California Code, Business and Professions Code - BPC § 7851

(a) The board shall issue, upon application and payment of the fee established by Section 7887, a retired license to a geologist or geophysicist who has been licensed by the board for a minimum of five years within California and a minimum of 20 years within the United States or its territories, and who holds a license that is not suspended, revoked, or otherwise disciplined, or subject to pending discipline under this chapter.

(b) The holder of a retired license issued pursuant to this section shall not engage in any activity for which an active geologist's or geophysicist's license is required. A geologist or geophysicist holding a retired license may use the titles “retired professional geologist” or “professional geologist, retired,” or “retired professional geophysicist” or “professional geophysicist, retired.”

(c) The holder of a retired license shall not be required to renew that registration.

(d) In order for the holder of a retired license, issued pursuant to this section, to restore his or her license to active status he or she shall pass the examination required for initial licensure with the board.