Texas Respiratory Therapist License
Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care
Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (FAST Pass via DPS)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from your respiratory care education program to the TMB.
- NBRC Verification — A copy of your current NBRC certificate or a verification letter sent directly from the NBRC. NBRC Website
- Form L - Professional Evaluation — Required for all RCP positions held in the past 5 years; must be sent directly by the evaluator.
- Proof of Lawful Presence — Copy of a US birth certificate, unexpired US passport, or other approved documentation establishing lawful presence.
How to Apply
-
Submit Online Application ▾Create a MyTMB account and complete the online Respiratory Care Practitioner (RCP) application. Pay the required $175 application fee.
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Obtain Board ID Number ▾After submitting your application, the Board will assign you a 6-digit ID number via email. This number is required for fingerprinting and tracking your status.
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Complete Fingerprinting ▾Schedule a fingerprinting appointment through IdentoGO using the service code provided by the Board. Results are sent directly to the TMB.
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Pass the Jurisprudence (JP) Exam ▾Log into your MyTMB account to take the mandatory Jurisprudence exam. You must pass this exam to be eligible for licensure.
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Submit Supplemental Documents ▾Upload required documents such as transcripts, NBRC verification, and Form L evaluations through the LAMAS system in your MyTMB account.
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Board Review and Issuance ▾The Board will review your completed file. Once approved, your license will be issued and available for download as an e-permit.
Total Fee
$138
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Respiratory Therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current certification.
Steps
-
Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾Request official verification of all healthcare licenses held in other states to be sent directly to the Texas Medical Board.
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Submit Standard RCP Application ▾Texas uses the same application process for initial and endorsement applicants. Follow the standard online application steps.
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Provide Work History ▾Ensure all professional evaluations (Form L) for the last 5 years of practice are submitted by your employers.
Total Fee
$50
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care
Keeping Your License Active
Texas Respiratory Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Texas Medical Board — Respiratory Care for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $100 |
| Endorsement application | $100 |
| Fingerprint check | $38.25 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 50.0 |
Slow Downs
Missing Form L Evaluations
▾
Failure to have previous employers submit Form L directly to the Board is a primary cause of delays.
Incomplete Criminal History Reporting
▾
Failing to report all arrests or charges, regardless of the outcome, can lead to extended background checks and potential denial.
Transcript Delays
▾
Transcripts must come directly from the school; student-issued copies are not accepted.
Questions
How many CE hours are required for renewal?
▾
24 contact hours every two years, including at least 12 traditional hours, 2 hours in ethics, and 1 hour in human trafficking prevention.
When does my Texas RCP license expire?
▾
Licenses expire biennially on either May 31st or November 30th.
Is there a grace period for renewal?
▾
No. There is no grace period. Practicing with an expired license is prohibited and subject to penalty fees.
Can I get a temporary permit?
▾
Yes, a temporary permit (TRCP) is available for a $105 fee while your full application is being processed.