[LRoggy]

How long can an Acting Secretary legally serve as the head of the department before requiring confirmation?

[stylin19a]

210 days.

https://www.rpc.senate.gov/policy-papers/understanding-the-federal-vacancies-reform-act

The FVRA imposes two possible time limits on acting officials. The acting official may serve:

For 210 days starting when the vacancy occurs, or

While there is a first or second nomination for the office pending in the Senate.

When the first or second nomination is rejected by the Senate, withdrawn, or returned to the president, a new 210-day clock starts. This means that an acting official can serve well over a year under the FVRA if there is a nomination pending for the position.

While the FVRA covers most kinds of vacancies, there are some exceptions. For example, it does not apply to commissioners of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The law’s time limits also do not apply to someone who is acting in a position because the regular job holder is temporarily absent due to illness.

[Georgia Girl 2]

Acting secretaries that are appointed in the first 300 days do not have to be confirmed. They can serve for 210 days with a possible 210 day extension.