Optician License Requirements by State
Find the licensing requirements, exact fees, and training hours required to work actively as a optician in your state. Map out the regulatory environment across the country and launch your home business legally.
License Requirements by State
22 states require a license, 28 states do not.
All States Comparison
| State | License Required | Fee | Training | Exams |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Alaska | Required | $850 | 2 years | 1 |
| Arizona | Required | $500 | 3 years | 3 |
| Arkansas | Required | $310 | 3 years | 2 |
| California | Required | $974 | N/A | 1 |
| Colorado | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Connecticut | Required | $800 | 2 years | 5 |
| Delaware | Required | — | — | — |
| District of Columbia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Florida | Required | $942 | 2 years | 3 |
| Georgia | Required | $715 | 1 year | 4 |
| Hawaii | Required | $548 | 2 years | 2 |
| Idaho | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Illinois | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Indiana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Iowa | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Kansas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Kentucky | Required | $500 | 2 years | 3 |
| Louisiana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Maine | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Maryland | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Massachusetts | Required | $739 | 2 years | 3 |
| Michigan | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Minnesota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Mississippi | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Missouri | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Montana | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nebraska | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Nevada | Required | $1,250 | 3.1 years | 7 |
| New Hampshire | Required | $110 | N/A | N/A |
| New Jersey | Required | $898 | 2.3 years | 5 |
| New Mexico | Not Required | — | — | — |
| New York | Required | $1,033 | 2 years | 2 |
| North Carolina | Required | $560 | 2.5 years | 4 |
| North Dakota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Ohio | Required | $278 | 2 years | 1 |
| Oklahoma | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Oregon | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Pennsylvania | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Rhode Island | Required | $330 | 3 years | 2 |
| South Carolina | Required | $420 | 2 years | 2 |
| South Dakota | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Tennessee | Required | $755 | 2 years | 3 |
| Texas | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Utah | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Vermont | Required | $325 | 2 years | 1 |
| Virginia | Required | $400 | 2 years | 2 |
| Washington | Required | $550 | 2 years | 4 |
| West Virginia | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Wisconsin | Not Required | — | — | — |
| Wyoming | Not Required | — | — | — |
Getting Started
Ready to start your optician business? Here is what you need to do:
- Click on your state above to see specific requirements
- Apply for a professional license if required by your state
- Register your business with your state Secretary of State
- Obtain a home occupation permit from your county
- Get business insurance to protect yourself and clients
- Set up your home workspace and start taking clients
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Data-driven rankings of all 50 states by wages, fees, and business costs.
Pricing Calculator
How much should you charge? Based on real BLS wage data.
Startup Cost Calculator
Get a personalized breakdown of your startup expenses.
Start Here Guide
New to starting a home business? Follow our step-by-step guide.