1. (a) A license expires on the date set by the Board, unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section. A license may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.

2. (b) At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by electronic means or first-class mail to the last known electronic or physical address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states:

   1. (1) The date on which the current license expires;
   2. (2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and
   3. (3) The amount of the renewal fee.

3. (c) Before the license expires, a licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the licensee:

   1. (1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;
   2. (2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and

   3. (3) Submits to the Board:

      1. (i) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and
      2. (ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements set under this subtitle for license renewal.

4. (d)

   1. (1) Beginning August 1, 2026, the Board shall require a criminal history records check in accordance with § 11-302.1 of this subtitle for:

      1. (i) License renewal applicants as determined by regulations adopted by the Board; and
      2. (ii) Each former licensee who files for reinstatement after failing to renew a license.
   2. (2) The Board may not renew or reinstate a license if the criminal history record information required under § 11-302.1 of this subtitle has not been received.
5. (e) The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.
6. (f) If an optometrist does not renew a license before its expiration date, the Board shall send to the optometrist a notice stating that the license will expire 30 days after the notice is sent unless the optometrist applies for renewal within the grace period.

Added as Health Occupations § 10-308 by Acts 1981, c. 8, § 2, eff. July 1, 1981. Amended by Acts 1982, c. 858, § 1, eff. July 1, 1982; Acts 1986, c. 202, § 1, eff. July 1, 1987; Acts 1989, c. 562. Renumbered as Health Occupations § 11-308 by Acts 1990, c. 6, § 11, eff. Feb. 16, 1990. Amended by Acts 2013, c. 404, § 1, eff. June 1, 2013; Acts 2026, c. 370, § 1, eff. June 1, 2026; Acts 2026, c. 371, § 1, eff. June 1, 2026.

Formerly Art. 43, § 375.