How Much Does an OTA License Cost by State? (2026)

OTA licensing costs include state application fees and are separate from the NBCOT certification exam expenses. Across the 51 jurisdictions we track, total initial licensing fees range from $560 to $840, with an average of roughly $673. Understanding the full fee landscape can help you plan your budget before applying.

This guide provides a state-by-state breakdown of Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) licensing costs. All data is sourced from the same official records that power our individual state pages — no estimates or guesses.

Cost at a Glance

Government fees range from $560 to $840 across 51 states with data
Average initial fees: $673
Cheapest state: Missouri ($560)
Most expensive state: Nevada ($840)
All 51 tracked states have confirmed fee data

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Study Materials on Amazon

Books, study guides, and flashcards for occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensing exams — a solid fallback when a purpose-built course isn't available.

Shop on Amazon →

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What Drives Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Licensing Costs?

The total cost of occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensure includes several components. Not every state charges for all of these, which is why costs vary:

Application fee: The fee paid to the state licensing board to process your application. Every state charges this, though amounts vary considerably.
Exam fee: If your state requires a state-specific or national exam, this fee is paid to the testing provider. Some states include exam costs in the application fee.
License issuance fee: A separate fee charged by some states when your license is actually issued after approval.
Background check fee: Many states require fingerprint-based background checks as part of the licensing process.
Renewal fee: Ongoing cost to maintain your license, typically due every 1–4 years depending on the state.

Cheapest States for Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Licensing

The following states have the lowest total government fees for occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensure based on our data:

#1Missouri

$560

total government fees

#2Pennsylvania

$570 (=$30 application + $540 NBCOT exam)

total government fees

#3Arkansas

$593

total government fees

#4Idaho

$600

total government fees

#5Wisconsin

$600

total government fees

Most Expensive States for Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Licensing

These states have the highest total licensing fees. Higher fees do not necessarily indicate more rigorous requirements — they reflect each state's administrative cost structure:

#1Nevada

$840

total government fees

#2Arizona

$820

total government fees

#3Alaska

$820

total government fees

#4Maryland

$749

total government fees

#5Mississippi

$740

total government fees

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) License Cost Table by State

The table below shows licensing fees for all 51 jurisdictions we track. Click any column header to sort, or click a state to view its full breakdown of fees, requirements, and application steps.

State ▲	Gov Fees	Education Hours	Exam Fee	Renewal Fee	Renewal Cycle
Alabama	$628	Varies	Varies	$115	2 years (initial license valid for approximately 1 year)
Alaska	$820	Varies	Varies	$130	2 years
Arizona	$820	Varies	Varies	$70	2 years
Arkansas	$593	Varies	Varies	$3	Annual; must be renewed on or before the last day of the birth month. There is no grace period.
California	$639 (if fingerprint cards used: $50 application + $540 NBCOT exam + $49 fingerprint = $639)	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years
Colorado	$676	Varies	Varies	$68	2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Connecticut	$740	Varies	Varies	$200	2 years
Delaware	$636	Varies	Varies	$96	2 years; renewal period August 1 to July 31 of even-numbered years
District of Columbia	$675	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (expires July 31 of even-numbered years)
Florida	$720	Varies	Varies	$60	Biennial (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years)
Georgia	$640	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years)
Hawaii	$726 - $819	Varies	Varies	$85	2 years (expires on odd-numbered years)
Idaho	$600	Varies	Varies	$30	Biennial licensure effective October 14, 2025
Illinois	$615	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
Indiana	$640	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Iowa	$715	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years
Kansas	$620	Varies	Varies	$80	Biennial (2-year) renewal cycle confirmed; expiration date structure consistent with KSBHA renewal dates page
Kentucky	$640	Varies	Varies	$50	1 year (annual renewal by October 31)
Louisiana	$740	Varies	Varies	$75	1 year (annual renewal)
Maine	$656	Varies	Varies	$35	Annual renewal; license expires March 31
Maryland	$749	Varies	Varies	$200	Two years preceding the license's expiration date (biennial)
Massachusetts	$640	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (biennial, on licensee's birthdate)
Michigan	$705.4	Varies	Varies	$165.40	2 years (biennial)
Minnesota	$678.25	Varies	Varies	$105	2 years (biennial)
Mississippi	$740	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (biennial; expires April 30 of even-numbered years)
Missouri	$560	Varies	Varies	$10	2 years (biennial)
Montana	$730	Varies	Varies	$190	2 years (biennial)
Nebraska	$660	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years (biennial; expires August 1 of even-numbered years)
Nevada	$840	Varies	Varies	$300	2 years from date of issuance; renewal window opens 60 days prior to expiration
New Hampshire	$650	Varies	Varies	$110	2 years (biennial; expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
New Jersey	$690	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial; expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
New Mexico	$650	Varies	Varies	$60	1 year (annual; expires September 30)
New York	$687	Varies	Varies	$155	3 years (triennial registration)
North Carolina	$650	Varies	Varies	$50	Licenses expire June 30 every year. Issued Jan 1–Mar 31: expires June 30 same year. Issued Apr 1–Dec 31: expires June 30 following year.
North Dakota	$700	Varies	Varies	$110	Biennial; licenses expire each even-numbered year on June 30
Ohio	$640	Varies	Varies	$70	2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years)
Oklahoma	$720	Varies	Varies	$100	1 year (annual, by November 1)
Oregon	$720	Varies	Varies	$160	Consistent with Applications page references: renewals noted as beginning 3/2–5/31/2026, implying biennial even-year May 31 expiration.
Pennsylvania	$570 (=$30 application + $540 NBCOT exam)	Varies	Varies	$45	2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd-numbered years)
Rhode Island	$680	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial)
South Carolina	$655	Varies	Varies	$80	2 years (biennial)
South Dakota	$625	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial)
State Name	$665	Varies	Varies	$60	2 years
Tennessee	$625	Varies	Varies	$60	Biennial (2-year) renewal cycle
Texas	$640	Varies	Varies	$184	2 years (biennial, by end of birth month)
Utah	$610	Varies	Varies	$47	Biennial; license expires May 31 of odd years
Vermont	$720	Varies	Varies	$115	Biennial; May 31st of Even Years
Virginia	$610	Varies	Varies	$70	Biennial, during birth month of each even-numbered year
Washington	$706	Varies	Varies	$137	Every two years (biennial)
West Virginia	$640	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years (biennial, by December 31)
Wisconsin	$600	Varies	Varies	$75	Biennial; renewal date is 05/31 of each odd-numbered year per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2)
Wyoming	$715	Varies	Varies	$60	Annual (expires July 31 each year; renewal forms mailed April 15; must postmark by June 15 to avoid late fee)

Note: Fees shown are government and exam fees as reported by official state licensing authorities. Education and training costs are additional and vary by provider. "Varies" indicates the state has fees that depend on license type, jurisdiction, or other factors.

Tips for Reducing Your Licensing Costs

Check your state board website for current fees. Fees can change between legislative sessions. The most up-to-date information is always on your state’s licensing board website.
Pass exams on the first attempt. Re-examination fees add cost and delay your timeline. Invest in thorough preparation.
Ask about fee waivers. Some states offer reduced fees for veterans, military spouses, or applicants demonstrating financial hardship.
Plan for renewal costs. Your initial license is not permanent. Budget for renewal fees and any continuing education requirements.
Compare education provider prices. Where pre-licensing education is required, online programs are typically more affordable than in-person alternatives.

Education & Training Costs (Not Included Above)

The fees shown in the table above cover government licensing costs only — application fees, exam fees, and license issuance charges. Education and training program costs are separate expenses that vary significantly depending on the provider, format (online vs. in-person), and your state's requirements. Always research program costs alongside government fees when budgeting for licensure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does an occupational therapy assistant (ota) license cost?▼

The total government fees for occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensure vary by state. Check our comparison table above for the full state-by-state breakdown of application, exam, and license fees.

Which state has the cheapest occupational therapy assistant (ota) license?▼

States with the lowest total government fees are highlighted in our cheapest states section above. Costs can change, so always verify with your state licensing board.

Are education costs included in the fees shown?▼

No. The fees in our table are government and exam fees only. Education and training program costs are additional and vary significantly by provider and format.

How much does it cost to renew an occupational therapy assistant (ota) license?▼

Renewal fees vary by state and are typically due every 1–4 years. Many states also require continuing education hours for renewal.

What is the cheapest state for a occupational therapy assistant (ota) license?▼

Missouri has the lowest total government licensing fees at $560. Actual costs may vary — always confirm current fees with the state licensing board.

What is the most expensive state for a occupational therapy assistant (ota) license?▼

Nevada has the highest total government licensing fees at $840. These figures cover government and exam fees only, not education or training costs.

What is the average cost of a occupational therapy assistant (ota) license?▼

The average total government licensing fee across all states is approximately $673. Individual state costs range from $560 to $840.

Related Guides

State-by-State Details

View detailed occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensing requirements, fees, and application steps for each state:

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE DC FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY

Sources

Fee data is sourced from official state licensing boards and regulatory agencies.

Individual state licensing board websites (cited on each state page).

Fees and requirements change as states update their licensing statutes. Always confirm current fees with your state's licensing board before applying.

OTA Study Materials on Amazon

Books, study guides, and flashcards for ota licensing exams — a solid fallback when a purpose-built course isn't available.

Shop on Amazon →

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

What Drives Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Licensing Costs?

The total cost of occupational therapy assistant (ota) licensure includes several components. Not every state charges for all of these, which is why costs vary:

Application fee: The fee paid to the state licensing board to process your application. Every state charges this, though amounts vary considerably.

Exam fee: If your state requires a state-specific or national exam, this fee is paid to the testing provider. Some states include exam costs in the application fee.

License issuance fee: A separate fee charged by some states when your license is actually issued after approval.

Background check fee: Many states require fingerprint-based background checks as part of the licensing process.

Renewal fee: Ongoing cost to maintain your license, typically due every 1–4 years depending on the state.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) License Cost Table by State

The table below shows licensing fees for all 51 jurisdictions we track. Click any column header to sort, or click a state to view its full breakdown of fees, requirements, and application steps.

State ▲	Gov Fees	Education Hours	Exam Fee	Renewal Fee	Renewal Cycle
Alabama	$628	Varies	Varies	$115	2 years (initial license valid for approximately 1 year)
Alaska	$820	Varies	Varies	$130	2 years
Arizona	$820	Varies	Varies	$70	2 years
Arkansas	$593	Varies	Varies	$3	Annual; must be renewed on or before the last day of the birth month. There is no grace period.
California	$639 (if fingerprint cards used: $50 application + $540 NBCOT exam + $49 fingerprint = $639)	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years
Colorado	$676	Varies	Varies	$68	2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Connecticut	$740	Varies	Varies	$200	2 years
Delaware	$636	Varies	Varies	$96	2 years; renewal period August 1 to July 31 of even-numbered years
District of Columbia	$675	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (expires July 31 of even-numbered years)
Florida	$720	Varies	Varies	$60	Biennial (expires February 28 of odd-numbered years)
Georgia	$640	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (expires March 31 of even-numbered years)
Hawaii	$726 - $819	Varies	Varies	$85	2 years (expires on odd-numbered years)
Idaho	$600	Varies	Varies	$30	Biennial licensure effective October 14, 2025
Illinois	$615	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
Indiana	$640	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (expires December 31 of even-numbered years)
Iowa	$715	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years
Kansas	$620	Varies	Varies	$80	Biennial (2-year) renewal cycle confirmed; expiration date structure consistent with KSBHA renewal dates page
Kentucky	$640	Varies	Varies	$50	1 year (annual renewal by October 31)
Louisiana	$740	Varies	Varies	$75	1 year (annual renewal)
Maine	$656	Varies	Varies	$35	Annual renewal; license expires March 31
Maryland	$749	Varies	Varies	$200	Two years preceding the license's expiration date (biennial)
Massachusetts	$640	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (biennial, on licensee's birthdate)
Michigan	$705.4	Varies	Varies	$165.40	2 years (biennial)
Minnesota	$678.25	Varies	Varies	$105	2 years (biennial)
Mississippi	$740	Varies	Varies	$100	2 years (biennial; expires April 30 of even-numbered years)
Missouri	$560	Varies	Varies	$10	2 years (biennial)
Montana	$730	Varies	Varies	$190	2 years (biennial)
Nebraska	$660	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years (biennial; expires August 1 of even-numbered years)
Nevada	$840	Varies	Varies	$300	2 years from date of issuance; renewal window opens 60 days prior to expiration
New Hampshire	$650	Varies	Varies	$110	2 years (biennial; expires December 31 of odd-numbered years)
New Jersey	$690	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial; expires September 30 of odd-numbered years)
New Mexico	$650	Varies	Varies	$60	1 year (annual; expires September 30)
New York	$687	Varies	Varies	$155	3 years (triennial registration)
North Carolina	$650	Varies	Varies	$50	Licenses expire June 30 every year. Issued Jan 1–Mar 31: expires June 30 same year. Issued Apr 1–Dec 31: expires June 30 following year.
North Dakota	$700	Varies	Varies	$110	Biennial; licenses expire each even-numbered year on June 30
Ohio	$640	Varies	Varies	$70	2 years (expires June 30 of even-numbered years)
Oklahoma	$720	Varies	Varies	$100	1 year (annual, by November 1)
Oregon	$720	Varies	Varies	$160	Consistent with Applications page references: renewals noted as beginning 3/2–5/31/2026, implying biennial even-year May 31 expiration.
Pennsylvania	$570 (=$30 application + $540 NBCOT exam)	Varies	Varies	$45	2 years (biennial, expires June 30 of odd-numbered years)
Rhode Island	$680	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial)
South Carolina	$655	Varies	Varies	$80	2 years (biennial)
South Dakota	$625	Varies	Varies	$50	2 years (biennial)
State Name	$665	Varies	Varies	$60	2 years
Tennessee	$625	Varies	Varies	$60	Biennial (2-year) renewal cycle
Texas	$640	Varies	Varies	$184	2 years (biennial, by end of birth month)
Utah	$610	Varies	Varies	$47	Biennial; license expires May 31 of odd years
Vermont	$720	Varies	Varies	$115	Biennial; May 31st of Even Years
Virginia	$610	Varies	Varies	$70	Biennial, during birth month of each even-numbered year
Washington	$706	Varies	Varies	$137	Every two years (biennial)
West Virginia	$640	Varies	Varies	$120	2 years (biennial, by December 31)
Wisconsin	$600	Varies	Varies	$75	Biennial; renewal date is 05/31 of each odd-numbered year per Wis. Stat. § 440.08(2)
Wyoming	$715	Varies	Varies	$60	Annual (expires July 31 each year; renewal forms mailed April 15; must postmark by June 15 to avoid late fee)

Tips for Reducing Your Licensing Costs

Check your state board website for current fees. Fees can change between legislative sessions. The most up-to-date information is always on your state’s licensing board website.

Pass exams on the first attempt. Re-examination fees add cost and delay your timeline. Invest in thorough preparation.

Ask about fee waivers. Some states offer reduced fees for veterans, military spouses, or applicants demonstrating financial hardship.

Plan for renewal costs. Your initial license is not permanent. Budget for renewal fees and any continuing education requirements.

Compare education provider prices. Where pre-licensing education is required, online programs are typically more affordable than in-person alternatives.