TDLR Licensing Guide

Everything Texas hearing instrument specialists need from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) in one place: getting licensed, renewing, continuing education, practice requirements, and how to reach TDLR. THAA members are kept up to date on TDLR actions affecting the profession.

On this page: Getting Licensed  |  Renew & Verify  |  CE Requirements  |  Surety Bond  |  Written Contracts  |  Complaints  |  Advisory Board  |  Rules & Contact

Getting Licensed

As defined in Chapter 402, Texas Occupations Code, you must be licensed by TDLR to fit and dispense hearing aids in Texas. There are three steps to licensure:

1. Temporary Permit Holder: Find an existing licensee (“supervisor”) to train you, and both file a temporary permit application with TDLR. Complete 150 hours of specific training under direct supervision, then pass the written and practical exams administered by TDLR. After passing, you become an apprentice permit holder.
2. Apprentice Permit Holder: Work under indirect supervision for one year.
3. Licensee: After one year, the apprentice becomes fully licensed (automatic).

Apply for Your License via TDLR

Examination Information

The PSI Candidate Information Bulletin outlines everything temporary permit holders need to apply for and take the practical exam. Additional examination information is available on the TDLR website.

View the Candidate Information Bulletin

Permit Extensions

Temporary and apprentice permit holders must submit a request to extend their permit no later than 90 days after it expires. After that:

• An apprentice permit holder must reapply for a temporary training permit, start over, complete all temporary permit training requirements, and then complete the apprentice requirements.
• A temporary permit holder must reapply for a new temporary permit, start over, and complete all temporary training requirements. This counts as the applicant's second temporary permit (you only get two in total).

Apprentice Permits via TDLR  |  Temporary Training Permits via TDLR

Renew & Verify Your License

A hearing instrument fitter and dispenser license is valid for two years from the date of issuance and is renewed through TDLR every 24 months.

Renewing

A complete renewal application must be filed with TDLR or postmarked before the license expires to avoid a late renewal fee. Renew online with a credit card whenever possible; online renewals are automated and processed within a week. Any required continuing education must also be completed before the expiration date to avoid a late fee.

Renew Your License via TDLR

Verifying

Need verification of your license? Search TDLR's license database by name, license number, or license type.

Verify Your License via TDLR

Continuing Education (CE) Requirements

Licensed Dispensers

Licensees must complete 20 hours of continuing education during every 24-month renewal period, or TDLR is prohibited by law from renewing the license. Hours may be earned any time during the period. Both the CE course and its sponsor must be approved by TDLR in advance.

• No more than 10 hours from online courses. Live virtual courses don’t count as online.
• No more than 10 hours from a manufacturer CE provider.
• You won’t receive credit for the same course twice in one license term, even if it’s offered in person, online and virtually.

THAA Continuing Education  |  THAA Live Webinars  |  TDLR CE Requirements  |  TDLR-Approved Course Providers

First License Renewal

The CE exemption for a first license renewal no longer exists. Senate Bill 904 removed it from state law (effective Sept. 1, 2025), and TDLR’s rules now match (effective Sept. 1, 2026). If you were licensed in the last two years, plan your 20 hours before your first renewal.

Apprentice Permit Holders

Apprentice permit holders must complete 10 hours of CE during the apprentice year. No more than 5 hours can come from online courses; live virtual courses don’t count as online. Courses must cover TDLR-approved subjects related to fitting and dispensing hearing instruments.

Temporary Permit Holders

Temporary permit holders have no CE requirements.

Proctoring Credit

TDLR grants one hour of CE per proctor test date (up to 4 per license term). Learn about becoming a proctor.

Anti-Human Trafficking Course

Since September 1, 2020, all TDLR licensees, including hearing aid dispensers, must complete an anti-human trafficking course approved by the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) to renew their license. View the list of HHSC-approved courses; check each course's length and cost.

The TDLR Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board has ruled that this one-hour course does not count toward the 20 CE hours required for renewal.

Surety Bond Requirement

All licensed hearing instrument specialists must practice under a $10,000 surety bond maintained by their company, with TDLR as the obligee. The bond covers the actions, conduct, and liability of the business entity and its licensees.

The bond must be filed with TDLR:

• When a nonlicensed employee files an initial licensing application
• The first time a licensed employee renews on or after September 1, 2020
• When an existing licensee begins working for a business entity as a new employee

The company can give the licensee a copy of the bond to submit with their renewal, or submit it directly to TDLR on the Department Surety Bond Form listing all licensees covered.

Surety Bond FAQ via TDLR

Written Contract Requirements

Since October 1, 2016, written contracts for all hearing aid sales by licensed dispensers must include the information in Section 112.140(c) of the Texas Administrative Code, copied below for use in writing your contracts.

16 TAC §112.140 — Requirements Regarding the Sale of Hearing Instruments

(c) Upon the sale of any hearing instrument(s) or change of model or serial number of the hearing instrument(s), the owner shall ensure that each client receives a written contract that contains:

1. the date of sale;
2. the make, model, and serial number of the hearing instrument(s);
3. the name, address, and telephone number of the principal place of business of the license or permit holder who dispensed the hearing instrument;
4. a statement that the hearing instrument is new, used, or reconditioned;
5. the length of time and other terms of the guarantee and by whom the hearing instrument is guaranteed;
6. a copy of the written forms (relating to waiver forms);
7. a statement on or attached to the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: “The client has been advised that any examination or representation made by a licensed hearing instrument dispenser or apprentice permit holder or temporary training permit holder in connection with the fitting and selling of the hearing instrument(s) is not an examination, diagnosis or prescription by a person duly licensed and qualified as a physician or surgeon authorized to practice medicine in the State of Texas and, therefore, must not be regarded as medical opinion or advice;”
8. a statement on the face of the written contract for services, in no smaller than 10-point bold type, as follows: “If you have a complaint against a licensed hearing instrument dispenser or apprentice permit holder or temporary training permit holder, you may contact the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, Texas 78711, Telephone (512) 463-6599, Toll-Free (in Texas): (800) 803-9202, www.tdlr.texas.gov”;
9. the printed name, license type, signature and license or permit number of the licensed hearing instrument dispenser, apprentice permit holder, or temporary training permit holder who dispensed the hearing instrument;
10. the supervisor's name, license type, and license number, if applicable;
11. a recommendation for a follow-up appointment within thirty (30) days after the hearing instrument fitting;
12. the expiration date of the 30 consecutive day trial period under subsection (b); and
13. the dollar amount charged for the hearing instrument and the dollar amount charged for the return or restocking fee, if applicable.

Complaints

Filing a Complaint with TDLR

TDLR investigates and resolves complaints against individuals and businesses, including hearing instrument fitting practices and specialists. If a person or business with a revoked license is still advertising or performing services that require a license, file a complaint alleging unlicensed practice.

When you file a complaint online, you'll choose whether it's against a licensed or unlicensed person or business; if unsure, use the unlicensed option. TDLR accepts anonymous complaints, but you must include your name and contact information to receive status updates. TDLR will not open a complaint that doesn't allege a violation of law or rules, or lacks enough information to investigate.

The Complaint Investigation Process via TDLR

Lend your expertise: To help review complaint cases as a Subject Matter Expert, complete TDLR's Expert Witness Application. You'll receive a questionnaire to complete and return.

Insurance Complaints (Texas Department of Insurance)

For insurance issues, call the TDI Help Line at (800) 252-3439 (Monday–Friday, 8 AM–5 PM CT) or file through the TDI complaint page. Before filing:

• Try to resolve the issue directly with the insurance company or agent first.
• Gather your policy details, claim information, and any communication with the company.
• Specify the type of insurance involved (for example, health).

Once you file, TDI contacts the insurance company for a response.

Dispenser Advisory Board

The TDLR Hearing Instrument Fitters and Dispensers Advisory Board “provides advice and recommendations to the department on technical matters relevant to the administration” of Chapter 402 of the Texas Occupations Code. The Board also works through groups focused on Enforcement, Licensing, Education and Examination, and Standards of Care.

View current board members and meetings via TDLR

TDLR Rules & Contact

Review the Texas laws, rules, and rulemaking actions that affect hearing instrument specialists: TDLR Dispenser Rules

Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
Hearing Instrument Fitters & Dispensers
P.O. Box 12157
Austin, TX 78711
(512) 463-6599  |  Toll-free in Texas: (800) 803-9202
Contact TDLR online