Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Optometry License Application

This FAQ is intended to answer questions regarding obtaining licensure in California as an Optometrist. If you are seeking information about obtaining an Optician registration, visit Frequently Asked Questions - Opticians.

The Board uses an online platform called BreEZe for all licensing applications, forms and account maintenance. For the following actions, please visit the BreEZe website:

  • Apply for Optometrist License
  • Fictitious Name Permit (FNP)
  • Statement of Licensure (SOL)
  • Primary Open Angle Glaucoma and Lacrimal Irrigation and Dilation Certification
  • Order New Certificate
  • Address Change
  • Name Change
  • Basic information changes

If you are experiencing technical difficulties with BreEZe, please contact the BreEZe Help Desk at (916) 557-1208 or BreEZe@dca.ca.gov with questions related to:

  • Account Creation and Registration
  • Password Resets
  • Account Unlocks
  • Linking licenses to your accounts
  • BreEZe Error Messages

1. How do I begin my application for an Optometry license?

Please visit the BreEZe website and click on the "New Registration" link. Once that process is complete, apply for the "Optometrist - Initial Exam Request Application Part 1". This will allow you to take the California Laws and Regulations Exam (CLRE).

2. I applied for the California Laws and Regulations Exam (CLRE) but have not received any information.

PSI sends exam information to the email listed on your application, not the email you signed up with BreEZe. If you have not received an email within seven business days, you likely did not include an email on your exam application. When there is no email listed, the exam information is mailed by PSI to the address of record listed on your application. Information on the Exam and the bulletin can be found on PSI’s website.

3. PSI is asking for a Candidate ID number. What is my number?

Your Candidate ID number is the same as your file number listed on your BreEZe account.

4. I completed the CLRE; what are my next steps?

Once you have graduated please go to the BreEZe website and complete your application called “Optometrist – Initial application for Licensure Part 2”. It can take a few days for the Board to received CLRE Exam results. If it has been seven days since you passed and you do not see part 2 on your BreEZe account, please contact the Board. Do not submit Part 2 until you have not completed the requirements in question #5. If you submit your application early your application will not be processed until after you have graduated and you will be added to the general queue with those who submitted after graduation.

5. I failed the Law Exam. What are my next steps?

If you have failed the Law Exam you will be eligible to take the exam again in 6 months. If you fail the exam a second time you will need to contact the Board to ask for reapproval.

6. What are the requirements to obtain an Optometry License in California?

Optometry license requirements are set out in Business and Professions Code (BPC) §§ 3056 and 3057. As such, applicants must do the following:

  • First, you must earn a passing score on the CLRE. Do not submit any other items or documentation until this step has been completed. Once you have completed the CLRE—you must return to BreEZe and complete the online application.
  • The Board requires official school transcripts. Transcripts are released after graduation and must list a confer date. The Board accepts electronic transmittals of your transcripts; however, transcripts must be sent from your school directly to optometry@dca.ca.gov.
  • The Board requires a criminal history background check. After you have filled out your online BreEZe application, You will need to send an email to the Board asking for the LiveScan form. You will take this form to a Live Scan location to have your fingerprints recorded electronically and sent to the California Department of Justice and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation. If you are out of state, please email your updated address to optometry@dca.ca.gov and Staff will send you fingerprint HardCards.
  • You are required to earn passing scores on the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) Exam. You must have passed parts I, II, III and TMOD for licensure. Please inform NBEO that you would like to have your records released to the California State Board of Optometry. If you included your OE tracker number on your application the Board will be able to locate your records.
  • A passport-style photo is required for all applicants. Please attach it to Part 2 of your application.

7. I submitted Part 2 of my application. What do I need to do now and what is the status of my application? How long does it take?

Once you have submitted Part 2, and completed all the requirements in question #6 have been made available to the Board, as the Board does not begin processing your application until all those requirements have been met.

Please note there is a processing time for all applications. Current processing times can be viewed at Application Processing Times. During that time there is no update on the status of your application as it is pending review by the Licensing unit. Once your application is reviewed, you will be contacted if anything is missing. Missing items will also be added the Application Details in your BreEZe account. Otherwise, your application will be approved and your license issued.

8. I am a licensed Optometrist in another state. What must I do to obtain licensure in California?

In addition to completing the items listed above on question #5, out of state applicants must obtain a Letter of Verification (LOV) from any state(s) from which you may have or had optometry licensure. When you contact the respective optometry board, their staff will help you request a LOV. Other states may submit LOVs by email at optometry@dca.ca.gov or postal service to 2450 Del Paso Rd, Suite 105, Sacramento, CA. 95834.

You do not need to meet California’s continuing education (CE) requirements. Rather, you must comply with the states you are currently licensed in CE requirements. This will be reflected in the LOV required above.

9. What kind of Optometry license types does California issue?

Read this fact sheet for an explanation of the types of licenses California issues.

10. How much does it cost to apply for licensure?

Visit Fees for a complete list of fees. Please note: all fees are non-refundable.

11. When can I start practicing Optometry?

The only temporary license is for applicants that are waiting to pass the NBEO Part III. The applicant must meet all the other requirements from question #6. Applicants interested in this temporary license should contact the Board. Otherwise, the Board does not issue temporary or “in-process” licenses. You must have met all the application requirements, be approved for licensure, and have received your license number to begin practice as an optometrist.

12. I am not licensed in another state and I did not pass the Treatment and Management of Ocular Disease (TMOD) portion of the NBEO. Without passing TMOD, can I become a licensed optometrist in California?

No. TMOD is required for all TPA and above license types in the state of California. You will need to contact NBEO to schedule the exam. Otherwise applicants will only be able to be licensed as DPA.

13. Am I required to have completed 5000 practice hours before applying for licensure?

No, you are not required to submit an accounting of practice hours.

14. Do you offer assistance obtaining insurance or setting up a practice?

No, but the California Secretary of State’s Small Business Portal may be useful. Professional associations such as the California Optometric Association and educational institutions may also be of assistance.

15. When will I get my wall certificate and pocket certificate?

Once your application has been approved it takes up to 30 calendar days for your wall certificate and pocket certificate to arrive. The most common reason for this is that your address of record is incorrect in our system If you have not received your certificates within that time frame, please email an inquiry to optometry@dca.ca.gov.

16. How do I change my address in the system?

Once you have been licensed you can go to the BreEZe website and have it changed there.

17. I graduated from a non-accredited school/college of optometry in another country as an international graduate. How can I apply for the National Board of Examiners in Optometry (NBEO) sponsorship?

As a result of Assembly Bill 1708, effective January 1, 2018, the Board no longer provides NBEO sponsorships. Please contact NBEO for more information. However, due to increased interest, the Board is collecting data on those who are international graduates and are interested in practice in California. Please email the Board with your information.

18. Applying for Licensure with a Conviction or Past Disciplinary Action?

Applicants with convictions or disciplinary action on a professional license need to go through some extra steps in the review process when they apply for a license or registration with the Board. This does not necessarily mean that they won’t get licensed or registered; many go on to either receive full licensure or registration or are granted a license or registration with certain probationary conditions to ensure public protection.

The reason for the review is that the Board is tasked with the protection of consumers in California. Therefore, the Board has the responsibility to make sure that all licensees and registrants are safe to practice. Find out more here CSBO Conviction or Past Disciplinary Action FAQ.