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DEA registration renewal: fee, deadlines and steps
For physicians, nurse practitioners, PAs and other practitioners renewing on Form 224a. Each rule links to DEA's own page or regulation, checked October 19, 2026.
The short answer
Renew online, no earlier than 60 days before your registration expires and at least 45 days before, so it stays valid while DEA processes it. The fee is $888 for 3 years. DEA emails reminders at 60, 45, 30, 15 and 5 days out, to the address on your registration. If it lapses, DEA can reinstate it for one calendar month; after that you need a new application, and you may not handle controlled substances while it is expired.
The numbers
| Rule | Source | |
|---|---|---|
| Fee | $888 for 3 years, since October 1, 2020 | 21 CFR 1301.13; 85 FR 44710 |
| Fee-exempt | Government institutions, and practitioners registering for their official federal, state or local duties | 21 CFR 1301.21 |
| Term | 36 months; a first registration runs 28 to 39 months | 21 CFR 1301.13 |
| Renewal opens | 60 days before expiration, not earlier | 21 CFR 1301.13(b) |
| File by | At least 45 days before expiration, so the registration stays valid while DEA processes it | 21 CFR 1301.36(i) |
| Reminders | Email at 60, 45, 30, 15 and 5 days before; no mailed notices since June 2020 | DEA registration page |
| How | Online only | 21 CFR 1301.13(e) |
| If it expires | Reinstatement for one calendar month; after that, a new application. No handling controlled substances while expired. | DEA registration page |
| Per state | A separate registration in each state where you practice, after that state’s license | 21 CFR 1301.12; DEA Q&A |
| MATE Act | A one-time 8 hours of training, attested once, on the first new or renewal application after June 27, 2023 | DEA MATE Act FAQ |
How to renew
- Check the email on your registration. Reminders go only there.
- Check your state license, and the state controlled-substance registration where your state issues one. DEA requires state authority first.
- Within 60 days of expiration, open DEA’s renewal login and sign in with your DEA number and details from your certificate.
- Answer the questions, including the one-time MATE Act attestation if you have not made it yet, and pay the fee.
- Submit at least 45 days before expiration.
- Keep the new certificate with your credentialing file. A copy is available from DEA’s certificate copy page.
Questions about a renewal: DEA Registration Service Center, (800) 882-9539.
More than one state
A DEA registration covers one state. Prescribing controlled substances in another state generally needs a registration there too, each on its own 3-year clock, and each after that state’s license. Twenty-two states and DC also issue their own controlled-substance registration, and six of them want it before the DEA one: see state controlled substance registration by state.
Moving or changing address is a modification, not a new registration. It is free, through DEA’s Make Changes tool.
Telemedicine: DEA’s temporary telemedicine flexibilities for prescribing controlled substances run through December 31, 2026. The special telemedicine registration is still a proposed rule. Details for telepsychiatry: licenses and DEA across state lines.
Common questions
How much does it cost to renew a DEA registration?
$888 for the 3-year registration for practitioners, a fee in effect since October 1, 2020. Government institutions, and practitioners registering for their official federal, state or local duties, are exempt.
How early can I renew my DEA registration?
No earlier than 60 days before it expires. File at least 45 days before expiration so the registration stays valid while DEA processes the renewal.
What happens if my DEA registration expires?
DEA allows reinstatement for one calendar month after the expiration date. After that, you need a new application. Federal law prohibits handling controlled substances for any period under an expired registration, even if it is later reinstated.
Do I need a DEA registration in every state where I practice?
Generally, yes: a separate registration for each state where you prescribe, administer or dispense controlled substances, after that state’s license. Some states also require their own controlled-substance registration.
Do I have to do MATE Act training again at every renewal?
No. The MATE Act training is a one-time requirement. You attest once, on your first new or renewal application after June 27, 2023, and DEA says the affirmation is not part of later renewals.
Does DEA still mail renewal notices?
No. Since June 2020, DEA sends renewal reminders by email only, at 60, 45, 30, 15 and 5 days before expiration, to the email address on the registration.
The Interstate Medicine Ledger keeps each DEA registration next to its state license and state registration, and alerts you by email before it is due. For a group, the Roster puts every clinician’s DEA dates on one Due list.
Related: State controlled substance registration by state · Opioid and controlled-substance CME by state · Credential renewal cycles · Telepsychiatry licenses and DEA
Sources
- DEA Diversion Control, registration (renewal, reminders, reinstatement)
- 21 CFR 1301.13, registration periods and fees (eCFR)
- 21 CFR 1301.36, timely reregistration (eCFR)
- 21 CFR 1301.21, fee exemptions (eCFR)
- 21 CFR 1301.12, separate registrations (eCFR)
- DEA, registration Q&A
- DEA, MATE Act FAQ
- Federal Register, registration fees (85 FR 44732, 2020)
- Federal Register, fourth temporary extension of telemedicine flexibilities
- Federal Register, proposed special registrations for telemedicine (2025)
General guidance on DEA registration renewal, checked against the sources above on October 19, 2026. Not legal advice. DEA’s rules and your state’s rules govern; confirm with DEA for your registration.