California Occupational Therapist License
California Board of Occupational Therapy
Total Fee
$99
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
California DOJ LiveScan
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution showing the degree and graduation date.
- NBCOT Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Portal
- Passport Photograph — One 2x2 inch passport-style color photo taken within the last 6 months.
- Fingerprint Clearance — Completed Live Scan form or two official fingerprint cards (FD-258). Live Scan Info
How to Apply
-
Create a BreEZe Account ▾Register for an account on the California Department of Consumer Affairs BreEZe system to begin your application.
Register on BreEZe -
Submit Application and Fee ▾Select the Occupational Therapist application and pay the non-refundable $50 application fee.
Start Application -
Complete License Application Questions ▾After paying the fee, return to the 'Quick Start' menu in BreEZe and complete the 'License Application Questions' electronically.
Complete Questions -
Complete Fingerprinting ▾If in California, use Live Scan. If outside California, request official fingerprint cards from the Board and submit them with a $49 fee.
Fingerprint Instructions -
Request NBCOT Score Transfer ▾Contact NBCOT to have your official score report or verification of certification sent directly to the California Board.
Request NBCOT Scores -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Have your university send official transcripts directly to the Board. Electronic transcripts can be sent to cbot@dca.ca.gov.
-
Submit Passport Photo ▾Provide a 2x2 passport-quality photograph taken within the last six months.
-
Pay Initial License Fee ▾Once your application is approved, you will be notified to pay a prorated initial license fee to issue your license.
Pay License Fee
Total Fee
$99
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Submit California Application ▾Apply via the BreEZe portal and pay the $50 application fee.
Apply Online -
Verification of Licensure ▾Request a 'Letter of Good Standing' or official verification from every state where you hold or have held an OT license.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Perform fingerprinting via Live Scan (if in CA) or fingerprint cards (if out of state).
Fingerprint Steps -
Submit Education and Exam Proof ▾Ensure official transcripts and NBCOT verification are sent directly to the Board.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
California Board of Occupational Therapy
Keeping Your License Active
California Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the California Board of Occupational Therapy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $50 |
| Endorsement application | $50 |
| Fingerprint check | $49.00 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Missing Application Questions
▾
Applicants often pay the fee but forget to return to the BreEZe menu to complete the 'License Application Questions' form.
Fingerprint Card Processing
▾
Out-of-state fingerprint cards can take 6-8 weeks to process compared to 72 hours for Live Scan.
Transcript Delays
▾
The Board requires transcripts to be sent directly from the school; student-provided copies are not accepted.
Status Inquiries
▾
Frequent calls to the Board for status updates can actually slow down the review process for all applicants.
Questions
What is the total cost for initial licensure?
▾
The initial application fee is $50. After approval, a prorated license fee is required, which varies based on your birth month and the date of issuance.
How long does the application process take?
▾
The Board typically reviews applications within 30 days of receipt. Total time depends on how quickly third-party documents (transcripts, fingerprints) are received.
Can I work while my application is pending?
▾
Recent graduates may apply for a Limited Permit to work under supervision for up to 3 months while waiting for exam results.
Do I need to complete CEUs for my first renewal?
▾
If your first renewal period is less than two years, you are generally not required to complete PDUs for that first cycle.
How do I check my application status?
▾
You can monitor your application status and check for deficiencies by logging into your BreEZe account.