Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA)

What's New & Important

Last Chance. Act Now!

This is your last chance to go paperless before we eliminate paper fee coupons and CLIA certificates. After March 1, 2026, paper fee coupons and CLIA certificates will no longer be available. In addition, laboratories must pay their CLIA certification and survey fees online (checks will no longer be accepted). 

This transition is not optional. Laboratories must sign up for CMS email notifications to receive electronic CLIA fee coupons and certificates. Failure to go paperless may result in billing and certification issues.

Need help?

Contact your State Agency (SA) or Accreditation (AO) to make the switch to paperless.

Download this toolkit, which provides ready-to-use messaging for your outreach to laboratories and providers, plus these materials you can share: Fact Sheet Poster | FAQ

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Spotlight

Go paperless – What Happens When You Switch?

 Your laboratory will get information electronically, specifically:

  • Email notifications from CMS
  • Electronic fee couponsno more paper coupons*
  • Electronic CLIA certificates – no more waiting for it to come in the mail* 

*This does not apply to CLIA exempt states or state licensure.

How to Switch

You can switch to electronic notifications from CMS or update your email address by:

  • Emailing your State Agency.

    Tip: Include your laboratory name, laboratory director or owner’s name, CLIA number, director or designee’s signature to help your State Agency make the switch.

  • Contacting your Accreditation Organization (for accredited laboratories).

    They can add or update email addresses for the laboratories they survey.                                 

Tip: Make sure CMS has your laboratory’s most up-to-date email address on file so you get important CLIA updates and information from us. We recommend using a business email address, or one that many staffers can access and use. 

Pay Online

Laboratories can pay their CLIA certification fee online though pay.gov, a secure platform hosted by the U.S. Treasury Department. Starting March 1, 2026, laboratories must pay their CLIA certification and survey fees online. 

Pay CLIA Fees Online

Get Online Payment Info (PDF)

Use the Certification Quick Start Guide to help you complete the CMS-116 application.

About CLIA

Although all laboratories must be properly certified to receive Medicare or Medicaid payments, CLIA has no direct Medicare or Medicaid program responsibilities.


Contact your State Agency about:

  • CLIA fees or payment
  • CMS-116 applications
  • Demographic updates
  • Certificate status or upgrades
  • Laboratory Director changes
  • Filing a complaint

For other questions about the CLIA program, email us at LabExcellence@cms.hhs.gov.

Resources for You

Apply for a CLIA Certificate

Information about the application process and forms you need to submit

Get Certified

CLIA Brochures

Helpful resources to learn about CLIA and laboratory requirements 

Learn More


 

Page Last Modified:
12/24/2025 08:24 AM