Application Fee: $140 | Format: Online

This guide will walk you through applying for your Tennessee Dietitian-Nutritionist license on your own. Tennessee has some unique requirements, but we'll break it down so it's easy to follow.

Tennessee uses the Licensure and Regulatory System (LARS) for online applications. Here's what makes this process unique:

✅ Key Requirements for Tennessee:

• FBI fingerprinting through approved vendor

• Notarized Declaration of Citizenship

• Signed passport photograph

• Letter of recommendation

• Proof of internship completion

⚠️ Important: Tennessee requires fingerprinting and citizenship documentation that other states don't require. Plan extra time for these steps.

You'll need these documents ready before starting your application:

✓ Identity & Citizenship

• Notarized Declaration of Citizenship form

• One supporting document:

  • Driver's license, OR

  • Passport, OR

  • Birth certificate, OR

  • Certificate of citizenship or naturalization

✓ Professional Credentials

• CDR (Commission on Dietetic Registration) card

• Proof of internship completion

• Letter of recommendation from a licensed dietitian

✓ Photograph

• Signed passport-style photograph (you'll sign below your photo)

💡Tip: Complete your fingerprinting early in the process. Results can take 2-4 weeks to process.

Tennessee requires criminal background checks through their approved vendor. You must use their specific process.

1. Visit IdentoGO to schedule fingerprinting

2. When registering, you'll need:

   • ORI#: TN920390Z

   • OCA# (for Dietitian/Nutritionist): 3955

• Find a local IdentoGO location

• Schedule your appointment

• Bring valid ID (driver's license, passport, etc.)

• Complete fingerprinting

1. Email Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov to request a fingerprint card

2. Include in your email:

   • Your full legal name

   • Profession: Dietitian/Nutritionist

   • Mailing address

3. Once you receive the card:

   • Get fingerprinted at a local police station or IdentoGO location

   • Pre-enroll at IdentoGO website

   • Mail completed card with pre-enrollment confirmation to the address provided

⏱️ Processing Time: Background check results can take 2-4 weeks. Start this process early!

1. Download the Declaration of Citizenship form (PH-4183)

2. Fill out all required information

3. Get the form notarized (find a notary at your bank, UPS store, or online notary service)

4. Save a scanned copy for upload

Scan or photograph ONE of these documents:

• Driver's license

• Passport

• Birth certificate

• Certificate of citizenship or naturalization

1. Take a passport-style photograph (can be a professional photo or high-quality selfie)

2. Print the photograph

3. Sign your name below the photo

4. Scan or photograph the signed photo for upload

Now you're ready to create your account in Tennessee's licensing system.

1. Go to Tennessee LARS Login

2. Click "Create an account as a new user"

3. Fill in your registration information:

   • Name: Your full legal name

   • Email: Your personal email address

   • User ID: Check box to use email address as User ID

   • Secret Question: What's your mother's maiden name?

   • Secret Answer: Create an answer you'll remember

   • Third party payer: Leave unchecked

4. Complete the captcha

5. Click "Next"

6. Review your information

7. Click "Save"

You'll receive a temporary password via email. Check your inbox (and spam folder).

1. Return to LARS Login

2. Log in with your email and temporary password

3. Create a new, secure password when prompted

4. Save this password somewhere safe

After setting your password, you'll link to existing licenses:

1. Confirm your last name (pre-filled)

2. Enter your Social Security Number

3. Enter your date of birth

4. Complete the captcha

5. Click "Next"

6. You should see "No matching license found" - this is expected

7. Click "Next" to continue

1. From your LARS dashboard, find "Quick start application"

2. Select board: Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners

3. Select application: Initial by Exam Application

4. Click "Select"

Read the introduction page and click "Next"

Answer the eligibility questions:

• Previously applied for license in TN? No (unless you have)

• Obtained a passing score on CDR exam? Yes

• Completed a program with a degree in dietetics/nutrition? Yes

• Completed a preprofessional experience in dietetics? Yes

• Click "Next"

• Enter your full legal name

• Social Security Number

• Date of birth

• Gender (can choose unknown)

• Race (can choose not given)

• List any alternate names or aliases you've used

• Click "Next"

• Mailing address

• Enter zip code and click "lookup" to auto-populate city, state, county

• Phone number

• Email address

• Click "Next"

Answer all background questions honestly. Most should be "No" unless you have disciplinary actions, criminal history, or other disclosures.

Click "Next"

• Known by other names? Answer based on alternate names you listed earlier

• US Citizen? Yes/No

• Military service questions: Answer as applicable

• Previously applied for TN license? No (unless applicable)

• Registered with CDR? Yes

  • Enter your CDR number (found on your CDR card)

  • Enter your CDR effective date

• Taken and passed the national exam? Yes

• Click "Next"

Enter your dietetics education:

• School name

• Degree type (BS, MS, etc.)

• Major/field of study

• Graduation date

If you have both undergraduate and graduate degrees in dietetics:

• Click "ADD" to add another education record

• Enter information for each program

Click "Next"

Enter your dietetic internship information:

• Internship program name

• Location

• Completion date

• Hours of supervised clinical experience: Enter 1000 (standard supervised practice hours)

Click "Next"

Current employment:

• Have you ever been employed as a dietitian? Yes (if applicable)

• Enter current employer information:

  • Company name

  • Supervisor name

  • City and state

  • Position title

  • Job duties (brief description)

  • Start date

  • End date: Present (if still employed)

Previous employment:

• Click "ADD" to include previous dietitian positions

• Include all relevant work history

Click "Next"

Answer questions about:

• Professional discipline

• Criminal history

• Mental/physical health affecting practice

• Drug/alcohol issues

Most answers should be "No" unless you have disclosures to make.

Click "Next"

Other state licenses:

• List any other state RD licenses you currently hold

• Include license number, state, issue date, expiration date

• Click "ADD" if you have multiple state licenses

Licensed in other profession? No (unless applicable)

Click "Next"

Review any additional questions and click "Next"

This is where you'll upload all the documents you prepared.

1. Letter of Recommendation (from a licensed dietitian)

2. Declaration of Citizenship (notarized form)

3. Supporting Document for Citizenship (driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate)

4. CDR Card (proof of registration)

5. Signed Passport Photograph

6. Proof of Internship Completion (certificate or verification letter)

For each document:

• Click the upload button

• Select your file

• Click "Upload" to attach it to your application

1. Carefully review all information in the summary

2. Check that all documents are uploaded

3. Verify all information is accurate

4. Click "Submit"

1. You'll be directed to the payment screen

2. Application fee: $140

3. Enter payment information (credit/debit card)

4. Complete payment

Save your confirmation number and email confirmation.

You're done with your application!

Use this checklist to stay organized:

• Completed FBI fingerprinting (allow 2-4 weeks for processing)

• Obtained notarized Declaration of Citizenship

• Gathered citizenship supporting document

• Prepared signed passport photograph

• Obtained letter of recommendation

• Obtained proof of internship completion

• Created LARS account

• Submitted online application

• Paid $140 application fee

• Uploaded all required documents

After you submit your application, the Tennessee Board will:

1. Review your application and documents

2. Process your FBI fingerprint results (2-4 weeks)

3. Verify all requirements are met

4. Issue your license

Check your status: Log into your LARS account anytime to check your application status.

Processing time: Varies depending on fingerprint results and board review. Plan for 4-8 weeks total.

Why does Tennessee require citizenship documentation?

Tennessee state law requires proof of U.S. citizenship or legal presence for professional licenses.

Can I submit my application before fingerprint results come back?

Yes, you can submit your complete application. The board will wait for fingerprint results before issuing your license.

Where can I get my Declaration of Citizenship form notarized?

Most banks, UPS stores, and shipping centers offer notary services. You can also use online notary services.

What should my letter of recommendation say?

Your letter should be from a licensed dietitian who can attest to your professional qualifications and character. It should include their license information and signature.

What if my name has changed?

List your current legal name on the application and include previous names in the "alternate names" section. You may need to provide documentation of your name change.

Tennessee Board of Dietitian/Nutritionist Examiners

📞 Phone: Contact through main health professions board line

📧 Email: Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov

📍 Mail: Tennessee Department of Health, Health Related Boards

For fingerprinting questions:

📧 Email: Unit3HRB.Health@tn.gov

• Tennessee LARS Login

• Declaration of Citizenship Form (PH-4183)

• Fingerprinting Instructions

• IdentoGO Fingerprinting

You've got this! Tennessee's process has a few extra steps, but following this guide will help you navigate it successfully. If you have questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to the board for help.