Texas — desert road through Big Bend toward the Chisos Mountains

Texas Pharmacist License

Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Total Fee
$288
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (FAST Pass via DPS)
Temp License
Not available
See board

What You'll Need

  • Official Identification — A copy of a current driver's license or state-issued ID containing a photograph and signature.
  • Social Security Card — A copy of your official Social Security card.
  • Birth Certificate or Passport — A copy of a birth certificate, U.S. Passport, or Permanent Resident Card to verify age and identity.
  • Graduation Affidavit — Official form completed by the Dean or Registrar of your ACPE-accredited college of pharmacy. Download Form
  • FPGEC Certification — Required only for graduates of foreign pharmacy programs located outside the United States. NABP FPGEC Info

How to Apply

  1. Submit Online Application
    Create an account and submit the Initial Pharmacist by Examination application through the TSBP Online Licensing System.
    Apply Online
  2. Upload Supplemental Documents
    Attach copies of your official photo ID, Social Security card, and birth certificate (or passport/permanent resident card) to your online application.
    View Document Requirements
  3. Complete Fingerprinting
    After applying, you will receive an email with a service code to schedule a fingerprint session via IdentoGO.
  4. Submit Graduation Affidavit
    Have your College of Pharmacy Dean or Registrar complete and mail the official Graduation Affidavit directly to the Board.
    Download Affidavit Form
  5. Register for Exams
    Register with the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) for the NAPLEX and Texas MPJE.
    Register with NABP
  6. Pass Exams and Pay Initial Fee
    Once you pass both exams, you will receive a notice to pay a prorated initial license fee within 30 days to activate your full license.
Total Fee
$288
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available

Transfer License

Requirements
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.

Steps

  1. TSBP Reciprocity Application
    Submit the Initial Pharmacist by Reciprocity application and fee through the TSBP Online Licensing System.
    Start Reciprocity Application
  2. NABP License Transfer
    Submit a Preliminary Application for Transfer of Pharmacist Licensure through NABP.
    NABP License Transfer
  3. Register for Texas MPJE
    Register for the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination (MPJE) specifically for the state of Texas.
    Register for MPJE
  4. Submit Supplemental Documents
    Mail or upload copies of your ID, SSN card, and birth certificate to the Board.
  5. Complete Background Check
    Complete the required fingerprinting session if you have not been fingerprinted for TSBP since June 1, 2015.
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Texas State Board of Pharmacy

Keeping Your License Active

Texas Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Texas State Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Renew on the board site

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$250
Endorsement application$250
Fingerprint check$38.25
Temporary permitSee board
Renewal150.0

Slow Downs

Criminal History Hits
Any 'hit' on a fingerprint background check, even for dismissed cases, requires manual review and can delay the process by 3-6 months.
Incomplete Supplemental Documents
Failure to upload or mail clear copies of the SSN card, ID, or birth certificate will halt application processing.
Graduation Affidavit Delays
The Board cannot authorize testing (ATT) until the official Graduation Affidavit is received directly from the school.
Peak Season Volume
Applications submitted during graduation months (May-June) experience longer processing times due to high volume.

Questions

How long does the application process take?
Standard processing takes 6-8 weeks, but applications involving criminal history or disciplinary issues can take 3-6 months.
What is the 30-day license issued upon passing?
Texas initially issues a license with a 30-day expiration. You must pay a prorated renewal fee within those 30 days to extend the license to your birth month.
Do I need CE for my first renewal?
You are exempt from CE for the initial 30-day renewal. For the first full renewal, you are exempt from most CE but must complete 2 hours of controlled substance monitoring and a human trafficking course.
Can I work as a pharmacist while my application is pending?
No. You must have an active Texas pharmacist license or a valid intern registration to practice in any capacity.
What happens if I don't pay the initial 30-day fee?
Your license status will change to delinquent, and you will be prohibited from practicing until the fee and any late penalties are paid.

Board Info

Texas State Board of Pharmacy
Sources
Texas State Board of Pharmacy State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25