Do You Need an Optician License? State-by-State Guide
Opticians fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses based on prescriptions from optometrists and ophthalmologists. Some states require opticians to be licensed, while others allow the profession to be practiced without specific state credentials.
Quick Answer
22 of 51 states require an state-level optician license or certification.
State-by-State Optician License Requirements
The table below shows whether each state requires an state-level optician license, the regulation level (where available), and a link to the relevant licensing authority.
| State | License Required | Regulation Level | Board Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Alaska | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arizona | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arkansas | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| California | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Colorado | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Connecticut | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Delaware | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| District of Columbia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Florida | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Georgia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Hawaii | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Idaho | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Illinois | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Indiana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Iowa | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Kansas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Kentucky | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Louisiana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Maine | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Maryland | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Massachusetts | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Michigan | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Minnesota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Mississippi | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Missouri | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Montana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Nebraska | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Nevada | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Hampshire | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Jersey | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Mexico | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| New York | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| North Carolina | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| North Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Ohio | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Oklahoma | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Oregon | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Rhode Island | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| South Carolina | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| South Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Tennessee | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Texas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Utah | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Vermont | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Virginia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Washington | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| West Virginia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Wisconsin | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Wyoming | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
What If My State Doesn't Require a License?
Even if your state does not mandate an state-level optician license, you may still need to meet local requirements. Many cities and counties impose their own licensing, registration, or permit requirements. Additionally, voluntary certification from professional organizations can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Always check with your local government and relevant professional associations.
How to Get Licensed
If your state requires an optician license, requirements typically include completing an approved education or training program, passing an exam, and submitting an application with applicable fees. Specific requirements vary by state — visit your state's licensing board website (linked in the table above) for detailed information on the application process.
Requirements change — always verify with your state's licensing authority.
Check Your State's Requirements
See the full licensing requirements for your state, including fees, education hours, and exams.