How to Renew Your CPA License: A Step-by-Step Guide

Renewing a CPA license sounds bureaucratic, but it really comes down to a handful of steps. Here's how to get it done without stress.

1. Know your renewal cycle and deadline

License renewal periods vary by state — some renew annually, others every two or three years, and the deadline may be tied to your birth month or a fixed date. Find your state's specifics on our state CPE requirements pages, and mark the deadline on your calendar now.

2. Complete your CPE first

You generally can't renew until your continuing education is done. Confirm you've met the total hours, any annual minimum, the ethics requirement, and any field-of-study limits. Spreading hours across the period — rather than cramming — makes this painless.

3. Gather your documentation

Keep certificates of completion for every CPE program, including the sponsor name, date, field of study, and hours. Boards can audit, so store these somewhere you'll find them.

4. Pay the renewal fee and submit

Log into your state board's online portal, attest to your CPE, upload or confirm documentation if required, and pay the renewal fee. You'll usually get confirmation by email.

Don't wait until the deadline

Portals get slow near deadlines, and a missed renewal can mean late fees or an inactive license. Build a simple habit: earn a few CPE hours each quarter and renew a week early.

Need free CPE to meet your requirement? Browse our upcoming live webinars.