What happens if a license is not reinstated within two years of expiration?

If a license is not reinstated within two years of its expiration, the correct consequence is that the individual must reapply and meet current licensing requirements. This process ensures that all licensees are adhering to the latest standards and regulations established by the state, which may have changed since the original license was issued.

When a license lapses for an extended period, it indicates that the individual has not kept up with any potential continuing education or other requirements that might have been instituted during that time. As a result, a new application is necessary to ensure that the individual has the required knowledge and skills to operate competently in their field.

The other options present scenarios that do not align with typical state licensing processes. For instance, extending a license for an additional two years or allowing it to automatically renew without action fails to uphold the regulatory framework designed to maintain public safety and professional standards. Assessing a late fee while still allowing reinstatement may be a feature of some licensing systems, but it is not a blanket policy for licenses that have been expired for longer than the specified duration.