What you need to do to get your Maryland pharmacist license back
To reinstate a Maryland pharmacist license, you must contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy, pay a reinstatement fee, and meet any conditions the Board imposed when your license was suspended or revoked. The exact steps depend on why your license was no longer active — whether it lapsed because you didn't renew it, was suspended for a violation, or was revoked. The Board will tell you which documents to submit and whether you need to complete additional education or pass an exam before the license can be restored.
Maryland pharmacists who let their licenses lapse through non-renewal face a simpler path than those whose licenses were suspended or revoked for disciplinary reasons. In either case, you start by contacting the Board directly, because the requirements and fees are not the same for every situation.
Key Takeaways
- Contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy to learn the specific reinstatement requirements for your license status — lapsed, suspended, or revoked.
- You will need to pay a reinstatement fee, which varies depending on how long your license has been inactive and the reason it was no longer valid.
- If your license was suspended or revoked for a violation, you may be required to complete continuing education, pass a new exam, or meet other conditions before reinstatement is possible.
- The Board will provide a written list of all documents and fees required; gather these before submitting your reinstatement request.
The difference between a lapsed license and a suspended or revoked one
A lapsed license means you did not renew it by the important date. Maryland pharmacist licenses expire on a set schedule, and if you miss the renewal window, your license becomes inactive. Reinstatement for a lapsed license usually requires paying the reinstatement fee, proof that you meet current continuing education requirements, and a completed process. The Board may also require you to show that you have not practiced pharmacy without a valid license during the lapse period.
A suspended license means the Board temporarily removed your right to practice, usually because of a violation or disciplinary action. Suspension has specific conditions for removal — the Board will have issued an order stating what you must do to have the suspension lifted. This might include paying a fine, completing a specific course, passing a new exam, or serving a set suspension period. You cannot straightforward pay a fee and get reinstated; you must first satisfy the Board's conditions.
A revoked license means the Board permanently terminated your license. Revocation is the most serious action. Reinstatement after revocation is rare and typically requires a formal petition to the Board, often with evidence that the circumstances that led to revocation no longer exist. You should speak with the Board about whether reinstatement is even possible in your case.
Steps to contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy
The Maryland Board of Pharmacy is part of the Maryland Department of Health. You can reach them by phone, mail, or through their website. When you contact them, have your license number ready and be prepared to explain why your license is no longer active. The Board will ask you questions to confirm your identity and pull your file.
The Board's staff will tell you in writing what documents you need to submit, what fees explore, and what conditions (if any) must be met before reinstatement. Do not assume the process is the same as it was for someone else — the Board's requirements depend on your specific situation. Ask for a written summary of all steps and important date so you have a record of what was discussed.
If you were disciplined by the Board, your file may include a consent order or Board decision that spells out reinstatement conditions. Request a copy of this document if you do not have one. It will tell you exactly what the Board required you to do.
Continuing education and exam requirements
If your license lapsed, you will likely need to show that you have completed the continuing education hours required by Maryland during the time your license was inactive. Maryland requires pharmacists to complete a set number of continuing education credits per renewal cycle. If you let your license lapse, you may need to complete credits for the full period you were not licensed, or the Board may allow you to complete credits for the current cycle only. The Board will clarify this when you contact them.
If your license was suspended or revoked for a violation, the Board may require you to pass the Pharmacy Law Exam, the NAPLEX (North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination), or both before reinstatement. The Board will specify which exam and may require you to pass with a certain score. You will need to register for the exam through the testing organization and pay the exam fee separately from the reinstatement fee.
Some disciplinary orders require completion of a specific course or training program — for example, a course on pharmacy law, ethics, or a clinical topic related to the violation. The Board will name the course and tell you where it can be taken. You must provide proof of completion to the Board.
Reinstatement fees and payment
Maryland charges a reinstatement fee for pharmacist licenses, but the amount varies. A license that lapsed due to non-renewal typically has a lower reinstatement fee than one that was suspended or revoked. The fee also depends on how long your license has been inactive. The Board will quote you the exact fee when you contact them and will tell you how to pay — usually by check, money order, or credit card through their website.
Do not send payment until the Board has confirmed all requirements and given you a total amount due. If you send an incomplete payment or miss a requirement, your reinstatement may be delayed. The Board will provide an invoice or payment instructions that you should follow exactly.
What happens after you submit your reinstatement request
After you submit your completed reinstatement process, all required documents, and payment, the Board will review your file. The time this takes varies — it may be a few weeks or several months, depending on the Board's workload and the complexity of your case. If your license was suspended or revoked, the Board may schedule a hearing or require additional information before making a decision.
The Board will notify you in writing of its decision. If reinstatement is approved, you will receive a new license certificate or a letter confirming that your license is active. If the Board denies reinstatement or asks for more information, the letter will explain why and what you can do next. Keep all Board correspondence in a safe place.
Once your license is reinstated, you must comply with all current Maryland pharmacy regulations, including continuing education requirements, to keep it active. If you plan to work as a pharmacist again, confirm with your employer or the facility where you will practice that they are aware your license has been reinstated.
If you cannot meet the Board's requirements
If the Board's conditions for reinstatement seem impossible to meet — for example, if you cannot afford the exam fee or cannot find the required course — contact the Board and explain your situation. Some boards have hardship provisions or can work with you on timing. It is better to ask than to assume you are stuck.
If your license was revoked and the Board tells you reinstatement is not possible, you may have the right to petition for reconsideration or to request a hearing. Ask the Board what your options are. If you believe the Board's decision was unfair, you may also have the right to appeal to a court, but this is a separate legal process and you should speak with a lawyer about whether it makes sense in your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to reinstate a Maryland pharmacist license?
The time varies depending on whether your license lapsed or was suspended or revoked. A lapsed license may be reinstated in a few weeks if you submit all documents correctly. A suspended or revoked license can take several months, especially if the Board needs to review your file or hold a hearing. Contact the Board to ask for an estimate based on your situation.
Can I practice pharmacy while my reinstatement is pending?
No. You cannot practice pharmacy without a valid, active license. Practicing without a license is a crime in Maryland. Wait until the Board notifies you that your license has been reinstated before you work as a pharmacist.
What if I do not know why my license was suspended or revoked?
Contact the Maryland Board of Pharmacy and ask them to explain the reason. Your file will contain the Board's order or decision. The Board is required to provide you with this information. Once you understand the reason, you will know what conditions you must meet for reinstatement.
Do I need a lawyer to reinstate my license?
For a straightforward lapsed license, you probably do not need a lawyer — the reinstatement process is straightforward. If your license was suspended or revoked and you are unsure about the conditions or believe the Board's decision was wrong, speaking with a lawyer who knows Maryland pharmacy law may help you understand your options.
What if the Board denies my reinstatement request?
The Board will send you a written decision explaining why. You may have the right to request a hearing or to appeal. The Board's letter will tell you what steps you can take next and any important date you must meet. Read the letter carefully and contact the Board if you do not understand your options.