Hawaii Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

Hawaii PT License Overview

Hawaii does not participate in the PT Compact. Licensure is available only by endorsement of an existing PT license from another state; applicants must already hold an active PT license elsewhere to apply.

How to Get a Hawaii PT License by Endorsement

Hawaii uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for Physical Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $300 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL). Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL) website for status updates on your application.

Hawaii PT License Fees

Endorsement application: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Hawaii Temporary PT License

Hawaii issues temporary physical therapy licenses valid for up to 6 months, allowing Physical Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• For licensed Physical Therapists applying by exam waiver, evidence that you meet the exam waiver requirements of section 16-110-20(h), Hawaii Administrative Rules
• A completed Statement of Supervising Licensed Physical Therapist from your proposed supervising Physical Therapist, plus the additional $50 fee

Important for travelers: Only one temporary license is issued per applicant, and any extension needs Board review.

Hawaii PT License Processing Time

Hawaii Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Mail-based application submission required; no online portal means delays from postal transit and manual processing
• Board review step is sequential and non-concurrent; applications queue for monthly board review cycles
• License verification via FSBPT or direct board contact can add 1-2 weeks if current state board is slow to respond
• Proration of endorsement fee ($300 to $185) may indicate mid-cycle application handling complexities that could extend timeline

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Hawaii PT Continuing Education

Hawaii requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle

Hawaii PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring December 31 of even-numbered years — $230 via Hawaii DCCA portal
• CE topics: ethics — 2 hours per cycle
• Renewal window: Opens in November of even-numbered years (November 9 for the 2026 renewal)
• Late penalty: Forfeited licenses can be restored within 1 year after license expiration by meeting the restoration requirements and paying the $345 restoration (late renewal) cost for an active PT license, and if not restored within 1 year, the license is terminated and you must apply as a new applicant

Hawaii Licensing Board and Resources

Hawaii Board of Physical Therapy (DCCA-PVL)

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (844) 808-3222, option 1

Email: [email protected]