What You Need to Do to Reinstate a Physical Therapy License
Reinstating a physical therapy license after it lapses depends on how long it has been inactive and which state issued it. Most states allow reinstatement within a set window—often three to five years—without requiring you to retake the licensing exam. After that window closes, you typically must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) again. The first step is to contact your state's physical therapy licensing board directly, because reinstatement rules, fees, and required documentation vary significantly by state.
Your state board will tell you whether you fall under a standard reinstatement process or whether your license has been inactive so long that you need to meet current continuing education requirements or exam standards. Some states charge a reinstatement fee separate from the renewal fee; others bundle them. You will need to provide proof that you have not practiced without a license during the lapsed period and that you meet any current background check or health screening requirements.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state's physical therapy licensing board first—they will tell you whether you can reinstate without retaking the NPTE or whether your license has been inactive too long.
- Most states allow reinstatement within three to five years of lapse without retaking the exam, but this window varies by state and may depend on how many continuing education hours you completed before the lapse.
- Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $500 depending on the state, and some states charge additional fees for late renewal or for processing a reinstatement process separate from a standard renewal.
- You will need to submit proof of identity, pass a background check, and in some states complete recent continuing education hours or a jurisprudence exam before reinstatement is approved.
- If your license has been inactive beyond your state's reinstatement window, you will need to retake the NPTE and may need to complete a refresher course or supervised practice hours.
How Long You Have to Reinstate Without Retaking the Exam
The reinstatement window—the period during which you can restore your license without retaking the NPTE—is set by your state board and typically ranges from three to five years after the license lapses. Some states, such as California and Texas, allow reinstatement within two years; others, such as New York, allow up to five years. A few states have no fixed window and instead base reinstatement may be able to access on whether you have maintained a certain number of continuing education hours during the inactive period.
If you are within the reinstatement window, you will usually need to pay the reinstatement fee, submit an process form, and provide proof that you have not practiced without a license. Some states also require you to complete a set number of continuing education hours in the year or months when ready before reinstatement—often 10 to 20 hours—to demonstrate that you are current with the field. Check your state board's website or call them directly to confirm your specific window and what documentation they require.
If your license has been inactive beyond the reinstatement window, you will need to retake the NPTE. This means registering with the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT), paying the exam fee (typically $600 to $700), and scheduling a test date. You may also be required to complete a refresher course or a period of supervised practice before you are permitted to sit for the exam, depending on how long your license has been inactive.
Documents and Information Your State Board Will Request
When you contact your state board to begin the reinstatement process, have the following information ready: your current name, your license number, the date your license lapsed, and your current address and contact details. You will need to complete a reinstatement process form, which your board will provide online or by mail. This form typically asks whether you have practiced physical therapy during the lapsed period, whether you have any pending disciplinary actions, and whether your health or criminal history has changed since your license was last active.
You will need to submit proof of identity—usually a copy of your driver's license or passport—and in most states you will need to authorize a background check. Some states require fingerprinting; others conduct the check electronically. If your state requires continuing education for reinstatement, you will need to provide certificates or transcripts showing that you completed the required hours and that the courses were approved by your state board or by an accredited provider.
A few states require a jurisprudence exam—a test on state physical therapy laws and regulations—before reinstatement. If your state requires this, the board will tell you how to register and when you can sit for the exam. Some boards allow you to take it online; others require an in-person test at a designated location.
Reinstatement Fees and Processing Timeline
Reinstatement fees vary by state and typically range from $100 to $500. Some states charge a flat reinstatement fee; others charge the standard renewal fee plus an additional reinstatement or late-renewal penalty. A few states waive the reinstatement fee if you reinstate within a certain period after lapse—for example, within 30 days—but charge a higher fee if you wait longer. Contact your state board to confirm the exact fee and whether you can pay online, by check, or by credit card.
Processing time for reinstatement applications typically ranges from two to six weeks, depending on how quickly you submit all required documents and how busy your state board is. If your process is incomplete, the board will notify you of what is missing and may extend the timeline. Some states allow you to practice under a temporary or provisional license while your reinstatement process is being processed; others do not. Ask your board whether this option is available in your state.
If you need to retake the NPTE because your license has been inactive beyond the reinstatement window, add additional time for exam registration and scheduling. The FSBPT typically allows you to schedule an exam within a few weeks of registration, but test dates may be limited depending on your location and the time of year.
State-by-State Differences in Reinstatement Requirements
Reinstatement rules differ significantly across states. California allows reinstatement within two years of lapse without retaking the exam, but requires proof of 12 continuing education hours in the year before reinstatement. Texas allows reinstatement within three years and requires 15 continuing education hours. New York allows up to five years and requires 36 continuing education hours over the inactive period. Florida allows reinstatement within two years without the exam but charges a reinstatement fee of $250 in addition to the renewal fee.
Some states, such as Illinois and Ohio, do not have a fixed reinstatement window and instead allow reinstatement at any time if you meet current continuing education requirements and pass a background check. Other states, such as Massachusetts and Connecticut, have shorter windows—often one to two years—and require retaking the exam if you miss that window. A few states, including some that do not have state licensure for physical therapists, may have different rules or may not offer reinstatement at all.
Before you begin the reinstatement process, visit your state board's website or call them to confirm the specific rules for your state. Many boards provide a reinstatement checklist or a step-by-step guide on their website. If your state board does not have this information readily available, ask to speak with a licensing specialist who can walk you through the process.
What Happens If You Practiced Without a License During the Lapse
If you practiced physical therapy while your license was inactive, you may face disciplinary action from your state board, including fines, denial of reinstatement, or a requirement to complete additional supervised practice hours before reinstatement is approved. Some states treat practicing without a license as a criminal offense. When you submit your reinstatement process, you will be asked to disclose whether you have practiced during the lapsed period. Lying on this form can result in denial of reinstatement and potential criminal charges.
If you did practice without a license, contact your state board before submitting your reinstatement process to discuss your options. Some boards are willing to work with you if you disclose the issue voluntarily and take corrective steps, such as completing additional continuing education or supervised practice. Others may deny reinstatement or impose penalties. The outcome depends on how long you practiced without a license, whether you were paid for your services, and your state's specific disciplinary guidelines.
Retaking the NPTE If Your License Has Been Inactive Too Long
If your license has been inactive beyond your state's reinstatement window, you will need to retake the NPTE. The exam is administered by the FSBPT and is offered year-round at testing centers across the country. To register, you will need to create an account on the FSBPT website, pay the exam fee (typically $600 to $700), and select a test date and location. The exam is computer-based and takes about four hours.
Before you register for the exam, check whether your state requires you to complete a refresher course or a period of supervised practice. Some states require 40 to 100 hours of supervised practice under a licensed physical therapist before you are permitted to sit for the exam if your license has been inactive for more than five years. Other states allow you to sit for the exam when ready after paying the registration fee. Your state board will tell you what is required.
If you have not practiced in several years, consider taking a refresher course or studying with a review program before sitting for the exam. Many physical therapy schools and continuing education providers offer refresher courses designed for people returning to practice. These courses typically cover current standards of care, new treatment techniques, and changes to the NPTE since you last took it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice physical therapy while my reinstatement process is being processed?
This depends on your state. Some states allow you to practice under a temporary or provisional license while your reinstatement process is pending; others do not. Contact your state board to ask whether this option is available. If it is not, you will need to wait for your reinstatement to be approved before you can legally practice.
Do I need to retake continuing education if I completed my hours before my license lapsed?
Most states require continuing education completed in the year or months when ready before reinstatement, not hours you completed years ago. If your license lapsed five years ago, you will need to complete recent hours to meet current requirements. Check your state board's website for the specific timeline.
What if I moved to a different state after my license lapsed?
You will need to reinstate your license in the state where it was issued before you can transfer it to a new state. Some states allow you to reinstate and then explore for licensure by endorsement in another state without retaking the NPTE, but this depends on the states involved. Contact both your original state board and your new state board to understand the process.
How much does it cost to reinstate a physical therapy license?
Reinstatement fees range from $100 to $500 depending on your state. Some states charge additional fees for late renewal, background checks, or jurisprudence exams. If you need to retake the NPTE, add $600 to $700 for the exam fee. Contact your state board for the exact cost in your state.
Can I reinstate my license if I have a criminal record or disciplinary history?
Having a criminal record or past disciplinary action does not automatically disqualify you from reinstatement, but your state board will review your history as part of the background check. Disclose any relevant history on your process. If you have concerns, contact your state board before submitting your process to discuss whether reinstatement is possible.