Maryland — Chesapeake Bay and harbor skyline

Maryland Dietitian License

Board of Dietetic Practice

Total Fee
$300
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • Official College Transcripts — From an accredited college or university, may be emailed to Lenelle.Cooper@maryland.gov or mailed to the Board.
  • CDR or CNS Registration Number — Your Commission on Dietetic Registration (RD/RDN) or Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CNS) number for direct verification.
  • Completed Application Form — Paper applications require notarized signature page.
  • Criminal History Records Check — May be required at the Board's discretion during the application process.

How to Apply

Total Fee
$300
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Not required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Maryland requires state-specific licensure to practice, even if you are licensed in another state. However, the process is streamlined for Registered Dietitians who already hold CDR registration. Out-of-state licensees apply through the standard application process and can transfer their CDR registration. Contact the Board directly for specific reciprocity guidance.

Steps

  1. Submit Your Application
    Apply through the Board of Dietetic Practice. The application fee is $75.
  2. Provide License Verification
    Maryland requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
  3. Request Official College Transcripts
    From an accredited college or university, may be emailed to Lenelle.Cooper@maryland.gov or mailed to the Board.
  4. Confirm Your CDR or CNS Registration Number
    Your Commission on Dietetic Registration (RD/RDN) or Board for Certification of Nutrition Specialists (CNS) number for direct verification.
  5. Provide Completed Application Form
    Paper applications require notarized signature page.
  6. Provide Criminal History Records Check
    May be required at the Board's discretion during the application process.
  7. Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening
    Maryland requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan (adds ~$39.95 fee) OR FD-258 hard card via mail (tip: moisturize hands for days prior to reduce smudge rejects). Completing prints outside Maryland can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
  8. Await Board Processing
    Plan for a processing timeline of about 2 Weeks once your file is complete.
  9. Create Online Account
    Navigate to the Maryland Professional Online Licensing System at licensing.opl.health.maryland.gov/ and click "New User? Create an Account" to register with your email address and create a password.
  10. Board Review
    The Maryland Board of Dietetic Practice will review your completed application and all submitted documentation for compliance with state licensure requirements.
  11. Receive Licensure Notification
    Upon approval, you will receive notification of your issued license through the Maryland Professional Online Licensing System, and your license will be active.
Total Fee
$250
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years + 30 CPE hours (incl. implicit bias)
Compact
No
Board
Board of Dietetic Practice

Keeping Your License Active

Maryland Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years + 30 CPE hours (incl. implicit bias). Contact the Board of Dietetic Practice for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$300
Endorsement application$300
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal250.0

Slow Downs

Fingerprinting delays
Out-of-state prints can add 2-4 weeks to your timeline.
Missing or incomplete documents
Have all your documents ready before starting the application to avoid processing delays.
Application errors
Double-check that your name matches across all documents exactly. Mismatches are a common reason for delays.

Questions

Board Info

Board of Dietetic Practice
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25