What is required if a licensee fails to renew a current license by the deadline?

When a licensee fails to renew a current license by the designated deadline, the appropriate outcome is that the license becomes inactive. This means the license is no longer valid for conducting business or providing services under that license. Inactive status indicates that the individual or entity must rectify their license status, typically by renewing the license to return to active status.

In this context, if a licensee has not taken the necessary steps to renew on time, they cannot continue operations legally under that license. The requirement for the licensee to apply for a new license ensures that all appropriate standards and requirements for licensure are still met and up to date, reflecting any changes in regulations, qualifications, or other relevant criteria since the initial licensing.

The option regarding penalties is specific to certain circumstances and may vary based on the licensing board's rules. Automatic renewal is not applicable because the failure to renew indicates there is no formal or proper renewal process that has taken place. Therefore, the most accurate consequence of failing to renew a license by its due date is that the license becomes inactive.