Welcome to the Dental Board of California

License Renewals

Renew Your License On Line

Dental licenses expire on the last day of the birth month of the licensee every two years, per Business and Professions Code, Section 1715. If the licensee's birth year is an even number, his or her license will expire during even-numbered years. If the licensee's birth year is an odd number, his or her license will expire during odd-numbered years. There is no grace period for a dentist in active practice, although a delinquency fee will not be assessed until the renewal is more than 30 days late. A dentist who practices after the expiration date without renewing is considered to be practicing without a license.

Renewal notices are mailed approximately 60 days before expiration. If a renewal notice is not received, see instructions below for online renewal or duplicate renewal form. A dentist is responsible for renewing the license regardless of having received the renewal notice or not.

Approximate processing times

Renewal Method: Mail

  • Update of license status: 6-8 weeks
  • Arrival of pocket license: 6-8 additional weeks

Renewal Method: On line

  • Update of license status: 48 hours
  • Arrival of pocket license: 2-3 weeks

Fees

  • Online - see Online Professional Licensing on Homepage Fees
  • DDS $365 active or inactive
  • Delinquent fee $150 (30 days after expiration)
  • Retired DDS $182.50 active or inactive
  • Delinquent fee $91.25 (30 days after expiration)

Continuing Education

Minimum requirement for each renewal period is 50 hours of continuing education, including 2 hours of Infection Control, 2 hours of California Dental Law, and Basic Life Support. Licensees renewing for the first time are exempt from this requirement. Business and Professions Code Section 1017. You may verify a Continuing Education Provider by visiting our License Verification web page.

Click here for Duplicate renewal notice.

Retired Dentists

Information
Application