Hawaii Occupational Therapist License
Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing — OT
Total Fee
$279
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Available
See board
What You'll Need
- Application Form (OC-02) — The official Hawaii Occupational Therapist license application.
- NBCOT Verification of Certification — Original verification sent directly from NBCOT to the Hawaii board. Request Verification
- Official Transcripts — Transcripts from the school where OT classes were taken, sent directly to the board.
- Social Security Number — Required for identity verification and federal compliance.
How to Apply
-
Education and Fieldwork ▾Graduate from an occupational therapy program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) and complete at least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork.
Find Accredited Programs -
Pass the NBCOT Exam ▾Register for and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) OTR examination.
-
Submit State Application ▾Complete the 'Requirements & Application for Occupational Therapist' form (OC-02). Ensure all sections are filled and the form is signed.
-
Pay Licensing Fees ▾Submit the appropriate fee with your application. Fees are $279 if the license is issued in an odd-numbered year and $186 if issued in an even-numbered year.
-
Request NBCOT Verification ▾Order an official 'Verification of Certification' from NBCOT to be sent directly to the Hawaii Occupational Therapy Program. Electronic verification is accepted.
Order NBCOT Verification -
Submit Official Transcripts ▾Arrange for your official transcripts showing your degree and date of graduation to be sent directly from your educational institution to the board.
Total Fee
$279
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Occupational therapists licensed in another state can often apply via endorsement by providing license verification and current NBCOT certification.
Steps
-
Verify Current NBCOT Status ▾Ensure your NBCOT certification is active and in good standing.
NBCOT Portal -
Submit Application and Fees ▾Use the standard OT application form and pay the fee based on the current year (odd vs even).
-
Direct NBCOT Verification ▾Request that NBCOT send an official verification directly to the Hawaii board. Hawaii does not require verification from other states if NBCOT is provided.
Order Verification
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing — OT
Keeping Your License Active
Hawaii Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing — OT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Renew on the board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $279 |
| Endorsement application | $279 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
Slow Downs
Indirect NBCOT Verification
▾
Submitting a photocopy of your NBCOT certificate instead of having the official verification sent directly from NBCOT will cause delays.
Incorrect Fee Amount
▾
Hawaii fees change based on whether the license is issued in an odd or even year. Submitting the wrong amount will stall the process.
Missing Social Security Number
▾
Failure to provide a valid SSN will result in the application being deemed deficient and not processed.
Incomplete Application Form
▾
Missing signatures or unanswered questions (especially regarding disciplinary history) will require the board to return the application.
Questions
What are the continuing education (CE) requirements for Hawaii OT renewal?
▾
There are currently no state-mandated continuing education requirements for renewing an Occupational Therapist license in Hawaii. However, you must maintain your NBCOT certification, which requires 36 units every three years.
When does my Hawaii OT license expire?
▾
All Hawaii OT licenses expire on December 31 of every even-numbered year, regardless of the initial issuance date.
How much does it cost to get licensed?
▾
The total fee is $279 if issued in an odd-numbered year and $186 if issued in an even-numbered year.
Is there a temporary license available?
▾
Standard temporary licenses are generally not available. However, there is a 'Temporary Military Spouse License' for qualified applicants whose spouses are on active duty in Hawaii.
How long does the application process take?
▾
Processing typically takes 15 to 20 business days once a complete application and all required documents are received.
Board Info
Sources
Hawaii DCCA Professional & Vocational Licensing — OT
State statutes
Last verified 2026-02-25