Questions About Veterinary Licensure?
Do you have a licensing renewal coming up, or are life changes taking you to a different state or jurisdiction (e.g., Canadian province, Puerto Rico, District of Columbia)? Here are the answers to some of your most commonly asked questions around licensing.
What is required for license renewal?
License renewal typically involves three basic components, although you should double-check with your state's veterinary board for individual variations:
- Verification of good standing with your state veterinary board
- Verification that you have completed your state's continuing education (CE) requirements
- Renewal payment
Where can I find CE?
The good news is that you've got lots of options for great veterinary CE! First check with your state's practice act, which outlines the regulations for veterinary practice in your state. Typically it includes a list of approved CE sources. You can find the practice act through your state's veterinary board website.
A few popular CE options are:
- AVMA conferences: AVMA Convention, Veterinary Leadership Conference, and other topical meetings
- AVMA Axon®: An on-demand, digital CE library with most courses free or discounted for AVMA members
- State veterinary medical associations and veterinary specialty organizations: Your state's VMA and the veterinary specialty organizations regularly host approved CE events.
- USDA APHIS: Online modules created for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service's accreditation program
- RACE (Register for Approved Continuing Education) CE: Online or in-person programming reviewed by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB)
What if I move out of state?
First, know that you can continue to renew your license in the original state for as long as you want, as long as you meet the requirements.
Once you know you'll need to be licensed in a new location, start the following steps as soon as possible, as the process can take several weeks to months:
- Visit the new state's veterinary board website to see the requirements, since they can vary by location.
- Submit your NAVLE scores to the new state.
- Submit to the new state letters of good standing from each state you've previously been licensed in.
- Submit proof of CE to the new state.
If you'd like help with this process, the AAVSB offers a Veterinary Application for Uniform Licensure Transfer (VAULT) service for a fee. You can also contact AAVSB with questions.
What about telemedicine?
If you are practicing telemedicine, you still need to be licensed in the state where you're practicing. Check with your state's practice act to make sure you're following the appropriate regulations and guidelines.