On November 23, 2020, the Texas Commission of Licensing and Regulation passed an emergency rule related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Under this rule, all TDLR licensees with a renewable license that expired between August 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021 are considered to hold an emergency license valid for up to 120 days after their license expiration date.
This extra time is to allow those who are waiting for their license to be renewed by TDLR to continue working with a valid license as TDLR navigates workflow challenges brought on by COVID-19.
Current license expiration dates will not change, and any late fees accrued will not be waived. All licensees should still renew their licenses in accordance with their regular expiration dates.
TDLR will not issue printed emergency licenses, and licensees are not required to post or display proof of an emergency license. An online database of all emergency licenses is available below. Anyone needing verification or authorization for an emergency license should be directed to this page.
Please note:
- The TDLR License Search database information will not reflect the emergency license, and expiration dates for the original license will not change.
- Under this emergency authorization, if your license expired between August 1, 2020 and January 31, 2021, you will still be able to work for up to 120 days after your expiration date while your renewal is being processed. If TDLR makes a final determination that your renewal application is denied, you will no longer be able to work under the emergency license.
- Due to COVID-19, TDLR is facing an unprecedented challenge with processing paper renewals and applications. We strongly encourage everyone who can renew online to take advantage of this option. TDLR’s online renewal portal accepts all major credit cards, including MasterCard and Visa branded gift cards.
- TDLR is working as quickly as possible to process all payments that are included with your application. Please be advised that stopping payment through your financial institution will delay and/or stop your application from processing.
Here is the link to the article on TDLR's website.
https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/emergency-licenses.htm
