Ohio Dietitian License
State Medical Board of Ohio
Total Fee
$288–$300
Processing Time
~2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
National WebCheck (System) / FastFingerprints (Primary Private Vendor)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- CDR Registration Card — Evidence of current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration. CDR Website
- BCI & FBI Background Check Results — Criminal records check results sent directly to the board from an approved Webcheck facility. Find Webcheck Location
- Official Transcripts — Required if the applicant is not currently a Registered Dietitian (RD) with the CDR.
- Verification of Licensure — Official verification from every state or jurisdiction where you hold or have ever held a professional license.
How to Apply
-
Create an eLicense Account ▾Register for a new account or log in to the Ohio eLicense portal using your email and password.
Login / Register -
Complete Background Checks ▾Submit fingerprints for both Ohio BCI and FBI criminal records checks. Results must be sent directly from the vendor to the State Medical Board of Ohio.
Background Check Instructions -
Submit Online Application ▾Select the 'Dietitian (LD)' license type in the eLicense portal and complete all required sections, including education and employment history.
Start Application -
Upload Required Documentation ▾Upload proof of your current registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (CDR) or other required educational documents.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the non-refundable initial license fee of $225 plus a $3.50 transaction fee ($228.50 total) via the portal.
-
Monitor Application Status ▾Allow at least 10 business days for the board to perform an initial review. Check status updates in the eLicense portal under the 'Options' tab.
Check Status
Total Fee
$288–$300
Processing Time
~2 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Under Ohio's Universal Recognition path, out-of-state dietitians can apply for reciprocity if they have held a substantially similar, active, and good-standing license in another jurisdiction for at least one year immediately preceding the application.
Steps
-
Verify Reciprocity Eligibility ▾Review Ohio Revised Code Chapter 4796 to ensure you meet the requirements for licensure by reciprocity.
Reciprocity Info -
Submit Reciprocity Application ▾Apply through the eLicense portal, selecting the reciprocity pathway for Dietitians.
Apply via eLicense -
Provide Out-of-State Verification ▾Request that your current licensing board send official verification of your active license directly to the Ohio Medical Board.
-
Complete Background Checks ▾Even for reciprocity, both BCI and FBI background checks are mandatory for initial Ohio licensure.
Background Check Details
Total Fee
$183
Renewal Cycle
Biennial (Every 2 years)
Compact
No
Board
State Medical Board of Ohio
Keeping Your License Active
Ohio Dietitian licenses renew Biennial (Every 2 years). Contact the State Medical Board of Ohio for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $228 |
| Endorsement application | $228 |
| Fingerprint check | $60.00 - $72.25 |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 183.5 |
Slow Downs
Background Check Submission Errors
▾
Results must be sent directly from the vendor to the board. Hand-delivered or applicant-mailed copies are not accepted.
Non-Disclosure of Criminal History
▾
Failure to disclose any misdemeanor or felony (including expunged records or serious traffic offenses) can lead to permanent denial.
Missing Out-of-State Verifications
▾
Delays often occur when other state boards take several weeks to process and send license verifications.
Incomplete Education History
▾
Failing to list all undergraduate and graduate schools attended, even those where no degree was earned.
Questions
How long does the application process take?
▾
The board typically performs an initial review within 10 business days of submission, but total processing time depends on the receipt of background checks and third-party verifications.
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for renewal?
▾
Licensed Dietitians must complete at least one hour of CE related to ethics, laws, or rules governing dietetic practice every two years. RDs must also maintain their CDR registration.
What is the total cost for an initial license?
▾
The total fee is $228.50, which includes a $225 application fee and a $3.50 transaction fee.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
▾
No, you must have an active Ohio license or a Limited Permit to practice dietetics in Ohio.
Do I need to submit a background check if I live outside of Ohio?
▾
Yes, out-of-state applicants must still complete both BCI and FBI checks, typically by mailing ink-rolled fingerprint cards to the Ohio BCI.
Board Info
State Medical Board of Ohio
Phone(614) 466-3934