What happens when your California engineering license lapses and how to get it back
A lapsed Professional Engineer (PE) license in California means your license expired and you did not renew it before the important date. The California Department of Consumer Affairs, Division of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors (DPE) handles reinstatement. You cannot practice engineering or use the PE title while your license is lapsed, even if you were previously licensed.
Reinstatement is not automatic. You must submit a formal request to DPE, pay reinstatement fees, and meet specific requirements that depend on how long your license has been expired. The process takes 4 to 8 weeks from the date DPE receives a complete process.
The path forward depends on three things: how many years have passed since expiration, whether you have been practicing engineering during the lapse (which affects your may be able to access), and whether you meet the continuing education requirements for your license type.
Key Takeaways
- You must file a reinstatement process with DPE, not renew through the normal renewal process, and include the reinstatement fee plus any back renewal fees owed.
- If your license lapsed fewer than five years ago, you may reinstate without additional continuing education hours if you did not practice during the lapse.
- If your license lapsed more than five years ago, you must complete a refresher course or pass the Professional Engineer exam again, depending on DPE's assessment of your qualifications.
- You cannot legally practice engineering or represent yourself as a PE while your license is lapsed, even if you have submitted a reinstatement process.
- DPE processes reinstatement applications at their office in Sacramento; there is no online reinstatement portal, so you must mail or hand-deliver your complete process packet.
Timeline and fee structure for reinstatement
Reinstatement fees vary depending on when your license expired. As of 2024, the reinstatement process fee is $150. You must also pay any renewal fees that accumulated during the lapse period. For example, if your license expired in 2020 and you are reinstating in 2024, you owe the renewal fees for 2020, 2022, and 2024 (PE licenses renew every two years). Each renewal fee is $200.
The total cost in that scenario would be $150 (reinstatement) plus $600 (three renewal periods at $200 each) = $750. Check the DPE website or call their licensing unit at (916) 263-2300 to confirm the exact fees owed before you submit your process, because fee amounts can change and your specific renewal history may differ.
Processing time begins when DPE receives your complete process. Incomplete applications are returned, which restarts the clock. Plan for 4 to 8 weeks of processing time. DPE will send you a letter confirming receipt and will contact you if additional documents are needed.
Requirements if your license lapsed fewer than five years ago
If your PE license expired fewer than five years ago and you did not practice engineering during the lapse, you may reinstate without completing additional continuing education. This is the fastest reinstatement path. You must still submit the reinstatement process, pay all fees, and provide proof that you did not practice.
"Did not practice" means you did not offer engineering services to the public, did not sign or seal engineering documents, and did not hold yourself out as a licensed engineer. If you worked in a non-licensed capacity (for example, as a project manager in a non-engineering role, or in a completely different field), that does not count as practicing engineering.
If you are uncertain whether your activities during the lapse period constitute practice, contact DPE before submitting your process. Misrepresenting your practice history can result in denial of reinstatement and referral to the Board's enforcement unit.
Requirements if your license lapsed five or more years ago
If your PE license has been expired for five years or longer, DPE requires you to demonstrate current competency. You have two main options: complete a Board-approved refresher course, or retake and pass the Professional Engineer (PE) exam.
The refresher course route is typically faster. DPE maintains a list of approved refresher courses on its website. These courses cover current engineering practice, code updates, and professional responsibility. Most refresher courses are offered online and take 20 to 40 hours to complete. You must provide DPE with a certificate of completion from the course provider.
The exam route requires you to register with the California Department of Consumer Affairs and pay the PE exam fee (currently $350). You must pass the exam before DPE will process your reinstatement. This path takes longer because you must wait for the next scheduled exam date, which occurs twice per year (typically April and October).
Documents you must include with your reinstatement process
DPE requires a complete process packet. Incomplete packets are returned without processing. The required documents are:
- The reinstatement process form (Form 1, available on the DPE website under "Forms and Publications").
- A check or money order for the reinstatement fee plus all back renewal fees, made payable to the Department of Consumer Affairs.
- A statement describing your professional activities during the period your license was lapsed (required for all applicants, regardless of lapse length).
- If your license lapsed five or more years ago: a certificate of completion from an approved refresher course, or proof of passing the PE exam.
- A copy of your original PE license or a letter from DPE confirming your license number and expiration date (if you do not have the original license).
- If you changed your name since your license was issued, a certified copy of the legal document showing the name change (marriage certificate, court order, etc.).
Do not submit original documents. DPE will not return them. Submit copies only, except for the check or money order.
Where to send your reinstatement process
Mail your complete process packet to:
Department of Consumer Affairs Division of Professional Engineers and Land Surveyors 2535 Capitol Oaks Drive Sacramento, CA 95833
You can also hand-deliver your process during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding state holidays). There is no online submission portal for reinstatement applications. Do not email your process; DPE will not process it.
Include a cover letter with your name, PE license number, phone number, and email address. This helps DPE track your process. Keep a copy of everything you submit for your records.
Common reasons reinstatement applications are denied or delayed
The most frequent cause of delay is an incomplete process. Missing the refresher course certificate, failing to include the statement of professional activities, or submitting a check for the wrong amount will send your process back. Always call DPE before mailing to confirm the exact fees you owe.
Misrepresenting your practice history during the lapse period is grounds for denial. If you practiced engineering without a license, DPE may deny reinstatement and refer you to the Board's enforcement unit for investigation. Be honest in your statement of activities.
If your license lapsed more than five years ago and you did not complete a refresher course or pass the PE exam before submitting your process, DPE will deny the process and explain what you must do. You cannot reinstate without meeting the competency requirement.
What to do while waiting for reinstatement approval
You cannot practice engineering or use the PE title while your process is pending. If you are employed as an engineer, your employer must understand that you are not licensed during this period. Some employers will place you in a non-licensed role temporarily; others may require you to take unpaid leave.
If DPE requests additional information, respond within 30 days. Delays in responding can extend the processing timeline. Keep your contact information current with DPE so you receive any correspondence about your process.
Once DPE approves your reinstatement, you will receive a letter confirming approval and your new license expiration date. Your license will be reinstated as of the date DPE processes the approval, not the date you submitted the process. You can then legally practice engineering and use the PE title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice engineering while my reinstatement process is being reviewed?
No. Your license is lapsed until DPE approves your reinstatement process. Practicing engineering without a license is illegal in California and can result in criminal charges, civil penalties, and disciplinary action. Wait for written approval from DPE before you practice.
What if I practiced engineering during the lapse without realizing my license had expired?
Contact DPE when ready and disclose this in your reinstatement process. Unlicensed practice is a violation, but voluntary disclosure before DPE discovers it independently may result in a less severe outcome than if DPE finds out through an investigation or complaint. DPE may still deny reinstatement or impose conditions.
Do I have to retake the PE exam if my license lapsed more than five years ago?
Not necessarily. You can complete an approved refresher course instead, which is usually faster and less expensive than retaking the exam. DPE will accept either option. Check the DPE website for the current list of approved refresher courses.
How long does the refresher course take, and can I do it online?
Most approved refresher courses take 20 to 40 hours and are offered online. Some are offered in person. Course length and format vary by provider. Check the course description before enrolling to confirm it meets DPE's approval requirements and fits your schedule.
What if I cannot find my original PE license or license number?
Contact DPE and request a letter confirming your license number and expiration date. You can provide this letter instead of the original license. DPE can usually provide this letter within one week if you call (916) 263-2300 with your name and date of birth.