RAM Licensing

There are two categories, listed below, of radioactive material that require the submission of an application for the possession of radioactive material for use under a general license acknowledgement (GLA). The general license is granted by Title 25 Texas Administrative Code (TAC) §289.251(g). 

Contact us with questions regarding General License Acknowledgements. 

GLA Questions 
Email:  Albert.Hille 
Phone: 512-284-1401  

GLA Compliance and Inspection Questions
Email: Eric Skotak 
Phone: 512- 834-6676   

GLA Fee Questions
Email: Jeff Wolfe 
Phone: 737- 218-7701

These devices are designed and manufactured for the purpose of detecting, measuring, gauging, or controlling thickness, density, level, interface location, radiation, leakage, or qualitative or quantitative chemical composition. 

This category involves devices that contain radioactive material in the following quantities: 

• 10 millicuries(mCi) or greater of cesium-137 

• 1 mCi or greater of cobalt-60 

• 1 mCi or greater of americium-241 or any other transuranic (e.g., curium-244, californium-251 

• 0.1 mCi of strontium-90 

Application Process 

To apply for a GLA for these devices, an RC 251-2, Application for a General License Acknowledgement Form (PDF, 92KB) and RC 252-1, Business Information Form (PDF, 54KB) must be completed and submitted, along with the appropriate fee, within 30 days of receipt of the device. 

The following documents should be used when applying for a new license or renewing an existing license or if adding a new authorized physician user: 

Additional information and instructions can be found below: 

• Instructions to add a site for medical uses 

• Amendment to add a physician to a license 

A radioactive material license which authorizes medical use of radioactive material may constrain the actions of the licensed entity. In accordance with the Medical Practice Act Section 1.02.(8), nothing in a license issued for medical uses of radioactive material shall be construed as limiting the clinical administration of Food and Drug Administration approved pharmaceuticals to a patient for imaging and localization studies by an appropriately approved physician user named on the license. 

September 2, 1997 

Contact Information 

NORM Licensing 

Email: Shawn Garza 
Phone: 512-834-4588

NORM Compliance and Inspections 

Email: Eric Skotak 
Phone: 512- 834-6676  

There are three agencies responsible for regulating different aspects of NORM. The following is an attempt to clarify each agency's role, what regulations apply and whom to contact for more information or questions. 

1. Texas Department of State Health Services, Radiation Control Program, Radiation Safety Licensing Branch 

DSHS regulates receipt, possession, storage, use and treatment of NORM under 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.259 - Licensing of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material. 

2. Railroad Commission of Texas 

Railroad Commission of Texas regulates the disposal of oil and gas NORM waste under 16 Texas Administrative Code, Part 1, Chapter 4, Subchapter F - Oil and Gas NORM. 

Performance of NORM decontamination, and disposal by the owner through on-site land farming and/or injection well disposal is under the RRC’s purview. 

3. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) 

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality regulates disposal of all NORM, except oil and gas. Their rules are currently in the developmental stage. 

Required Forms 

Application Fees 

The application fee for Mobile operations (limited to temporary job sites) is $9,650.00 plus a $482.50 license surcharge for a total of $10,132.50. Checks should be written to Texas Department of State Health Services. For other options or combinations of uses, please contact us. Renewals will include a $20 Texas Online fee. 

Assistance with Forms 

When applying for a mobile NORM decontamination license, please see Regulatory Guide 2.18 - Preparation of Radioactive Material License Applications for Decontamination Services (PDF, 106KB). 

When applying for a fixed site NORM decontamination license, follow Preparation of an Application for Processing of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) (PDF, 151KB). 

Applicable Regulations 

See the Laws and Rules page for a list of applicable statutes and regulations pertaining to NORM licensing. 

Before an area can be released for unrestricted use, you are required to submit survey and/or sample results verifying compliance with Title 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.202(eee). Provide the following information: 

Provide a written request indicating that you want to terminate an authorized storage location or that you want to terminate your Radioactive Material License. 

Provide a copy of the most recent leak test record for each sealed source that was stored at the facility, if only sealed sources were used. 

Otherwise, a closeout survey for the facility where radioactive material was stored and/or used must be submitted. In a diagram format show the positions at which readings were taken and indicate the corresponding readings. Provide the make, model number and last date of calibration of the survey instrument used to take the assessments. 

Provide information concerning the disposition of the radioactive material stored at the site(s). If it was transferred to an authorized recipient, provide records documenting the transfer. Each transfer record must indicate the isotope, the activity and the model and serial numbers of each device and/or sealed source. The transfer record must also indicate the name, address and license number of the transferor and transferee, the signatures of a representative of the transferor and transferee and the date of transfer of the radioactive material. 

All outstanding fees must be paid before your Radioactive Material License can be terminated. You must request termination of your license prior to the due date of the bill to have the fee waived. 

All Notice of Violations must be resolved prior to termination. 

Copies of certain monitoring data associated with a license must be submitted before a termination can be completed. Monitoring data includes any of the following: 

• Survey results to determine the dose from external sources of radiation used 

• Measurement and calculation results used to determine individual intakes of radioactive material and use in the assessment of internal dose 

• Air sampling, survey and bioassay results required by rule or license condition 

• Measurement and calculation results used to evaluate the release of radioactive effluents to the environment 

If your company did not perform any of the above dose/effluent determinations, state so in your request for termination. 

Regulations prohibit the release of radioactive material into a septic system. Therefore, indicate if a septic tank system was used at your facility. If a septic tank was used, you are required to submit results of a radiochemical analysis of the tank sludge. 

How to Apply for a New License

Complete and submit the necessary forms 

The following forms are required for the application of a new Radioactive Materials License. 

2. Submit the appropriate fee 

License application fees must be included with the completed application forms. Fees are established in accordance with Title 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.204(e): 

3. Provide detailed operating, safety and emergency (O,S & E) procedures 

Regulatory Guide 2.1, Industrial Radiographic Exposure Devices (PDF, 71KB) should be used for guidance in completing the application and additional information on what should be included in your O, S & E procedures. 

RSO Qualifications for Industrial Radiography

Qualifications for an individual designated as RSO for Industrial Radiography operations are outlined in Title 25 Texas Administrative Code §289.255(m)(4): 

1. A high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalency based on the GED test. Acceptable alternate documentation of the educational requirement would be a college transcript, resume or other written statement affirming high school graduation or formal education beyond high school. 
    

2. Completion of the training and testing requirements of TAC §289.255(m)(1)(A), (m)(2)(A)(iii) and (n)(1)(B). 
    

3. Provide documentation that the designated individual has two years of radiation protection experience with radioactive materials necessary to supervise the radiation safety aspects of the licensed activity. 

Agency Accepted Radiation Safety Training Course List

A list of accepted radiation safety training courses is available as a courtesy to you. We do not recommend one course over another. It is a resource for you to use to find the course that best suits your needs or used to verify previous training documentation for new radiography employees. 

The list of Accepted Radiation Safety Training Courses (PDF, 66KB) is divided into use categories; Industrial Radiography, Well Logging and Tracer Studies, Well Logging Only, Portable Gauge, Fixed Gauge, Spinning Pipe and X-ray Fluorescence.

Industrial Uses of Radioactive Material 

The Industrial Licensing Program issues licenses that authorize the following uses of radioactive material: 

• Portable moisture/density gauges 

• Fixed gauges 

• Industrial radiography 

• Well logging 

• Tracer studies 

• X-ray fluorescence analyzers (containing a radioactive source) 

• Spinning pipe gauges 

• Gamma scanning 

• Irradiators 

• Field flood studies 

• Environmental labs 

• Leak test analysis 

• Survey meter calibration 

• Installation, repair and maintenance of gauging systems 

• Other licensable sources 

Complete and submit the necessary forms 

The following forms are required for the application of a new Radioactive Materials License. 

2. Provide detailed operating, safety and emergency (O,S & E) procedures 

Regulatory Guide 2.1, Industrial Radiographic Exposure Devices (PDF, 71KB) should be used for guidance in completing the application and additional information on what should be included in your O, S & E procedures. 

3. Submit the appropriate fee 

A nonrefundable fee shall be submitted with each new application. Refer to §289.204 to determine the fee that should accompany the new application. 

Review of the new application will not begin until the proper fee is received by the agency. The check or money order should be made payable to the Texas Department of State Health Services. 

Submit your amendment request by writing a letter describing changes requested to your Radioactive Material License. No fee is required to amend an active license. In order to expedite your request remember to: 

• Provide justification for your request 

• Clearly describe what changes you want on the license 

• Include applicable attachments (i.e. facility diagrams, training certificate, certification statement) 

• Reference your license number on the request 

• Date your request 

• Be sure the request is signed by the radiation safety officer or officer of the company 

TIP: Submit separate requests. Avoid submitting a request for an amendment which involves changes to more than one license and/or a registration. Do not address other DSHS related issues in your amendment request (i.e., Response to a Notice of Violation, fees, etc.) 

If there is a change in the radiation safety officer (RSO) after the license is issued, the request for an amendment to the license should be made prior to changing the RSO or immediately after the RSO listed on the license is no longer performing the duties of the RSO. 

The request to change the RSO must be signed by the old RSO or by an officer of the company. 

To find out what specific RSO qualifications must be submitted, choose the link above for the radioactive material use your license authorizes. 

This Agency maintains the policy of directing all department business through the RSO. The RSO should be stationed in Texas where he or she will be accessible during emergency situations and maintain surveillance over the radiation safety program. 

To designate a new site, the following information must be submitted and approved prior to storing radioactive material there: 

1. Provide the physical address, zip code and phone number for the new location. 
    

2. Provide a description of the type of building the storage area is located and a drawing that shows where the radioactive material will be stored within the building. 
    

3. Provide a description of the storage area to include dimensions and construction materials and any shielding. 
    

4. Specify the distance of workstations in the vicinity of the storage area along with an approximation of time spent at the stations in one week. 
    

5. Provide an indication of where Caution - Radioactive Material warning signs are posted. 
    

6. Describe who has access to the storage area. 
    

7. Describe the security measures taken to prevent the unauthorized removal of radioactive material from the secured area. (e.g., locks, alarm system, cameras etc.) 
    

8. Provide a specific description of the areas adjacent to your proposed storage facility (i.e., residences, businesses, vacant lots, pasture, etc.). 
    

9. If the proposed storage facility is not owned by your company, provide a copy of a letter from the owner of the property stating that they are aware that you are storing radioactive material on the property. 

• Provide a written statement requesting termination of a license or specific authorized site, prior to vacating the premises. 
   

• If radioactive material stored at the site listed on the license, was transferred to an authorized recipient, provide records documenting the transfer. Each transfer record must indicate the isotope, the activity of each source, model number of each device and/or sealed source, and serial number of each device and/or sealed source. The transfer record must also indicate the name, address and license number of the transferor and transferee, the signatures of a representative of the transferor and transferee and the date of transfer of the radioactive material. 
   

• Provide a copy of the most recent leak test record for each sealed source that was stored at the facility, if only sealed sources were used. Otherwise, a closeout survey for the facility where radioactive material was stored and/or used must be submitted. 
   

The agency reserves the right to conduct a confirming radiation survey and facility evaluation prior to the release of controlled areas for unrestricted use. It is the licensee's responsibility to decontaminate facilities to levels allowing release for unrestricted use. If residual radiation levels or contamination levels exceed the applicable release limits contained in 25 TAC §289.202, your license will not be terminated until release limits have been met. 

A list of accepted radiation safety training courses is available as a courtesy to you. We do not recommend one course over another. It is a resource for you to use to find the course that best suits your needs or used to verify previous training documentation for new employees. 

The list of Accepted Radiation Safety Training Courses (PDF, 66KB) is divided into use categories; Industrial Radiography, Well Logging and Tracer Studies, Well Logging Only, Portable Gauge, Fixed Gauge, Spinning Pipe and X-ray Fluorescence. 

Overview 

The Advanced Technology Licensing Program is responsible for licensing the following uses of radioactive material at industrial facilities. The listed Regulatory Guides are helpful in preparing the necessary information required to apply for a license. 

• Pool-type Irradiators 

• Loose Processors of Radioactive Material 

• Research & Development 

• Broad Scope Authorization 

• Sealed Source Evaluations - NUREG 1556, Vol 3, Rev 1 

• Device Evaluations - NUREG 1556, Vol 3, Rev 1 

• Manufacturing and Distribution 

• Emerging Technologies 

• Source Material and Special Nuclear Material 

Submit the Required Forms 

Complete, sign, and submit the following forms: 

Submit the Appropriate Fee 

A nonrefundable fee shall be submitted with each new application. Refer to 25 TAC §289.204 to determine the fee that should accompany the new application. Review of the new application will not begin until the proper fee is received by the agency. The check or money order should be made payable to: Texas Department of State Health Services. 

Submit your amendment request by writing a letter describing changes requested to your Radioactive Material License. No fee is required to amend an active license. In order to expedite your request remember to: 

• Provide justification for your request 

• Clearly describe what changes you want on the license 

• Include applicable attachments (i.e., facility diagrams, training certificate, certification statement) 

• Reference your license number on the request 

• Date your request 

• Be sure the request is signed by the radiation safety officer or officer of the company 

TIP: Submit separate requests. Avoid submitting a request for an amendment which involves changes to more than one license and/or a registration. Do not address other DSHS related issues in your amendment request (i.e., Response to a Notice of Violation, fees, etc.) 

If there is a change in the radiation safety officer (RSO) after the license is issued, the request for an amendment to the license should be made prior to changing the RSO or immediately after the RSO listed on the license is no longer performing the duties of the RSO. 

The request to change the RSO must be signed by the old RSO or by an officer of the company. 

This Agency maintains the policy of directing all Department business through the RSO. The RSO should be stationed in Texas where he or she will be accessible during emergency situations and maintain surveillance over the radiation safety program.

To designate a new site, the following information must be submitted and approved prior to storing radioactive material there. 

1. Provide the physical address, zip code and phone number for the new location. 

2. Provide a description of the type of building the storage area is located and a drawing that shows where the radioactive material will be stored within the building. 

3. Provide a description of the storage area to include dimensions and construction materials and any shielding. 

4. Specify the distance of workstations in the vicinity of the storage area along with an approximation of time spent at the stations in one week. 

5. Provide an indication of where "Caution - Radioactive Material" warning signs are posted. 

6. Describe who has access to the storage area. 

7. Describe the security measures taken to prevent the unauthorized removal of radioactive material from the secured area. (e.g., locks, alarm system, cameras etc.) 

8. Provide a specific description of the areas adjacent to your proposed storage facility (i.e., residences, businesses, vacant lots, pasture, etc.). 

9. If the proposed storage facility is not owned by your company, provide a copy of a letter from the owner of the property stating that they are aware that you are storing radioactive material on the property. 

Provide a written statement requesting termination of a license or specific authorized site, prior to vacating the premises. 

If radioactive material stored at the site listed on the license, was transferred to an authorized recipient, provide records documenting the transfer. Each transfer record must indicate the isotope, the activity of each source, model number of each device and/or sealed source, and serial number of each device and/or sealed source. The transfer record must also indicate the name, address and license number of the transferor and transferee, the signatures of a representative of the transferor and transferee and the date of transfer of the radioactive material. 

A closeout survey for the facility where radioactive material was stored and/or used must be submitted. 

The agency reserves the right to conduct a confirming radiation survey and facility evaluation prior to the release of controlled areas for unrestricted use. It is the licensee's responsibility to decontaminate facilities to levels allowing release for unrestricted use. If residual radiation levels or contamination levels exceed the applicable release limits contained in 25 TAC §289.202, your license will not be terminated until release limits have been met. 

Supplemental guidance information is available by contacting DSHS for the following license applications: 

• Manufacture and distribution of in-vitro kits containing radioactive material 

• Manufacture and/or distribution of devices containing radioactive material 

• Use of radioactive material in a commercial pool type irradiator 

• Use of radioactive material in a self-contained irradiator 

• Use of radioactive material in research and development 

• Storage and use of source material in broad industrial research and development operations 

• Storage and use of source material in aircraft parts 

• Storage and use of depleted uranium in extruded artillery shells 

Additionally, DSHS can provide guidance with the following: 

• Decommissioning funding rule 

• Changes in licensee name or ownership 

• General laboratory rules 

• Laboratory technician safety training course 

• Development of a QA/QC program 

Contact Information 

For questions, please contact: 

Email:  Shawn Garza  
Phone: (512)-834-4588   

For general licensing information refer to the Radioactive Material Licensing Information page. 

1. Licenses & Payment Methods Supported 

Only radioactive materials licenses and general license acknowledgements may pay for biennial fees online. If your license number does not begin with "L" or "G", then you will need to submit fees by mail. 

Payments must be made through electronic check (ACH). Credit card payment is not currently available for these license types. 

2. Login to the Online Licensing System 

Begin by opening the Regulatory Services online licensing system. 

Using a smartphone to access this system is not recommended. This system works best when accessed by a desktop, laptop, or tablet. Mobile data connections are also not recommended, as dropped network signal may result in loss of data. 

Choose to either register as a new user, or login using your existing credentials. If registering as a new user, an email will be sent confirming the new account. This email will contain a temporary password, which will need to be changed after logging in. 

Please have your bill in hand when accessing this system. 

3. Add a License to Your Account 

If the license is already shown on the Quick Start menu under the "Manage your license information" section, proceed to the verify information section, below. 

If the license is not present on the Quick Start Menu, add the registration by selecting the "Add Licenses to Registration" button, as shown in the image below. 

4. Verify Information 

On the Quick Start Menu page, verify that the license has been added under the "Manage your license information" section, and click the "Select" button next to the license. 

4.1. Verify Billing Information 

On the "Contact Information" page, note the billing address, as this is what we have on file. If the billing address is incorrect or needs to be change, contact the agency at 512-231-5623. If the billing address is correct, click "Next". An application summary screen will appear. Review the details, and click on the “Submit” button. 

4.2. Attestation 

The attestation statement screen will appear. Click "Yes," then select the “Next” button. 

4.3. Payment Summary 

On the "Fee and Summary Report" page, the total amount due is listed. Click on the “Pay Now” button or select "Pay Later" to defer payment until a later time. 

5. Paying Later 

If the "Pay Later" option was selected on the, the invoice will be saved and can be accessed at a later time. 

When ready to make payment, login to the online licensing website, and select “Pay for Online Applications” from the Quick Start Menu. 

6. Submit a Payment 

On the "Online Application Payment" screen, choose which fees you wish to pay by selecting the checkboxes to the right of each fee. Select your payment type (ACH or credit card), then click the “Next” button. Verify the payment data on the "Confirm Payment Details" screen, and click the "Next" button. Fill in the Customer Information and Payment Info sections and click "Next" to submit payment. A receipt is available for completed payments.

7. Contact Information 

For further help and assistance, contact us at: 

Email: Jeff Wolfe 
Phone: 737-218-7701 
Fax: 512-834-6717