Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist License Requirements 2026
- ARRT-certified radiologic technologists applying for an initial Texas license
- Travel RTs accepting Texas assignments who need a state license
- Out-of-state RTs relocating to Texas
Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist License — At a Glance
| License Required? | Yes — required to practice radiologic technology in Texas |
| License Name | General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate |
| Governing Body | Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology (TBMRT) |
| Initial Application Fee | $130 (includes Jurisprudence Exam fee, $5 OPP fee, plus additional surcharges) |
| Temporary License (TMRT) | $80 — valid 1 year, no renewal, auto-terminates when GMRT issued |
| Primary Qualifying Credential | ARRT certification — supports eligibility but does not replace the Texas license |
| Jurisprudence Exam | Required — included in application fee |
| Criminal History Check | Required — fingerprint-based via IdentoGo by IDEMIA (separate fee) |
| Certificates Issued | Weekly, typically on Wednesdays |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Interstate Compact | Verify current compact status directly with TBMRT |
Texas requires a state license for anyone practicing radiologic technology in the state. The General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate is issued by the Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology and is the standard license for ARRT-certified radiologic technologists practicing in Texas. Unlike some states, Texas has a multi-stage application process and requires a Jurisprudence exam and fingerprint-based criminal history check as part of the initial application — plan accordingly for processing time.
What Makes Texas Different
Texas is one of the more involved states to license in for radiologic technologists. The two-stage application process, Jurisprudence exam requirement, and fingerprint-based background check add steps and time compared with states like Ohio. Texas also has fixed biennial expiration dates (February 28 or August 31) rather than birthday-based expiration, and imposes strict penalties for late renewal with no grace period. For travel RTs planning Texas assignments, building in extra lead time for the application process is strongly recommended.
Texas Radiologic Technologist License Types
Texas offers several license types for radiologic technologists. The most relevant for ARRT-certified RTs are:
- General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) — the standard unrestricted license for qualified radiologic technologists; this is the license most working RTs will apply for
- Temporary Medical Radiologic Technologist (TMRT) — a one-year temporary certificate for qualified applicants while the GMRT application is processed; no renewal, automatically terminates when the GMRT is issued
- Limited Medical Radiologic Technologist (LMRT) — a restricted license covering specific imaging modalities; not covered on this page
Qualifying Credential: ARRT Certification
ARRT certification is the standard qualifying credential used for the GMRT initial license application pathway in Texas. However, it is important to understand what this means in practice: ARRT certification supports your eligibility for a Texas license, but it does not replace the Texas license. You must still apply separately to the Texas Board of Medical Radiologic Technology, complete the Jurisprudence exam, pass the fingerprint-based criminal history check, and submit all required documentation before a Texas GMRT certificate will be issued.
How to Apply for a Texas GMRT Certificate
Texas uses a two-stage application process managed through the License Application Messaging and Status (LAMAS) system, accessible via your My TMB account.
Stage 1 — Pre-Licensure/Screening:
- Submit your application online through the TBMRT system
- Pay the $130 application fee (plus applicable surcharges)
- Receive email with LAMAS system instructions and supplemental document requirements
- Submit all required documents through LAMAS — third-party documents may need to be mailed or faxed
- Complete fingerprint-based criminal history check through IdentoGo by IDEMIA (separate fee applies)
- Complete the Jurisprudence exam (fee included in application fee)
- Monitor LAMAS and email for requests for additional documentation
Stage 2 — Licensing:
- Once Pre-Licensure/Screening is complete, your application is assigned to a licensing analyst
- Continue monitoring LAMAS and email for any additional requests
- Upon approval, your GMRT certificate is issued — certificates are issued weekly, typically on Wednesdays
Individual application processing time varies based on application complexity. Answering “yes” to any professionalism questions or submitting incomplete documentation will increase processing time. According to TBMRT, applicants should allow 3–5 business days for email responses from staff.
Lawful Presence Requirement
Texas requires all applicants to submit documentation establishing lawful presence in the United States before a license may be issued. This requirement applies to both initial applications and renewals. Applications will remain pending until required documentation is submitted and verified. Confirm current acceptable documentation directly with TBMRT before submitting your application.
Practical Notes for Working Radiologic Technologists
- Texas takes longer than most states — plan ahead. The two-stage process, Jurisprudence exam, and fingerprint check mean Texas licensing takes meaningfully longer than states with simpler online applications. Travel RTs should start the Texas application well before their intended assignment start date.
- Consider the TMRT for time-sensitive assignments. If you have a Texas assignment starting before your GMRT is issued, the Temporary MRT certificate ($80) may allow you to begin working while your GMRT application is processed. Verify eligibility and timing with your staffing agency and TBMRT before relying on this pathway.
- ARRT certification is necessary but not sufficient. Having an active ARRT certification supports your GMRT eligibility but does not replace the Texas application process. Budget time and fees for the full application regardless of your ARRT status.
- Jurisprudence exam is required. Texas requires a Jurisprudence exam covering Texas radiologic technology law and rules. The fee is included in the application fee, but you need to prepare for and pass the exam as part of the application process.
- Fingerprint check adds a step and a fee. The IdentoGo fingerprint-based criminal history check is a separate fee and scheduling requirement outside the main application. Factor this into your timeline — don’t wait until the last minute to schedule your fingerprint appointment.
- Fixed expiration dates matter for travel planning. Texas GMRT certificates expire on either February 28 or August 31 — not on your birthday like Ohio. Know your specific expiration date and build renewal into your assignment calendar accordingly.
Related Pages
- Texas Medical Radiologic Technologist License Renewal — CE Requirements and Fees
- Ohio Radiologic Technologist License Requirements
- Radiologic Technologist Licensing by State — Complete Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Texas state license to work as a radiologic technologist in Texas?
Yes. Texas requires a state license — the General Medical Radiologic Technologist (GMRT) certificate — to practice radiologic technology in the state. ARRT certification alone does not authorize practice in Texas. Source: TBMRT
Does ARRT certification qualify me for a Texas GMRT license?
ARRT certification is the standard qualifying credential that supports eligibility for a Texas GMRT certificate. However, ARRT certification does not replace the Texas application process — you must still apply to TBMRT, complete the Jurisprudence exam, pass the fingerprint-based criminal history check, and submit all required documentation. Source: TBMRT
What is the Texas Jurisprudence exam?
The Jurisprudence exam covers Texas radiologic technology law and rules. It is required as part of the initial GMRT application and the fee is included in the $130 application fee. Verify current exam requirements and preparation resources directly with TBMRT. Source: TBMRT
How long does it take to get a Texas radiologic technologist license?
Processing time varies based on application complexity. Texas uses a two-stage process and certificates are issued weekly, typically on Wednesdays. Factors that increase processing time include professionalism disclosures and incomplete documentation. TBMRT advises allowing 3–5 business days for staff email responses. Plan accordingly for travel assignment timelines. Source: TBMRT
What is a Temporary MRT certificate and do I need one?
A Temporary Medical Radiologic Technologist (TMRT) certificate is a one-year certificate issued to qualified applicants while the GMRT application is processed. It costs $80, cannot be renewed, and automatically terminates when the GMRT is issued. It may be useful for travel RTs with time-sensitive assignment start dates — verify eligibility with TBMRT and your staffing agency. Source: TBMRT
Is a fingerprint-based background check required for a Texas RT license?
Yes. Texas requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check through IdentoGo by IDEMIA as part of the initial GMRT application. A separate fee is charged by IdentoGo for this service. Source: TBMRT