# Health Occupations (GHO)

## Title 11. Optometrists

### Subtitle 3

#### Section 11-308

(a) A license expires on the date set by the Board, unless the license is renewed for an additional term as provided in this section. A license may not be renewed for a term longer than 2 years.

(b) At least 1 month before a license expires, the Board shall send to the licensee, by electronic means or first-class mail to the last known electronic or physical address of the licensee, a renewal notice that states:

  (1) The date on which the current license expires;

  (2) The date by which the renewal application must be received by the Board for the renewal to be issued and mailed before the license expires; and

  (3) The amount of the renewal fee.

(c) Before the license expires, a licensee periodically may renew it for an additional 2-year term, if the licensee:

  (1) Otherwise is entitled to be licensed;

  (2) Pays to the Board a renewal fee set by the Board; and

  (3) Submits to the Board:

    (i) A renewal application on the form that the Board requires; and

    (ii) Satisfactory evidence of compliance with the continuing education requirements set under this subtitle for license renewal.

(d)

  (1) Beginning August 1, 2026, the Board shall require a criminal history records check in accordance with Sec. 11-302.1 of this subtitle for:

    (i) License renewal applicants as determined by regulations adopted by the Board; and

    (ii) Each former licensee who files for reinstatement after failing to renew a license.

  (2) The Board may not renew or reinstate a license if the criminal history record information required under Sec. 11-302.1 of this subtitle has not been received.

(e) The Board shall renew the license of and issue a renewal certificate to each licensee who meets the requirements of this section.

(f) If an optometrist does not renew a license before its expiration date, the Board shall send to the optometrist a notice stating that the license will expire 30 days after the notice is sent unless the optometrist applies for renewal within the grace period.

---

Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)