expired, and what type of social worker license you held (Licensed Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, or Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker). Some states let you resume a license that expired less than a year ago with minimal paperwork. Others require you to retake parts of the exam or complete a full renewal process if the license has been inactive for more than two or three years.
You cannot work as a social worker while your license is expired or while your resumption request is being reviewed. Starting the process before you need to work is the safest approach.
Key Takeaways
- Most states require proof of continuing education hours even if your license has been expired, and the number of hours needed may be higher than for a standard renewal.
- The fee to resume a license is typically higher than a regular renewal fee and varies by state, ranging from around $100 to $400 depending on your license type and how long it has been inactive.
- If your license expired more than two to three years ago, your state may require you to retake the licensing exam, pass a new background check, or complete additional documentation.
- You must submit your resumption request to your state's social work licensing board, not to a general DMV or occupational licensing office, because social work licenses are regulated separately from driver licenses.
- The review process typically takes four to eight weeks, so you should not count on working when ready after you submit your request.
How to find your state's social work licensing board and resumption rules
Social worker licenses are issued and managed by your state's social work licensing board or department of professional regulation — not by the DMV. The first step is to locate the correct board for your state. The Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) maintains a directory of state boards on its website, organized by state, with direct links to each board's contact information and rules.
Once you find your state board's website, look for a section titled "License Renewal," "Inactive License," "Restore License," or "Resume License." The exact wording varies. On that page, you will find the specific requirements for your state: how long your license can be expired before resumption becomes unavailable, what continuing education you need, the fee amount, and whether you need to retake the exam. Print or save this page — you will need to reference it as you gather documents.
If the website does not clearly explain the resumption process, call the board's licensing department directly. Ask specifically: "What are the requirements to resume a social worker license that expired on [your date]?" and "Do I need to retake the exam?" Write down the answer and the name of the person who gave it to you.
Documents and continuing education hours you will need to gather
Most states require you to show proof of continuing education (CE) hours completed after your license expired or during the period it was inactive. The number of hours varies — some states require the full year's worth of CE hours (often 20 to 30 hours for an LCSW), while others require a prorated amount based on how long the license was inactive. A few states waive CE requirements if the license expired less than six months ago.
You will need to collect certificates or transcripts from any CE courses, workshops, or training you completed. These must come from providers approved by your state board — not all online courses count. If you have not completed the required hours, you will need to take courses before you submit your resumption request. Many states will not process a resumption process without proof of completed CE.
You will also need to prepare: a completed resumption process form (read from your state board's website), a copy of your expired license or license number, proof of your current mailing address, and payment for the resumption fee. Some states require a new background check or fingerprinting, which you may need to schedule separately at a designated location. Check your state board's website to see if this applies to you.
Step-by-step process for submitting your resumption request
| Step | What to do | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Verify your may be able to access | Contact your state board to confirm your license can be resumed (some states have a time limit after which you must retake the exam instead). | Same day or next business day |
| 2. Complete required continuing education | Take any CE courses your state requires. Collect certificates or transcripts from approved providers. | 1 to 4 weeks, depending on course availability |
| 3. read and fill out the resumption process | Get the form from your state board's website. Fill it out completely, including your license number, the date it expired, and your current contact information. | 30 minutes to 1 hour |
| 4. Gather supporting documents | Collect CE certificates, proof of address, a copy of your expired license, and any other documents your state requires. | 1 to 2 weeks |
| 5. Submit your process and fee | Mail or submit online (depending on your state's process) along with the resumption fee. Keep a copy of everything you send. | 1 to 2 weeks for processing to begin |
| 6. Wait for board review | The board reviews your process, verifies your documents, and may contact you with questions. | 4 to 8 weeks |
| 7. Receive your resumed license | Once approved, you will receive your new license by mail or be notified to read it from the board's website. | 1 to 2 weeks after approval |
Common reasons resumption requests are delayed or denied
The most frequent cause of delay is incomplete continuing education documentation. If your CE certificates do not clearly show the course title, date completed, number of hours, and the provider's approval status, the board will ask you to resubmit or provide additional proof. This can add two to four weeks to the process. To avoid this, contact each CE provider before you submit and ask them to send official documentation directly to the board, or include a letter from the provider confirming your attendance.
A second common issue is a background check problem. If your state requires a new background check as part of resumption and the results show a criminal conviction, disciplinary action, or other issue that occurred after your license expired, the board may deny your request or require you to provide an explanation. If you have any concerns about your background, contact the board before you submit your process to understand how it will be handled.
Incomplete or incorrect process forms also cause delays. Make sure every field is filled out, dates match your state board's records, and you have signed and dated the form if required. Submit a photocopy or scan of everything, not originals, and keep copies for your records.
What to do if your state requires you to retake the exam
If your license has been expired for more than two to three years (the threshold varies by state), your state board may require you to retake the social work licensing exam instead of allowing a straightforward resumption. This is more time-consuming and costly than resumption, but it is the only path forward in those states.
To retake the exam, you will need to register with the testing provider (usually the Association of Social Work Boards, which administers the ASWB exams). You will pay an exam fee (typically $200 to $300), schedule a test date, and study for the exam that matches your license level (BSW, MSW, LCSW, or LICSW). After you pass, you submit your passing score to your state board along with a new license process and the appropriate fee.
The entire process — from exam registration to receiving your new license — usually takes two to four months. If you are in this situation, start as soon as you know you need to retake the exam, because the timeline is longer than a standard resumption.
Fees and payment methods for license resumption
Resumption fees vary significantly by state and by license type. A resumed LCSW license might cost $150 to $300, while a resumed LSW license might cost $100 to $200. Some states charge an additional late fee if the license has been expired for more than a certain period (often one to two years). A few states also charge a separate fee for background check processing or for expedited review.
Most state boards accept payment by check, money order, credit card, or online payment through their website. If you are mailing your process, include a check or money order with your documents. If you are submitting online, you will usually be able to pay by credit card during the submission process. Do not send cash by mail.
Keep your payment receipt or confirmation number. If there is any question about whether your process was received, you can reference this number when you contact the board.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as a social worker while my resumption request is being reviewed?
No. You cannot legally practice as a social worker in any capacity — including employment, volunteering, or private practice — while your license is expired or while your resumption request is pending. If you are hired for a position, your employer will verify your license status with the state board before you start. Working without an active license can result in fines, legal action, or permanent loss of your license.
What if I completed continuing education while my license was expired, but the courses were not approved by my state board?
Only CE hours from board-approved providers count toward resumption. If you took courses from a provider your state does not recognize, you will need to take additional approved courses to meet the requirement. Before you take any CE, check your state board's list of approved providers to make sure the hours will count.
How long does it take to resume a social worker license?
The total time depends on how quickly you complete continuing education and gather documents, plus the board's review time. If you already have all required CE hours and documents ready, expect four to eight weeks from submission to approval. If you need to complete CE courses first, add two to six weeks. Retaking the exam adds another two to four months.
Is there a time limit on how long a social worker license can be expired before it cannot be resumed?
Yes, but the limit varies by state. Some states allow resumption indefinitely, while others set a limit of five to ten years. A few states require you to retake the exam if the license has been expired for more than two to three years. Check with your state board to find out the limit in your state — this is one of the first things you should verify.
Do I need to notify my employer that I am resuming my license?
Yes. If you are resuming your license to return to a job, tell your employer about the timeline and ask whether they need any documentation from you or the state board before you start. Some employers require proof of an active license before your first day. Do not assume your old job is waiting — check with your employer about their hiring process and any conditions they have set.