What happens if your license expires with missing CE hours — and how to avoid it.
There is no grace period. Fines are assessed automatically at midnight CT on your expiration date: $50 per missing CE hour. The $500 maximum cap applies only to license terms expiring on or after June 1, 2018.
*The $500 cap applies only to license terms expiring on or after June 1, 2018. If your license expired before that date, there is no cap; fines were $50 per missing hour with no ceiling. Source: 28 TAC §19.1016.
At expiration (day 0): TDI automatically assesses fines at midnight CT for any missing CE hours. There is no advance notice. Completing CE after that date does not eliminate a fine that has already been assessed.
Days 1–90 after expiration: You can still resolve the deficiency by completing the missing CE and paying all outstanding fines. Both are required — one without the other does not restore your license to good standing.
After 90 days: TDI inactivates your license. You must apply for a new license, not reinstatement. TDI will not grant the new license until all CE hours are completed and all fines are paid in full.
You have 30 days from receiving a fine notice to pay or file a written request for a contested case hearing (28 TAC §19.1016). Paid fines are non-refundable, so do not pay before filing for an exemption or extension if you believe one applies. Contact TDI at CE@tdi.texas.gov or 512-676-6500 for guidance.
Disclosure: InsuranceCEFinder.com is an independent renewal planning tool — not a regulatory determination. Final status must be verified through sircon.com. Not affiliated with TDI.