By: Karen Hennington, MS, CCC-SLP, University Issues Committee Chair

If you are due for a renewal of your Texas licensure soon, be sure to visit the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) website at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/slparenew.htm for important fingerprinting information. Detailed fingerprinting instructions are also available under News and Updates at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/slpa.htm.

Who Needs To Be Fingerprinted?

• If you submitted fingerprints prior to 2016, you need to resubmit fingerprints before your current license expires.
• A searchable database is now online at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/slparenew.htm.
• To determine if you need to submit fingerprints, search the database, or look for an email from TDLR 90 days (about three months) before your license expiration date. It is crucial that you update your contact information within 30 days (about four and a half weeks) any time your email or address changes. Complete the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Notice of Change and Duplicate License Request form for address or email updates and submit it to TDLR using the Customer Service webform at https://ga.tdlr.texas.gov:1443/form/csgeneralinquiry.
• Please note that you do not have to pay the $25 fee for a duplicate license. This fee is only if you want an updated copy of your license.
• You also may log into your account and update your information.

When Do I Get Fingerprinted?

• Begin the process prior to your renewal date.
• You need your TDLR entity/ID number before making the appointment. This number is included in the TDLR email acknowledging that you have submitted your initial application or renewal. You should receive an additional email that provides the Texas Fingerprint Service Code.
• For current licensees, use the online database at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/fingerprint-query/ to get your entity number and the direct link to book your fingerprinting appointment.
• Your renewal will not be processed until fingerprints are submitted. Your license will expire if fingerprints are not submitted and processed by TDLR before the expiration date.

Where Do I Get Fingerprinted?

• You must go to an IdentoGO fingerprinting location authorized to provide Department of Public Safety (DPS) Fingerprint Application Services of Texas (FAST).
• Online links and phone numbers for scheduling appointments are posted on the TDLR website.
• Make sure to have your Texas Fingerprint Service Code and TDLR Entity/ID number handy when registering for the appointment.
• If you need help finding those codes and you are a current licensee, use the online database at https://www.tdlr.texas.gov/slpa/fingerprint-query/ to get your entity number and the direct link to book your fingerprinting appointment. If you have applied for an initial license, check your inbox or junk folder for an email from TDLR with fingerprinting instructions.
• Take a credit card, business check, or money order with you to the appointment. Cash or personal checks will not be accepted. The cost is approximately $40.

What Happens After the Appointment?

• Your fingerprints will be submitted electronically to DPS and the FBI.
• You will be given a receipt stating you were fingerprinted. Keep your receipt.
• The status of your submission can be checked online through an IdentoGO link available on the TDLR webpage.