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Minnesota Occupational Therapist License

Minnesota Board of Medical Practice — OT

Total Fee
$182
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO / BCA
Temp License
Available
See board

What You'll Need

  • NBCOT Certification/Score Report — Official verification of passing the OTR exam, sent directly from NBCOT. NBCOT Website
  • Official Transcripts — Transcripts from an accredited OT program showing degree conferral, sent directly from the registrar.
  • Fingerprint Card (FD-258) — Physical fingerprint card required for the state and federal criminal background check. CBC Details
  • Verification of Licensure — Official verification from every jurisdiction where you have ever held an OT license or other professional credential.

How to Apply

  1. Create an Online Account ▾
    Register for an account on the Minnesota Health Licensing Boards (HLB) portal. This portal is shared by multiple boards including the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
    Register/Login to Portal
  2. Submit Online Application ▾
    Complete the online application for 'New Graduate' or 'Equivalency/Reciprocity' and pay the required application and licensing fees at the end of the session.
    Application Instructions
  3. Complete Criminal Background Check (CBC) ▾
    After submitting your application, you will receive an email from the CBC office with instructions and forms. You must be fingerprinted and mail the completed forms and fingerprint card to the CBC Program office.
    CBC Instructions
  4. Request NBCOT Score Transfer ▾
    Request that the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) send an official score report or verification of certification directly to the Minnesota Board.
  5. Submit Official Transcripts ▾
    Contact your educational institution to have official transcripts sent directly to the Board of Occupational Therapy Practice.
  6. Verify Out-of-State Licenses ▾
    If you hold or have held a license in another state, you must request official verification from each state board to be sent directly to the Minnesota Board.
    Verification Form
Total Fee
$182
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

  1. Determine Eligibility Method ▾
    Apply via 'Equivalency' if you hold a current NBCOT certification, or 'Reciprocity' if you are licensed in another state but do not hold current NBCOT certification.
    Endorsement Info
  2. Submit Endorsement Application ▾
    Complete the online application through the HLB portal and pay the non-refundable fees.
    Online Portal
  3. Initiate Background Check ▾
    Wait for the CBC email after application submission and follow instructions to submit fingerprints.
  4. Verify Current Credentials ▾
    Request verifications from NBCOT and all states where you currently hold or previously held a license.
Total Fee
$0
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Minnesota Board of Medical Practice — OT

Keeping Your License Active

Minnesota Occupational Therapist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Minnesota Board of Medical Practice — OT for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Fees

ItemAmount
Application$150
Endorsement application$150
Fingerprint check$32.00
Temporary permitSee board

Slow Downs

Criminal Background Check Processing ▾
The CBC process involves state and federal agencies and can take several weeks. Avoid delays by ensuring fingerprint cards are signed by both the applicant and the technician.
Missing Third-Party Verifications ▾
Applications remain incomplete until NBCOT scores and out-of-state verifications are received directly from the source.
Incorrect Fees ▾
Fees are non-refundable and vary based on the application type and timing. Ensure the correct amount is paid via the online portal.

Questions

How many continuing education (CE) hours are required for renewal? ▾
Occupational Therapists must complete 24 contact hours of continuing education every two-year licensure period.
Can I practice while my application is pending? ▾
You may apply for a temporary license if you are a new graduate waiting for exam results or if you are licensed in another state and meet specific criteria.
When does my Minnesota OT license expire? ▾
Licenses are renewed biennially based on the licensee's birth month.
What is the total cost for an initial OT license? ▾
The initial application fee is approximately $185, which includes the application fee and the criminal background check fee.

Board Info

Minnesota Board of Medical Practice — OT
Phone(612) 617-2130
Sources
Last verified 2026-02-25