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Texas Racing Commission

General Licensing FAQs


PLEASE NOTE:

The Texas Racing Commission recently approved occupational licensing fee increases that will become effective on August 1, 2009. All applications
received by the Commission on or after August 1, 2009 will be charged the revised fees. Click here to view the new fee chart.

The online system for submitting Racing Commission Licensing Applications down for maintenance and upgrades on August 1, 2009. See Announcement.

A Revised Returned Check Policy goes into effect on August 1, 2009. See Announcement.

Fees and Expiration Dates
Fees & Expiration Dates FAQ's
How much does a license cost?
When does my license expire?

Fingerprints
Is there an additional fee for fingerprint processing?
My daughter, 11 years old, owns a horse. Does she need to be fingerprinted?
I am 72 years old. Do I need to be fingerprinted?
My fingerprints do not change, so why do I have to be fingerprinted again?
I am due to submit a three-year fingerprint card. Can you use my fingerprints from another state?
May I submit my renewal application online if I need to be fingerprinted again?

License Badges
License Badges FAQ's
Do I need to get a badge?
Can I just use the badge I already have?
What do I need to bring with me to obtain a badge?

Multiple Owners and Businesses
Multiple Owners & Businesses FAQ's
Will I receive a license badge for a business license?
I want a vendor's license. Why do I have to complete two applications?
Is my vendor license good at all Texas racetracks?
I want to deliver hay at a racetrack. What do I have to do?
My spouse and I own race animals together. What are the licensing requirements?
I own race animals in partnership with others. What are the licensing requirements?
Can my partners owning less than 5% get individually licensed if they wish?
Whom do I contact for any ownership changes in the partnership?
Can I use a stable name that has already been registered by another entity?
Why is it so important to correctly name the owner of the race animal on the multiple owner form?
I own a kennel booked at a Texas greyhound racetrack. What do I need to do to be licensed?
My kennel owns greyhounds racing in Texas, but I'm not booked in Texas. What do I need to do to be licensed?

Online Renewal
Online Renewal FAQ's
Can anyone renew online?
How do I know if I'm eligible to renew online?
What information do I need to submit an application online?
Who do I call if I don't know my license number?
Why can't the online application program find my license number?
Why won't the online application program accept my date of birth?
Which address am I supposed to enter into the online application program?
How much does it cost to renew online?
Can I use money from my horsemen's account to pay for the license fee online?
How do I apply online for more than one year?
Is my license renewed as soon as I complete the online application?
How soon after submitting my online application will my application be processed?
Will I be notified that my license has been renewed?
I applied online and have to submit additional information. How long do I have to submit the extra information?
What happens if I do not submit all the necessary information before 21 days?
Do I need a supervisor or employer signature to complete the online renewal process?
I need another person to sign an addendum form before my online application is processed. What do I do next?
Will my printed payment receipt allow me to work at the track or have access to the stable or kennel area?
Can I apply online to renew the license of one of my employees?
I'm an Owner. If I submit my online application today, can I race a horse or greyhound today?
My trainer got an emergency license for me at the track. Can I submit my application online?
Do I need to be an owner of a horse or greyhound before I can get licensed as an Owner?
I'm a trainer. Can I apply online to renew the license for one of my owners as well as my own license?
I am licensed by the National Racing Compact. Can I apply for renewal online?
Can I change my name and address as part of the online renewal process?
I made a mistake in filling in the online application. What do I do now?
After I submitted an online application, I decided I don't really want a license. Can I receive a refund?
I renewed the wrong license. What do I do now?
Who do I contact if I have technical difficulties applying online?

Underage Applicants
Underage Applicants FAQ's
I am under 18 years of age and married. Does my parent still need to sign my application?
I am under 18 years of age and married. Do I still need my school to sign anything?
I am home schooled. Who needs to verify my enrollment and attendance in school?
Who do I get to sign the school enrollment section when school is out?
What if I graduate when I am 16 or 17 years old?

Fees and Expiration Dates
How much does a license cost?
It depends on the type of license and how many years you want the license to be valid. The annual license fee is set by rule by the Commission. Click here to see a list of licenses and the applicable fee.

When does my license expire?
If your application is approved and your license renewed, the license will expire in one, two, or three years on the last day of the month in which the license is issued. If you obtain a license badge, the month and year that your license expires is printed on the badge.

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Is there an additonal fee for fingerprint processing?
Yes, effective December 1, 2008, significant revisions to the fingerprint process become effective with the implementation of a new electronic fingerprint system. Beginning on that date, each occupational license applicant who submits fingerprint cards for a background check will be required to pay a $12 fingerprint processing fee in addition to the occcupational license fee.

Based on revisions to the Commission's fingerprint rule, each applicant, including those 10 years of age or older, will now be required to submit fingerprint cards. In addition, the Commission will update a licensee's background information more often, as license holders will be fingerprinted every three years instead of every five years.

Please call the Austin Licensing office at 512-833-6699 if you have any questions about the fingerprinting process and the $12 fingerprint process fee.

My daughter, 11 years old, owns a horse. Does she need to be fingerprinted?
Yes, based on revisions to the Commission's fingerprint rule, each applicant, including those 10 years of age or older, will now be required to submit fingerprint cards and pay the $12 fingerprint processing fee.

I am 72 years old. Do I need to be fingerprinted?
Yes, based on revisions to the Commission's fingerprint rule, each applicant, including those 10 years of age or older, will now be required to submit fingerprint cards and pay the $12 fingerprint processing fee.

My fingerprints do not change, so why do I have to be fingerprinted again?
Under the Texas Racing Act, the Commission must receive an FBI report on every licensee every three years. The FBI will not release this information unless a new fingerprint card is submitted.

I am due to submit a three-year fingerprint card. Can you use my fingerprints from another state?
Yes, if you have been licensed and fingerprinted in the following states within the past 3 years:

California Minnesota Oklahoma
Florida Nebraska Wisconsin
Illinois New Mexico  

May I submit my renewal application online if I need to be fingerprinted again?
You may submit a renewal application online even if you need to be fingerprinted again. When the Racing Commission receives your application, we will mail you a fingerprint card. You will then have 21 days to be fingerprinted, either by our staff or one of your local law enforcement agencies, and return the completed card to the Racing Commission. If you do not return the completed card within the 21-day period, your license will not be renewed and your money will not be refunded. You will have to re-submit your application for renewal, either online, by mail, or in person, and pay a new license fee.

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License Badges
Do I need to get a badge?
A licensee who desires to visit a Texas racetrack in a role other than a patron (i.e. you want to go in the stable area or you work on the racetrack grounds) must have a current badge. A badge can be printed at any Racing Commission office at any time that your license is current and in good standing.

Can I just use the badge I already have?
Because the badge has the license expiration date printed on it, you must go to a Racing Commission office to have a new badge printed. If you don't plan on going to any Texas racetrack during the term of your license, you do not need to get a new badge printed.

What do I need to bring with me to obtain a badge?
Because the badge is a photo i.d., you must provide proof of your identity. Click here to see a list of acceptable documents to show proof of identity.

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Multiple Owners and Businesses
Will I receive a license badge for a business license?
No. License badges are only issued to an individual for an individual license.

I want a vendor's license. Why do I have to complete two applications?
You must complete one business application for the vendor business and one individual application for the designated representative or owner of the company. All employees of the company will be required to complete an individual application as well.

Is my vendor license good at all Texas racetracks?
Yes.

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I want to deliver hay at a racetrack. What do I have to do?
You must complete an individual license application. In addition, you must submit an addendum form with the approval of the Commission veterinarian, stewards, and the racetrack. Click here for the addendum form if you are applying for a license in person; click here for the addendum form if you are applying online.

My spouse and I own race animals together. What are the licensing requirements?
Each spouse must have an individual owner's license. You are not required to register as a multiple owner.

I own race animals in partnership with others. What are the licensing requirements?
The partnership must register as a multiple owner. When completing the multiple owner/stable/farm registration form, you must list all partners, including those who own less than 5% of the partnership. In addition, each partner who owns 5% or more of the partnership must be individually licensed as an owner. The partners who own less than 5% are not required to be individually licensed.

Can my partners owning less than 5% get individually licensed if they wish?
Yes.

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Whom do I contact for any ownership changes in the partnership?
You must notify a Racing Commission office of any changes in ownership.

Can I use a stable name that has already been registered by another entity?
No. Once a stable name has been registered, no other entity can use the same stable name.

Why is it so important to correctly name the owner of the race animal on the multiple owner/stable/farm registration form?
The Texas Racing Act, §7.02(a) requires all persons involved in any capacity with pari-mutuel racing in Texas to be licensed by the Commission. To ensure the Commission is licensing the correct entities and individuals, Section 3 of the multiple owner registration form requires you to enter the name of the race animal's owner as it appears on the registration papers. The Commission and the racing office check this form to ensure each race animal's owner is properly licensed. If the records of the racing office and the Commission do not match, the race animal could be scratched from the race.

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I own a kennel booked at a Texas greyhound racetrack. What do I need to do to be licensed?
You must complete a kennel registration form for the kennel and have the Judges and the racetrack sign the form. In addition, every person owning 5% or more of the kennel must be individually licensed.

I own a kennel that owns greyhounds racing in Texas, but the kennel is not booked at a racetrack. What do I need to do to be licensed?
You must complete a multiple owner/stable/farm registration form for the kennel. In addition, every person owning 5% or more of the kennel must be individually licensed.

Online Renewal
Can anyone renew online?
No. You cannot renew online if:
dot You have any outstanding fines or returned checks.
dot You have a ruling that makes you ineligible to participate in racing.
dot You need to see a Racing Commission steward, judge, or investigator.
dot You have not participated in racing in Texas in the last three years.
dot You hold a license type that was exempted from online renewal to keep the cost of those license types at a minimum. Click here to see the license types that are ineligible for online renewal.
dot You have a foreign address. At this time, the Texas Online portal cannot process applications with foreign addresses. Texas Online is working to address this issue and we hope to offer this in the future.

How do I know if I'm eligible to renew online?
See the applicable eligibility page - individual license or business license.

What information do I need to submit an application online?
dot Your Racing Commission license number.
dot A major credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express) or an electronic check.
dot Personal information (address, phone number, etc.)

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Who do I call if I don't know my license number?
You may contact the Austin office at 512-833-6699 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
or you may contact one of our field offices.

Why can't the online application program find my license number?
Not all licenses are eligible to be renewed online. Refer to the appropriate eligibility page (individual license or business license) for renewal criteria or contact a Racing Commission office to confirm eligibility.

Why won't the online application program accept my date of birth?
You must enter your date of birth in mm/dd/yyyy format. For example, if your date of birth is August 15, 1957, you would enter "08/15/1957".

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Which address am I supposed to enter into the online application program?
The address that appears in the application program is your mailing address currently on file with the Racing Commission. If that address is incorrect, you should correct it. The second address field is optional. If you elect to enter a second address, be sure to designate only one address as your mailing address. Submitting a renewal application with more than one mailing address will delay processing of your application.

How much does it cost to renew online?
The cost to renew your license is the same whether you renew online, by mail, or in person. Click here to see license fees and required forms for online renewal.

Can I use money from my horsemen's account to pay for the license fee online?
No. Currently, you may use only a major credit card (Visa, Master Card, Discover, American Express, Diners Club) or an electronic check to pay for a license fee with an online application.

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How do I apply online for more than one year?
Certain license types are eligible to renew for either 1, 2 or 3 years. Click here to see chart that shows which license types are eligible for multi-year licenses.

To renew your license for only one year, simply enter your license number. To renew a license for more than one year, enter your license number followed by a dash and either a '2' or '3' for the number of years desired. For example, if your license number is 1773, enter '1773' in the license number field to renew for one year. For a 2 year renewal, enter '1773-2'. For a 3 year renewal, enter '1773 -3'.

Is my license renewed as soon as I complete the online application?
No. Completing the online application process and paying the license fee does not constitute license renewal. The Racing Commission must receive the application and verify that any required forms such as signature or fingerprint forms have also been submitted. If all required forms are received, the license will be renewed. When your license is renewed, you will receive a confirmation letter from the Racing Commission. You may also inquire at any Racing Commission office to learn the current status of your license.

How soon after submitting my online application will my application be processed?
The Commission tries to process every online application within 24 hours after it is submitted. In times of high workload, however, that time may vary. By entering an e-mail address in your online application, you will be notified more quickly whether your application is approved.

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Will I be notified that my license has been renewed?
Yes. You will receive an acknowledgement letter, via e-mail or mail, stating that your application has been processed and whether your license was renewed or not renewed. If the license is not renewed, the letter will tell you why your license hasn't been renewed. In most instances, you will simply need to submit additional information to the Commission for the license to be renewed.

I applied online and have to submit additional information. How long do I have to submit the extra information?
You have 21 days after the date you submit your online application to file with the Racing Commission all the necessary additional information, such as fingerprints or a signed addendum form. To determine whether you need to submit a signed addendum form, read the applicable eligibility requirements (individual license or business license). Click here to view the online addendum form.

What happens if I do not submit all the necessary information before 21 days?
Your license will not be renewed. More importantly, your money will not be refunded. You will have to re-submit your application for renewal, either online, by mail, or in person, and pay a new license fee.

Do I need a supervisor or employer signature to complete the online renewal process?
Certain license types are required to have employer signature. Click here to see a list of license types and the signatures that are required for renewal.

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I need another person to sign an addendum form before my online application is processed. What do I do next?
Print out an addendum form, have the other person sign the form in the appropriate section, and file the form at a Racing Commission office within 21 days after you submitted your online application.

Will my printed payment receipt allow me to work at the track or have access to the stable or kennel area?
No. To work on the racetrack grounds or have access to the restricted areas at the racetrack, you must obtain a new Racing Commission badge at a licensing office.

Can I apply online to renew the license of one of my employees?
Yes, but you must have all the necessary information. And remember, the information you submit online must be accurate and truthful. Submitting false information on an online application is the same as submitting false information on a paper application - it can subject you or your employee to disciplinary action by the stewards or racing judges, or even criminal penalties.

I own a race animal. If I submit my online application today, can I race a horse or greyhound today?
No. If you are entered in a race and you submit an online application on the day of the race, you will not be licensed before the race and you may be subject to disciplinary action by the stewards or racing judges.

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My trainer got an emergency license for me at the track. Can I submit my application online?
No. You must contact a Racing Commission office for assistance.

Do I need to be an owner of a horse or greyhound before I can get licensed as an owner?
Yes.

I'm a trainer. Can I apply online to renew the license for one of my owners as well as my own license?
Yes, but you must complete the licensing process once for each different license you renew. Also, you must have all the necessary information on the owner and the information you submit online must be accurate and truthful. Submitting false information on an online application is the same as submitting false information on a paper application - it can subject you or the owner to disciplinary action by the stewards or racing judges, or even criminal penalties.

I am licensed by the National Racing Compact. Can I apply for renewal online?
Due to the relationship between the Compact licensing process and our licensing process, you cannot apply to renew your Texas Racing Commission license online. Contact a Racing Commission office for assistance.

Can I change my name and address as part of the online renewal process?
You can change your address using the online renewal process, but you cannot change your name. To change your name, you must submit the request in writing to the Texas Racing Commission. Contact any Racing Commission office for further information.

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I made a mistake in filling in the online application. What do I do now?
If you make a mistake before you hit the final "submit" button, you may hit the "back" button on your browser to the appropriate page and correct the information. If you realize you made a mistake after you hit the final "submit" button, to make changes you must contact the Commission immediately. Send an e-mail to onlinelicensing@txrc.state.tx.us, identify the information that was incorrect, and provide the correct information. If the application has not yet been processed, every effort will be made to incorporate your changes into the application. If the application has already been processed, however, no changes may be made to the application and you may be subject to disciplinary action if the information in the application is materially false.

After I submitted an online application, I decided I don't really want a license. Can I receive a refund?
No. The license fee is non-refundable.

I renewed the wrong license. What do I do now?
Unfortunately, license fees are non-refundable. If the license you wanted to renew is incompatible with the license you renewed (such as a jockey and an owner), you will need to contact a Racing Commission office to abandon the license you don't want and renew the license you do want. If the two licenses are compatible, you may renew the license you want by any available licensing method - online, in person, or by mail. For more information, contact a Racing Commission office.

Who do I contact if I have technical difficulties applying online?
Technical support for the online renewal process is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day through the Texas Online Helpdesk at 1-877-452-9060 or by e-mail at webhelp@texasonlinehelp.com.

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Underage Applicants
I am under 18 years of age and married. Does my parent still need to sign my application?
Yes. If you are applying by mail or in person, a parent must sign Section 16e of the license application form. If you applying for renewal online, a parent must sign Section 10 of the online addendum form.

I am under 18 years of age and married. Do I still need my school to sign anything?
Yes. If you are applying by mail or in person, the school must sign complete the Verification of Enrollment & Attendance form. If you applying for renewal online, the school must sign Section 9 of the online addendum form.

Who do I get to sign the school enrollment section when school is out?
The administration office is usually open year round. A representative from the administration office can sign the necessary form.

What if I graduate when I am 16 or 17 years old?
You will need to provide proof of graduation.

The Texas Racing Commission requires all applicants 10 years and older to submit fingerprints.

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Page updated: 8/4/09

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