TDLR License Renewal Requirements: Fees, CE, and 2026 Changes

How TDLR Renewal Works

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation handles renewals for dozens of license types — cosmetology, barbering, HVAC, electrical, and more. All renewals go through the TDLR online portal, and the requirements share a common administrative framework even though the CE specifics vary by profession.

Your renewal window opens before your expiration date (the exact lead time depends on your license type). The key: your continuing education must already be completed and recorded in TDLR's system before you can submit the renewal application. TDLR-approved providers are required to report completed hours within seven days of course completion, but always verify the hours actually appear before you start the application.

Continuing Education Requirements

CE hours vary by profession and seniority. For cosmetology operators:

• Under 15 years licensed: 4 hours every two years — 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention, 2 hours of approved trade electives
• 15+ years licensed: 2 hours every two years — 1 hour sanitation, 1 hour human trafficking prevention

These restructured requirements took effect September 1, 2025. If you hold multiple TDLR licenses (barber and cosmetology, for example), courses taken for one satisfy the CE requirements for the other — you don't need to double up.

For HVAC and electrical trades, CE requirements and fees differ. Check your specific license type in the TDLR portal for the current cycle's requirements.

The 30-Day Address Rule

TDLR requires you to report any change of address or contact information within 30 days. This isn't a suggestion. Failure to notify triggers a Class A administrative violation with fines from $100 to $500. Escalated violations (Class B through D) can reach $5,000 per day per violation and put your license at risk of suspension or revocation.

The May 2026 Lawful Presence Requirement

Effective January 26, 2026, with procedural rules enforceable May 1, 2026, TDLR may require selected renewal applicants to submit proof of lawful presence in the United States. If selected, you must provide clear, legible, unexpired copies of approved identity documents. Failure to comply can leave the application pending or result in denial.

How Violations and Hearings Work

If you receive a Notice of Alleged Violation, you have exactly 20 days from receipt to file a written request for a formal hearing through the State Office of Administrative Hearings (SOAH). Miss that window and the violation becomes a final order by default.

If a hearing results in an adverse order, you have 25 days from the signing date to file a Motion for Rehearing with the TDLR Executive Director. Record both deadlines as soon as you receive the notice or order.

Expired Beyond Three Years

If your TDLR license expires past the three-year mark, late renewal is no longer an option. You have to submit a completely new application and retake all state examinations as if you'd never been licensed. The exam process involves PSI testing, scheduling fees, and waiting periods — the same process first-time applicants go through.

Keeping It All Straight

Between CE reporting delays, the address notification window, lawful presence documentation, and violation response deadlines, TDLR renewal has several independent timelines running simultaneously. The License Renewal & CE Tracker centralizes all of these into one system, so a 30-day address deadline doesn't slip through while you're focused on CE completion.