What you need to do to reinstate a lapsed Connecticut LPC license

To reinstate your Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) license in Connecticut, you file a reinstatement request with the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing. The process depends on how long your license has been inactive and whether you meet the continuing education requirements for the period you were not licensed.

Connecticut does not automatically restore a lapsed license. You must submit a formal reinstatement process, pay the required fee, and demonstrate that you have completed any continuing education hours required during the years your license was inactive. If your license has been expired for more than five years, you may face additional requirements or may need to retake parts of the original licensure process.

The Connecticut Department of Public Health handles all LPC licensing matters. You can reach them through their website or contact the Division of Professional Licensing directly to confirm current fees and processing times before you submit your process.

Key Takeaways

  • Connecticut requires you to file a reinstatement process with the Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing—your license does not restore automatically.
  • You must complete all continuing education hours that were required during the years your license was inactive, even if you were not practicing.
  • Reinstatement fees vary and should be confirmed with the Department of Public Health before you submit your process.
  • If your license expired more than five years ago, Connecticut may require additional steps, such as retaking the LPC exam or completing a refresher course.

How long your license has been inactive matters

Connecticut treats reinstatement differently depending on whether your license lapsed recently or many years ago. If your license expired within the last few years, the process is usually straightforward: submit the reinstatement form, pay the fee, and provide proof of the continuing education hours you missed.

If your license has been inactive for five years or longer, the Department of Public Health may require you to retake the National Counselor Examination (NCE) or complete additional coursework to demonstrate current knowledge of counseling practices and ethics. Some states in this situation require a refresher course instead of a full exam retake. Contact the Department of Public Health directly to learn what Connecticut requires for your specific timeline.

The longer your license has been inactive, the more documentation you may need to gather. Start by requesting your license history from the Department of Public Health so you know exactly when it expired and what continuing education requirements applied during your inactive years.

Continuing education hours you must document

Connecticut LPCs are required to complete continuing education hours every two years to keep their license active. If your license lapsed, you owe the continuing education hours for every renewal cycle you missed, even though you were not practicing.

The number of hours required per renewal cycle is set by Connecticut's licensing board. Before you explore for reinstatement, contact the Department of Public Health to confirm exactly how many hours you need to document and what types of courses count toward reinstatement. Some courses may not count if they fall outside the approved subject areas for LPC continuing education.

You will need to provide documentation—usually certificates of completion—for each course you took during your inactive period. If you did not complete the required hours, you cannot reinstate until you do. Some applicants complete their continuing education after their license expires but before they file for reinstatement, which is allowed.

The reinstatement process and required documents

The Connecticut Department of Public Health provides a reinstatement process form on its website. You will need to gather several documents before you submit it. Have your Social Security number, current contact information, and your original LPC license number ready.

Required documents typically include proof of continuing education (certificates of completion for all hours required during your inactive period), the completed reinstatement form, and payment of the reinstatement fee. Some applicants must also provide proof of professional liability insurance or a statement of good standing if they worked in another state while their Connecticut license was inactive.

If you have been disciplined by another state's licensing board or have a criminal conviction since your license expired, you must disclose this on your process. Failure to disclose can result in denial of reinstatement. If you are unsure whether something must be reported, contact the Department of Public Health before you submit.

Where to submit your reinstatement request

Submit your completed reinstatement process to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Division of Professional Licensing. The Department provides mailing and email addresses on its website. Some applications may be submitted online through the state's licensing portal; check the Department's website to see if this option is available for LPC reinstatement.

Include a cover letter with your process that briefly explains why your license lapsed and confirms that you have completed all required continuing education. Keep copies of everything you send, including the continuing education certificates and your completed process form.

Processing times vary. Contact the Department of Public Health to ask how long reinstatement applications typically take in the current cycle. Some applications are processed within a few weeks; others may take several months if additional information is needed.

Fees and payment

Connecticut charges a reinstatement fee, which is separate from the regular license renewal fee. The amount varies and may differ depending on how long your license has been inactive. Confirm the current fee with the Department of Public Health before you submit your process, as fees are updated periodically.

Payment methods accepted by the Department of Public Health should be listed on the reinstatement process form or the Department's website. Some states accept checks, credit cards, or electronic payment; others accept only one or two methods. Pay close attention to payment instructions to avoid delays.

If your reinstatement is denied, you may be may have access to to a refund of the fee, depending on the reason for denial. Ask the Department of Public Health about their refund policy when you submit your process.

What happens after you submit your process

After the Department of Public Health receives your reinstatement process, they will review it to confirm that you have met all requirements. If your process is complete and you have submitted all required documents, the Department will process it and issue a new license.

If information is missing or incomplete, the Department will contact you and ask you to provide it. Respond promptly to any requests for additional documents or clarification. Delays in responding can slow down the reinstatement process.

Once your license is reinstated, you will receive a new license certificate or confirmation from the Department of Public Health. Your license will be active and you can resume practice as an LPC in Connecticut. Make sure you understand the current continuing education requirements for your next renewal cycle so your license does not lapse again.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I practice counseling in Connecticut while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?

No. You cannot practice as an LPC until your license is officially reinstated by the Department of Public Health. Practicing without an active license is illegal and can result in criminal charges and civil penalties. Wait for written confirmation that your license has been reinstated before you see clients.

What if I completed continuing education in another state while my Connecticut license was inactive?

Some continuing education completed in other states may count toward Connecticut's requirements if the courses meet Connecticut's standards for LPC education. Contact the Department of Public Health before you submit your reinstatement process to ask whether specific courses you completed out of state will be accepted. Bring documentation of those courses with your process.

Do I have to retake the LPC exam to reinstate my license?

Not always. If your license expired recently, you typically only need to complete continuing education and submit the reinstatement form. If your license has been inactive for five or more years, Connecticut may require you to retake the National Counselor Examination or complete a refresher course. Ask the Department of Public Health what applies to your situation.

How much does reinstatement cost?

Reinstatement fees vary and are set by the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Contact them directly or check their website for the current fee. The fee is separate from your regular license renewal fee and may differ depending on how long your license has been inactive.

What if my reinstatement process is denied?

If the Department of Public Health denies your process, they will provide a written explanation of the reason. Common reasons include incomplete continuing education documentation, failure to disclose a disciplinary action, or not meeting other state requirements. You have the right to request a hearing or to reapply once you have addressed the issue that led to denial.