Online Application Instructions

Overview of Application Process

STEP 1 :Please read all the information on this page, then use the “Online Application” link.

STEP 2 : Complete application and submit payment. The instructions list the required documents that must be submitted with each application.

STEP 3 : Register with the NBEO to take the Maryland Online State Law Exam (OSLE), which is offered online at http://www.optometry.org

Important Notice: The application fee is not refundable. Once the application is accepted, the fee cannot be refunded if there is a failure to complete the application process (for example, not registering timely with the NBEO for the Jurisprudence Examination; not submitting required documents).

STEP 4 : ​Take the Jurisprudence Examination and submit any required additional documents to mdh.optometry@maryland.gov

 

Eligibility: To apply for a Maryland optometry license, an applicant must be:

  • A graduate of a college of optometry or university school of optometry endorsed by ARBO and accredited by the Council on Optometric Education of the American Optometric Association who passed Parts I, II and III of the NBEO.

 

ATTNMilitary, Veterans, and Military Spouses
Service Member and Spouse License Portability​​​: ​Application for Recognition of Out-of-State Optometry Licensure
Pursuant to the veterans Auto and Education Improvement Act of 2022 (50 U.S.C.A. § 4025a)​

Application Process
Estimated Process Times by Application Type

Application Types

Complete Application by Applicant

Verify/ Application
(agency/Dept. Review)

Application Determination (agency/dept. decision)

Partial Waiver of Examination – Initial Application

30 minutes (online)

2- 3 business days

1-2 business days

Examination – Initial Application

30 minutes (online)

2 -3 business days

1-2 business days

Reactivation

30 Minutes

2-3 business days

1-2 business days

Renewal

30 Minutes

2-3 business days

1-2 business days

Reinstatement

30 Minutes

2-3 business days

1-2 business days

Inactive Status

30 Minutes

2-3 business days

1-2 business days

Reapplication

30 Minutes

2-3 business days

1-2 business days​​​​​