Medical licenses set to expire May 31 but not yet renewed will now expire June 30, as the Texas Medical Board (TMB) seeks sufficient time to process a new documentation requirement verifying physicians’ lawful presence in the U.S.
As of March 1, physicians applying for or renewing their medical license must submit documentation confirming their legal presence in the U.S., per new TMB requirements.
Due to this requirement, TMB is encouraging physicians to begin the license renewal process as soon as their registration window opens – typically 60-90 days prior to their license expiration.
Although TMB told Texas Medicine Today via e-mail it is “exploring solutions to streamline compliance with this new requirement,” license applicants should allow 15 business days (three calendar weeks) from the date of submission for their documentation to be processed and the item to be cleared from their renewal record.
In email communication with the Texas Medical Association and on its website, TMB shared the June 30 extension is temporary and will not affect a licensee’s future expiration date. Physicians with May 31 expiration dates will keep that date in subsequent renewal cycles. According to TMB, this change will be reflected through all TMB systems, including on each licensee’s public profile beginning May 16.
In a March news bulletin, TMB stated the documentation requirement is in accordance with federal law that mandates individuals not lawfully present in the U.S. are not eligible to receive public benefits. Those benefits include professional licenses and commercial licenses provided by a state agency, such as medical licenses issued by TMB.
TMB has compiled a list of acceptable documents that will satisfy the new requirement. Although any documentation on that list will suffice, physicians who provide the following will not need to verify their citizenship or lawful presence during future renewals:
- A U.S. birth certificate with a valid driver’s license;
- A U.S. birth certificate with a license to carry a handgun;
- A passport;
- A certificate of naturalization; or
- A certificate of citizenship.
Otherwise, if using another eligible document, a physician will have to submit that proof with every renewal.
Per TMB, both first-time applications and license renewal requests will be ineligible for approval until the required documentation is submitted. The documentation must be unexpired on the date an initial license is issued or the date it is renewed. Once the documentation has been reviewed and updated in TMB’s system, physicians will be able to access their renewal. According to the agency, documentation will not be retained by the board; once reviewed for renewal, it will be destroyed.
TMB is not the only Texas agency to add this requirement. In January, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) proposed a rule with similar requirements, citing the same federal statute. TDLR’s rule was adopted and took effect May 1.
Looking for more information about applying for or renewing a medical license? Contact TMA’s Knowledge Center today. If you have questions or concerns, contact TMB or visit its dedicated webpage on verification of lawful presence.
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Alisa Pierce
Reporter, Division of Communications and Marketing
(512) 370-1469