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Tennessee Dietitian License

Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners

Total Fee
$177
Processing Time
3 Weeks (Average)
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO by IDEMIA
Temp License
Not available
N/A

What You'll Need

  • Official Transcripts — Must be sent directly from the educational institution to the Board office.
  • CDR Registration Card — A notarized copy of your current Commission on Dietetic Registration card.
  • Passport-Style Photograph — One recent color photograph, signed on the front.
  • Declaration of Citizenship — Completed and notarized form with a copy of a valid ID (e.g., driver's license or passport). Download Form
  • Mandatory Practitioner Profile — Required questionnaire for the Tennessee Health Care Provider database.

How to Apply

  1. Obtain CDR Registration ▾
    Complete an ACEND-accredited program (Master's degree required as of 2024), 1,000+ hours of supervised practice, and pass the CDR national examination.
    Visit CDR Website
  2. Register for Criminal Background Check ▾
    Register with IdentoGO for electronic fingerprinting. Use the specific OCA code for the Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners (3955).
  3. Create a LARS Account ▾
    Sign up for the Tennessee Department of Health's Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) to start your online application.
    LARS Portal
  4. Submit Online Application and Fee ▾
    Complete the online application for Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist and pay the $140 application/licensure fee.
    Apply Online
  5. Submit Supporting Documents ▾
    Mail required paper documents (notarized CDR card, passport photo, etc.) to the Board office in Nashville.
  6. Complete Practitioner Profile ▾
    Submit the Mandatory Practitioner Profile Questionnaire as required for all Tennessee health care providers.
Total Fee
$177
Processing Time
3 Weeks (Average)
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾
Tennessee does not offer formal licensure by endorsement or reciprocity. Out-of-state dietitians must apply for a new Tennessee license through the standard application process, which requires current CDR registration, a complete application, and a background check. Holding an active CDR credential satisfies the education and examination requirements.

Steps

  1. Verify CDR Status ▾
    Ensure your CDR registration is active and in good standing.
    CDR Verification
  2. Request State Verifications ▾
    Request official license verification from every state where you have ever held a license to be sent directly to the Tennessee Board.
  3. Submit TN Endorsement Application ▾
    Apply via the LARS portal selecting the 'Endorsement' or 'Reciprocity' pathway.
    Apply via LARS
  4. Complete Background Check ▾
    Complete the fingerprint-based criminal background check through IdentoGO.
Total Fee
$90
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years (by birth month) — no CE required for state renewal
Compact
No
Board
Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners

Keeping Your License Active

Tennessee Dietitian licenses renew Every 2 years (by birth month) — no CE required for state renewal. Contact the Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$140
Endorsement application$140
Fingerprint check$37.15
Temporary permitN/A
Renewal90.0

Slow Downs

Transcript Delivery ▾
Transcripts must be sent directly from the school; student-submitted copies are not accepted.
Incorrect OCA Code ▾
Using the wrong agency code for fingerprinting will prevent the Board from receiving your results. Use code 3955.
Missing Notarization ▾
The application, CDR card copy, and citizenship form must be notarized to be considered complete.

Questions

Is continuing education required for license renewal in Tennessee? ▾
No, the Tennessee Board does not currently mandate continuing education for state license renewal, though it is required to maintain national CDR registration.
How long does the application process take? ▾
Absent any complicating factors, the average application processing time is approximately three weeks once all documents are received.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
Temporary permits are available for a $5 fee for those who have been approved to take the CDR exam but have not yet received full licensure.
What is the total cost for initial licensure? ▾
The initial application and licensure fee is $140. Additional costs include the background check fee (~$37.15) and CDR exam fees.

Board Info

Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners
Phone(615) 532-3202
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25