The Texas CPA License Application is the official form filed with the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy (TSBPA) that every exam-passer, reciprocal applicant, and license renewer must submit to legally use the Certified Public Accountant title in Texas. This single application, governed by Texas Occupations Code Chapter 901, turns a passing CPA Exam score into an active license that lets you sign audit reports, issue tax opinions, and hold yourself out as a CPA in the state.
Roughly 4,200 new CPA licenses are issued in Texas each year, and the TSBPA reports that nearly one in three first-time applications get held up because of missing fingerprint receipts, unsigned Work Experience Forms, or transcripts that arrive after the 2-year post-exam window closes. Filing this application correctly the first time is the difference between practicing in 30 days and waiting six months.
- 📋 What the Texas CPA License Application is and exactly who must file it
- 🗂️ The 8 documents you must gather before opening the Online Services portal
- ✍️ A line-by-line walkthrough of every field, box, and signature block
- 👥 Three full filled-out scenarios using real-world fact patterns
- ⚠️ The 10 most common mistakes that delay or deny a Texas CPA license
What the Form Is and Who Must File It
The Texas CPA License Application is the agency-prescribed form used by the TSBPA to verify that a candidate has met the education, examination, experience, and ethics (the “Four E’s“) requirements set out in Board Rule §511.121. The form exists because Section 901.252 of the Public Accountancy Act makes it a Class A misdemeanor to practice public accountancy in Texas without an active license.
Three groups must file. First, initial applicants who passed the Uniform CPA Examination as a Texas candidate and now want their certificate. Second, reciprocal applicants already licensed as a CPA in another state or U.S. jurisdiction who want a Texas license under Board Rule §511.122. Third, reinstatement applicants whose Texas license has expired or been surrendered and who want to return to active status under Board Rule §515.5.
The current form revision is dated January 2026. If your printed copy or downloaded PDF shows an older revision, throw it out. The TSBPA rejects applications submitted on superseded versions, and the rejection letter does not extend your 2-year post-exam deadline.
The agency that receives the form is the TSBPA, headquartered at 505 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 380, Austin, TX 78752. The statute that requires it is Texas Occupations Code §901.253. The deadline that governs it for exam-passers is 2 years from the date you passed your final exam section, per Board Rule §511.122(d). The penalty for missing it is loss of your exam credit, meaning you have to retake all four sections.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Open the Online Services login page only after you have every item on the checklist below in front of you. The portal times out after 30 minutes of inactivity, and a half-finished application that times out can require a fresh upload of everything.
- Official transcripts from every college you attended, sealed and sent directly to TSBPA. Without them, the Board cannot verify your 150 semester hours, 30 upper-division accounting hours, and 24 upper-division business hours required by Board Rule §511.57.
- NTS or exam score notices showing the date you passed your final section. Missing this triggers a manual lookup that adds 2–3 weeks.
- Work Experience Form (Form L) signed by a currently licensed CPA who supervised at least 1 year (2,000 hours) of qualifying non-routine accounting work. An unsigned or wet-ink-only-but-emailed form gets bounced.
- Fingerprint receipt from IdentoGO using TSBPA service code 11G6QF. The Board cannot run the FBI/DPS background check without it.
- Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license or U.S. passport) for identity verification at fingerprinting.
- Social Security Number, required by Family Code §231.302 for child-support cross-checking. Missing it stops the application cold.
- Oath of Office form signed and notarized. Texas is one of the few states that requires an oath, and an un-notarized oath is treated as not filed.
- $50 license issuance fee plus the $15 fingerprint processing fee on a credit card or e-check. Declined cards delay processing by the time it takes you to call back.
If you are a reciprocal applicant, add a Letter of Good Standing (called an Authorization for Interstate Exchange of Examination and Licensure Information) from your home-state board, plus proof of 4 years of experience within the last 10 years under Board Rule §511.122(b).
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The application lives behind a login on the TSBPA Online Services portal. You cannot mail in a blank PDF for an initial license. Texas moved the entire issuance process online in 2022, and paper applications are accepted only for reinstatements after a 5-year-plus lapse.
To reach the form, click Online Services on the TSBPA homepage, then Login to Online Services. First-time users register with their Exam Section ID (a 7-digit number on every score notice) and the email address they used to apply for the exam. Forgetting which email you used is the #1 portal access problem; the workaround is calling TSBPA at (512) 305-7800 during business hours.
Once inside, the dashboard shows a tile titled Apply for Issuance of the CPA Certificate. Reciprocal applicants instead see Apply for Reciprocal Certificate, and reinstatement applicants see Apply for Reinstatement. Click the tile that matches your path. The system locks you out of the other two tiles based on your record, so do not panic if a tile is grayed out.
The form has 6 numbered sections and an Oath of Office attachment. The portal saves progress every 60 seconds, but only after you complete Section 1: Applicant Information. Plan to finish Section 1 in one sitting before stepping away.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out the Texas CPA License Application Line by Line
Below is a field-by-field walkthrough using the January 2026 revision. Type entries exactly as they appear on your government ID and transcripts, because the Board cross-checks names against SSA records and NASBA’s CPA Examination Services.
Section 1, Box 1: Full Legal Name
This field asks for your full legal name as printed on your Social Security card. The Board uses this exact spelling on the engraved certificate, so a typo here means an embossed mistake on the wall.
To answer it, type your first name, middle name (spelled out, not an initial), and last name in three separate boxes. Use proper case, not all caps; the system auto-formats.
For example, Maria Elena Lopez enters Maria in First, Elena in Middle, and Lopez in Last. She does not enter M.E. Lopez.
The most common edge case is hyphenated last names after marriage. If your SSA card reads Lopez-Garcia, type the hyphen exactly. The portal accepts hyphens and apostrophes but rejects accents and tildes.
The most common mistake here is writing the preferred name instead of the legal name. The direct consequence is a name-match failure with the FBI background check, which adds 4–6 weeks while you submit a name-correction request.
A widespread misconception is that the certificate can be reissued in a married name later for free. It cannot. A reissued certificate costs $50 and takes 6–8 weeks under Board Rule §513.13, so use your final desired legal name now.
Section 1, Box 2: Other Names Used
This field asks whether you have ever used or been known by any other name, including maiden names, prior married names, or court-ordered name changes. The Board needs every alias to run a complete criminal-history check.
To answer it, click Add Name for each prior name and enter the dates the name was used. If you have never used another name, click None.
For example, Maria Elena Lopez, who was Maria Elena Garcia from birth until her 2018 marriage, lists Garcia with dates 01/1985 to 06/2018.
The most common edge case is a college transcript still showing a maiden name. Always list any name that appears on any submitted document, even if you never used it again.
The most common mistake is omitting a short-lived first-marriage name. The consequence is a fingerprint no-match on FBI rapsheets that delays the application 30+ days.
A misconception is that nicknames count. They do not. Only legal names, court-ordered changes, and names on government IDs belong here.
Section 1, Box 3: Social Security Number
This field asks for your 9-digit SSN. Texas is required by Family Code §231.302 to collect it for child-support enforcement.
Enter the number with no dashes; the portal auto-inserts them. Confirm the number by re-typing it in the verification box.
For example, Marcus Johnson types 123456789 and the system displays 123-45-6789.
If you do not have an SSN because you are a non-resident alien, you must request a Social Security Number Affidavit from TSBPA before applying. The portal will not accept a blank field.
The most common mistake is transposing two digits. The consequence is a TSBPA Hold for Identity Verification letter and a 14-day delay.
A misconception is that an ITIN substitutes for an SSN. It does not for license issuance, only for exam application.
Section 1, Box 4: Date of Birth
This field asks for your date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. The Board uses it as a secondary identity check against your fingerprint submission.
Type it in the format the portal shows. The system rejects two-digit years.
For example, Marcus Johnson, born March 14, 1995, types 03/14/1995.
If your fingerprint vendor recorded a different DOB by mistake, fix it at IdentoGO before applying, not after.
The most common mistake is typing the current year. The consequence is an automatic Applicant Under 18 flag that stops processing.
A misconception is that DOB on the application must match your driver’s license. It must match your SSA record, which is not always the same.
Section 1, Box 5: Mailing Address
This field asks for the address where the Board will mail your wall certificate, license card, and any deficiency letters. It does not have to be your home address.
Type the street number, street name, unit, city, state, and ZIP+4. P.O. Boxes are accepted for mailing, but a physical address is also required in Box 6.
For example, Aisha Patel enters 4521 Westheimer Rd, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77027-1234.
If you are moving within 60 days, use a stable family address. The Board will not forward mail.
The most common mistake is omitting the apartment or suite number. The consequence is a returned certificate and a $15 re-mail fee.
A misconception is that the Board emails the certificate. It does not. The wall certificate is mailed via USPS First Class.
Section 1, Box 6: Physical Residence Address
This field asks for the actual street address where you live, even if you receive mail elsewhere. The Board uses it for jurisdictional residency checks.
Type the full physical address. P.O. Boxes are not accepted here.
For example, Aisha Patel enters her apartment at 1100 Smith St, Apt 412, Houston, TX 77002.
If you live on a rural route with no street address, enter the legal description from your county appraisal district.
The most common mistake is repeating the P.O. Box from Box 5. The consequence is an immediate Incomplete Application notice.
A misconception is that out-of-state residents cannot get a Texas license. They can, but only via reciprocity, not initial issuance.
Section 2, Box 7: Education Verification
This field asks you to confirm that your transcripts have been sent directly to TSBPA from each institution. The Board cannot accept hand-carried transcripts.
Click Yes and list every college, the dates attended, and the degree earned. The portal pulls institution names from a dropdown sourced from NCES IPEDS.
For example, David Chen lists The University of Texas at Austin, dates 08/2015–05/2019, degree BBA in Accounting, plus St. Edward’s University, dates 08/2019–05/2020, degree MS in Accounting.
If you completed coursework abroad, you must use a NASBA International Evaluation Services report; raw foreign transcripts are rejected.
The most common mistake is forgetting community-college credits that count toward the 150 hours. The consequence is a deficiency letter that adds 30 days while the missing transcript arrives.
A misconception is that CLEP or AP credit counts. It does not toward the 30 upper-division accounting hours.
Section 2, Box 8: 150-Hour and Course Distribution Attestation
This field asks you to attest that you have completed 150 semester hours, including 30 hours of upper-division accounting, 24 hours of upper-division business, 2 hours of accounting research and analysis, and 3 hours of Board-approved ethics under Board Rule §511.57.
Check each of the four boxes only if it is true. False attestations are perjury under Penal Code §37.02.
For example, David Chen checks all four because his master’s program was a Board-approved integrated program.
If you took the ethics course more than 2 years before applying, you must retake it. The 2-year currency rule trips up career-changers most often.
The most common mistake is checking the 2-hour research box when the course was not Board-approved. The consequence is rejection and a forced re-enrollment.
A misconception is that any ethics course satisfies the 3-hour rule. Only courses on the TSBPA Approved Ethics Course list qualify.
Section 3, Box 9: Examination Information
This field asks for the date you passed your final CPA Exam section and the jurisdiction where you sat. The Board cross-checks this with NASBA’s CPA Central.
Enter the MM/DD/YYYY of your final passing score and select Texas (or another jurisdiction if you transferred scores).
For example, Marcus Johnson, who passed REG on November 18, 2025, types 11/18/2025.
If you sat in another state and transferred scores to Texas, also upload the NASBA score transfer confirmation. Without it, processing stops.
The most common mistake is entering the score release date instead of the exam date. The consequence is a 1–2 week mismatch hold.
A misconception is that all four sections must be passed in Texas. They do not, as long as scores are transferred and the 18-month rolling window was met.
Section 4, Box 10: Work Experience Form (Form L)
This field asks for verification of 1 year (2,000 hours) of non-routine accounting work supervised by a currently licensed CPA, per Board Rule §511.122. Reciprocal applicants need 4 of the last 10 years instead.
Upload the completed Form L signed and dated by your supervising CPA. The supervisor’s Texas license number (or out-of-state license number plus jurisdiction) must be on the form.
For example, Marcus Johnson uploads a Form L signed by his manager Jennifer Torres, CPA, Texas Cert. #123456, covering work from 06/15/2024 to 06/15/2025.
If your supervisor is not a CPA, the experience does not count, even if the work is identical. Find a CPA at the firm or, in industry, a CPA who reviewed your work product.
The most common mistake is including routine bookkeeping hours. The consequence is a deficiency letter requesting reclassification, often denying enough hours that the applicant must work another 3–6 months.
A misconception is that internship hours count. They do not count toward the 2,000-hour requirement.
Section 5, Box 11: Background and Moral Character Questions
This field asks 7 yes/no questions about felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions involving moral turpitude, professional license discipline, civil judgments for fraud, current criminal investigations, defaults on student loans guaranteed by Texas, and child-support arrearages over 6 months.
Answer each question honestly. A Yes triggers a request for a written explanation and supporting court documents but does not automatically deny the license under Board Rule §519.7.
For example, Aisha Patel, who had a 2014 misdemeanor theft conviction expunged, still answers Yes and uploads the expungement order plus a 1-page explanation.
If you are unsure whether an old juvenile matter counts, disclose it. The Board can verify, but you cannot un-lie.
The most common mistake is omitting a conviction the applicant believes was expunged. The consequence is permanent denial for fraud on the application, which is far worse than the original offense.
A misconception is that a deferred adjudication is not a conviction. For TSBPA purposes, a deferred adjudication for a moral-turpitude offense must be disclosed.
Section 5, Box 12: Child Support and Student Loan Certification
This field asks whether you are current on child support and any Texas-guaranteed student loans. The Board is required to deny licensure for arrearages over 6 months under Family Code §232.0135.
Click Yes if current, No if not. A No triggers a hold until you produce a payment plan or release letter.
For example, Marcus Johnson, current on a $400/month child-support order, clicks Yes.
If you are in a 30-day grace period, you are still considered current.
The most common mistake is clicking Yes when 5 months behind, hoping to catch up before issuance. The consequence is denial for misrepresentation.
A misconception is that private student loans count. Only state-guaranteed loans do.
Section 6, Box 13: Oath of Office
This field asks you to swear or affirm that you will support the U.S. and Texas Constitutions and faithfully discharge the duties of a CPA. Required by Texas Constitution Article XVI, §1.
Download the Oath of Office PDF, sign in front of a notary public, and upload the notarized scan.
For example, David Chen signs the oath in front of his bank’s notary, who affixes a seal dated 02/12/2026.
If you are out of state, an online remote notary licensed in Texas is acceptable. Out-of-state notaries are not accepted.
The most common mistake is signing the oath before the notary watches. The consequence is rejection and a re-notarization, which can take a week.
A misconception is that a digital signature satisfies the oath. It does not without a Texas-licensed RON.
Section 6, Box 14: Applicant Signature and Date
This final field asks for your electronic signature and today’s date. The signature certifies that everything above is true under penalty of perjury.
Type your full legal name in the signature box and click Submit. The portal date-stamps automatically.
For example, Maria Elena Lopez types Maria Elena Lopez and clicks Submit Application on 03/01/2026.
If you realize a mistake after submitting, call the Board within 24 hours. Edits after processing begins cost a $15 amendment fee.
The most common mistake is using initials. The consequence is a portal rejection because the typed name must match Box 1 exactly.
A misconception is that you can submit and pay later. The portal does not finalize without payment.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Recent UT-Austin Graduate (Initial Issuance)
David Chen graduated from UT-Austin in May 2019 with a BBA in Accounting and from St. Edward’s in May 2020 with an MS in Accounting. He passed his final CPA Exam section on 11/18/2025, completed 14 months at Deloitte Houston, and applies on 02/12/2026.
| Form Section | What David Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1: Full Legal Name | David Wei Chen |
| Box 3: SSN | 234-56-7890 |
| Box 4: Date of Birth | 07/22/1997 |
| Box 5: Mailing Address | 1500 Louisiana St, Apt 2204, Houston, TX 77002 |
| Box 7: Education | UT-Austin (BBA 2019), St. Edward’s (MS 2020) |
| Box 8: 150-Hour Attestation | All four boxes checked |
| Box 9: Final Exam Pass Date | 11/18/2025 in Texas |
| Box 10: Work Experience | Form L signed by Jennifer Torres, CPA #123456, 14 months |
| Box 11: Moral Character | All No |
| Box 13: Oath of Office | Notarized 02/10/2026 by Bank of America notary |
Scenario 2: California CPA Moving to Dallas (Reciprocity)
Marcus Johnson has held an active California CPA license since 2018 and worked 6 years at KPMG San Francisco. He relocates to Dallas in January 2026 and applies for a Texas reciprocal certificate.
| Form Section | What Marcus Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1: Full Legal Name | Marcus Anthony Johnson |
| Box 2: Other Names | None |
| Box 5: Mailing Address | 2200 Ross Ave, Suite 4100, Dallas, TX 75201 |
| Box 7: Education | UC Berkeley (BS 2016), USC (MAcc 2017) |
| Box 9: Exam Information | Passed in California 08/14/2017, transferred via NASBA |
| Box 10: Work Experience | 6 years at KPMG, signed by Linda Park, CPA CA #98765 |
| Reciprocity Add-On | California Letter of Good Standing dated 01/05/2026 |
| Box 11: Moral Character | All No |
| Box 13: Oath of Office | Notarized via Texas RON 01/30/2026 |
| Fees | $100 reciprocal application + $15 fingerprints |
Scenario 3: Reinstatement After 7-Year Lapse
Aisha Patel let her Texas license expire in 2019 when she left public accounting to raise her children. She returns to work in 2026 and applies for reinstatement.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Box 1: Full Legal Name | Aisha Rani Patel |
| Box 2: Other Names | Aisha Rani Shah (maiden, used 1985–2010) |
| Box 5: Mailing Address | 4521 Westheimer Rd, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77027 |
| Box 9: Original License Date | 06/15/2010, lapsed 12/31/2019 |
| CPE Verification | 120 hours completed in last 36 months |
| Box 10: Recent Experience | None required for reinstatement under 10 years |
| Box 11: Moral Character | Yes on misdemeanor theft 2014, expunged 2017 |
| Box 13: Oath of Office | Notarized 03/01/2026 |
| Reinstatement Fee | $200 + $15 fingerprints |
| Status After Filing | Active license restored within 30 days |
How to File the Completed Form
The primary filing channel is the TSBPA Online Services portal. Click Submit, enter credit-card or e-check details for the $50 issuance fee (or $100 reciprocal, $200 reinstatement), plus the $15 fingerprint processing fee. The portal returns a PDF Confirmation of Submission with a 10-digit application number; save it as your proof of filing.
Fingerprints must be captured separately at any IdentoGO Texas location using service code 11G6QF. The fee paid directly to IdentoGO is $10, and the receipt uploads automatically into your TSBPA file within 48 hours. Without the receipt, the application sits in Pending Background status indefinitely.
Mail-in filing is permitted only for reinstatements over 10 years lapsed. Mail the completed paper form, certified check for the fee, and notarized Oath of Office to TSBPA, 505 E. Huntland Drive, Suite 380, Austin, TX 78752. Use USPS Certified Mail with Return Receipt for proof of mailing; the green card is your proof of filing.
In-person filing is not available. The TSBPA lobby accepts walk-in payments for license renewals only, not initial applications. Fax filing is also not accepted under any path.
Expected processing time is 14–30 days for clean applications, 45–90 days if any deficiency letter issues. Status updates appear in the portal under My Application Status.
What Happens After You File
Within 24 hours, the portal updates to Received–Under Review. A licensing analyst is assigned within 5 business days and begins matching transcripts, fingerprints, Form L, and Oath against your file. You can email the analyst directly through the Messages tab.
If everything matches, the status moves to Approved–Pending Issuance, then to Issued. You receive an email with your Texas CPA Certificate Number (a 6-digit number starting with 1), and the wall certificate plus pocket card mail within 7–10 business days.
If something is missing, the portal shows Deficiency Letter Issued and emails a PDF listing exactly what to fix. You have 60 days to cure the deficiency under Board Rule §511.121(d); after that, the application is closed and fees are forfeited.
Once your license is active, you must complete 120 CPE hours every 3 years (with at least 20 hours per year and 4 hours of Board-approved ethics every 2 years) under Board Rule §523.102. Renewal happens annually on the last day of your birth month, with a $85 fee.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Using initials instead of your full legal name. The certificate is engraved exactly as typed; an initial cannot be changed without a $50 reissue.
- Listing only your married name and skipping your maiden name. This causes a fingerprint no-match and 30+ day delay.
- Entering an SSN with dashes. The portal sometimes saves the dashes as digits, corrupting the file.
- Using a P.O. Box in the physical residence field. Triggers an immediate Incomplete status.
- Skipping community-college transcripts. The 150-hour count fails and a deficiency letter follows.
- Checking the ethics-course attestation when the course is not on the approved list. Causes denial and forced re-enrollment.
- Using an internship to satisfy the 2,000-hour work requirement. Internship hours never count.
- Submitting Form L signed by a non-CPA supervisor. Experience is voided in full, requiring a new supervisor.
- Failing to disclose a deferred adjudication. Permanent denial for fraud, far worse than the underlying offense.
- Signing the Oath before the notary watches. Re-notarization required, adding a week.
- Paying with a credit card that declines. The application sits in Pending Payment until you call back.
- Letting the 2-year post-exam window expire. All four exam sections must be retaken.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do download the current January 2026 form revision from the portal each session, because the Board updates fields without warning.
- Do match every name, date, and SSN against your Social Security card before typing.
- Do schedule fingerprints before you submit the application, so the receipt arrives during review.
- Do save the Confirmation of Submission PDF and email it to yourself for off-portal proof.
- Do answer every moral-character question Yes if you are unsure, then explain in writing.
- Do use a Texas-licensed remote online notary if you are out of state, because out-of-state notaries are rejected.
- Don’t use a nickname anywhere on the form, because the certificate prints what you typed.
- Don’t mail original transcripts; they must come directly from the school.
- Don’t skip the 2-hour research-and-analysis box if you are not 100% sure the course qualifies.
- Don’t submit Form L with an expired CPA supervisor; verify the license at TSBPA License Lookup.
- Don’t assume juvenile records are sealed for TSBPA purposes; disclose anyway.
- Don’t wait until day 729 of the 2-year window; build in 60 days of buffer.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of self-filing
- Saves the $300–$800 fee that licensing consultants charge.
- Forces you to read Board Rule §511.122, which you must know as a CPA anyway.
- Direct portal access means you see status changes the moment they happen.
- Most clean applications finish in 14–30 days without any help.
- Builds confidence in agency communication, useful for future renewals and CPE audits.
Cons of self-filing
- One missed checkbox can cost 30+ days of delay.
- Moral-character disclosures are hard to write without legal review.
- Reciprocal applicants must navigate two state boards at once, which is complex.
- Reinstatement after 10+ years has CPE catch-up rules that are easy to miscount.
- A denied application stays on your record and must be disclosed in every future state’s application.
FAQs
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Box 1?
Legal name. Write the exact name on your current Social Security card. Maiden names go in Box 2 only. The certificate prints exactly what is in Box 1.
Can I use a P.O. Box for my mailing address?
Yes. Box 5 (mailing) accepts P.O. Boxes. Box 6 (physical residence) does not, even if you live full-time at a UPS Store address.
Does an internship count toward the 2,000-hour work requirement?
No. Internships do not count under Board Rule §511.122. Only post-graduation, non-routine, CPA-supervised work qualifies.
Do I disclose an expunged misdemeanor?
Yes. TSBPA requires disclosure of all arrests, deferred adjudications, and expunged offenses. Failing to disclose is grounds for permanent denial for fraud.
Can I file before I receive my final exam score notice?
No. Section 3 requires a final-pass date. Wait for the official NASBA score release, which is typically 1–2 days after passing.
Is the $50 issuance fee refundable if denied?
No. Application fees are non-refundable under Board Rule §901.154 regardless of outcome.
Do I need a Texas address to apply for reciprocity?
No. Reciprocal applicants may live anywhere, but you must list a Texas mailing address for the certificate. Most use a firm address or a relative’s home.
Can my supervising CPA be licensed in another state?
Yes, for initial issuance the supervisor may be a CPA in any U.S. jurisdiction, but their license must be active and verifiable. Provide their license number and state.
What if I checked the wrong box on the moral-character section?
Yes, you can amend within 24 hours by emailing your analyst. After that, a $15 amendment fee applies and processing pauses while the correction is reviewed.
Do I need to take the Texas ethics course if I took one in another state?
Yes. Texas requires a Board-approved ethics course on the TSBPA list. Out-of-state ethics courses generally do not qualify for initial Texas licensure.
Is the Oath of Office optional?
No. Article XVI, §1 of the Texas Constitution makes it mandatory for every Texas CPA. An un-notarized oath is treated as not filed.
How long does it take to get my certificate after approval?
Yes, typically 7–10 business days by USPS First Class after the status changes to Issued. Expedited mailing is not available.
Can I practice as a CPA before the license is officially issued?
No. Holding yourself out as a CPA before issuance is a Class A misdemeanor under §901.451. Wait for the email confirming Issued status.
What if I lose my fingerprint receipt?
Yes, you can re-print it from your IdentoGO account for free within 90 days, or pay $10 for a duplicate after that.
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