Texas — desert road through Big Bend toward the Chisos Mountains

Texas Dietitian License

Dietitians Program

Total Fee
$181
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO by IDEMIA
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • CDR Registration Card — A photocopy of your current, active registration card issued by the Commission on Dietetic Registration.
  • Jurisprudence Exam Certificate — Proof of successfully passing the Texas Dietitian Jurisprudence Examination within the last 30 days. Exam Portal
  • Application Form (DTN-LIC-001-E) — The official application form if applying by mail instead of the online portal.
  • License Verification Form — Required only for applicants who hold or have held a license in another state.

How to Apply

  1. Pass the CDR Exam
    Successfully complete the Registration Examination for Dietitians offered by the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR).
  2. Complete the Texas Jurisprudence Exam
    Register and pass the Texas Dietitian Jurisprudence Examination. You must provide the certificate of completion with your application.
    Take Jurisprudence Exam
  3. Submit Initial Application
    Apply online through the TDLR Versa Online portal or submit a paper application by mail.
    Apply Online
  4. Pay Application Fee
    Pay the non-refundable application fee of $108 during the online application process.
    Pay Fees
  5. Submit Supporting Documentation
    Upload or mail a copy of your current active CDR registration card and your Jurisprudence Exam completion certificate.
    Submission Details
  6. Complete Fingerprinting
    Wait for TDLR to send you an email with instructions and your 'Agency Assigned Applicant Number' before scheduling your fingerprint appointment with IdentoGO.
Total Fee
$181
Processing Time
2 to 4 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Texas utilizes licensure by equivalence. If you hold a current CDR registration, you have met the core educational requirements. Out-of-state applicants apply for a new license, submit their active CDR card, pass the Texas Jurisprudence Exam, and undergo the background check.
Apply to transfer

Steps

  1. Verify Out-of-State License
    Ensure you hold an active, valid dietitian license in another state or jurisdiction.
  2. Complete Texas Jurisprudence Exam
    All reciprocity applicants must pass the Texas-specific law exam before applying.
    Take JP Exam
  3. Submit Reciprocity Application
    Apply via the online portal and indicate you are applying based on an out-of-state license.
    Apply for Reciprocity
  4. Request Official Verifications
    Have each state where you hold or have held a license send a verification directly to TDLR.
Total Fee
$90
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years + 12 CE hours
Compact
No
Board
Dietitians Program

Keeping Your License Active

Texas Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years + 12 CE hours. Contact the Dietitians Program for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$142
Endorsement application$142
Fingerprint check$39.05
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal90.0

Slow Downs

Premature Fingerprinting
Scheduling fingerprints before TDLR issues your unique applicant ID will result in the prints not being linked to your file.
Missing Jurisprudence Certificate
Failing to include the JP exam certificate with the initial application stops the review process immediately.
Inactive CDR Status
If your CDR registration is not in 'Active' status at the time of application, the license cannot be issued.

Questions

How much does it cost to get a dietitian license in Texas?
The initial application fee is $108. Additionally, the Jurisprudence Exam fee is approximately $35, paid to the third-party exam provider.
How long does the application process take?
Once a complete application and all documents are received, processing typically takes approximately 30 days.
Do I need to take the CDR exam before applying for a Texas license?
Yes. Texas requires proof of active CDR registration, which implies you have already passed the national registration exam.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
Licensed Dietitians must complete 12 hours of continuing education every two years, which must include at least 1 hour of Texas Jurisprudence.
Sources
Dietitians Program State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25