The application process will take roughly four months. Processing time will take longer during the months of February through August, due to the increased number of residents and relocating physicians. We recommend you allow four months of total processing time if you wish to be granted a license during these months.
The NC Medical Board offers additional license applications to meet the different needs of physicians wishing to practice medicine in North Carolina.
Physician Full License from a Retired Volunteer License
Physicians holding an active NC retired volunteer license who wish to obtain a full and unrestricted license must complete the online application.
āWho should complete this application?
Physicians holding an active NC retired volunteer license who wish to obtain a full and unrestricted license must complete the online application (click Show more to access).
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Please Be Aware
1. NCMB requires applicants for licensure to submit to a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
2. NCMB will review all relevant information when processing a license application and making a determination on licensure. As part of the NCMBās review, it considers criminal convictions. When considering criminal convictions, the NCMB shall consider all the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1). Below is a link to N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B Occupational Licensing Boards where you can review the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1).
3. If NCMB denies an application in whole or in part because of a criminal conviction or otherwise, there is an appeals process that the applicant can pursue through N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1. Review the appeals process in N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1.
Physician Limited Volunteer License
Physicians who are not licensed in North Carolina but wish to volunteer at indigent clinics. A physician with a limited volunteer license can practice medicine in North Carolina for no more than 30 days per calendar year and may not receive compensation for services rendered at clinics specializing in the care of indigent patients. This license will not cover the practice of medicine at summer camps. A full license will be required. If you wish to obtain a full license, go to our full license application section here.
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Access the online application form under āWeb Linksā at right.
Renewal requirements
NC law requires licensed physicians to renew with the Board within 30 days of their birth date, every year, no matter when the license is issued.
Am I eligible for licensure in North Carolina?
The following outlines the necessary requirements for licensure. Failure to submit required information may result in delays.
Learn more about licensing: rules and statutes.
- Application: chronological information beginning with high school, questions and applicantās oath
- Citizenship: a photocopy of a birth certificate, valid and unexpired U.S. passport or a statement regarding immigration status is required, whichever may apply
- Documentation of legal name change if applicable
- Fingerprint and criminal history record check through the SBI and FBI
- Verification of active licensure from another state or jurisdiction indicating the status of licensure.
- Fee: $38.00 (to cover the cost of criminal background check; No application fee is required)
Application credentials and fee are good for one year. If the applicant is not issued a license within the year and chooses to reapply, he or she will be required to resubmit all application credentials and an additional application fee. Click here to access the current license application fee schedule.
Please Be Aware
1. NCMB requires applicants for licensure to submit to a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
2. NCMB will review all relevant information when processing a license application and making a determination on licensure. As part of the NCMBās review, it considers criminal convictions. When considering criminal convictions, the NCMB shall consider all the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1). Below is a link to N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B Occupational Licensing Boards where you can review the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1).
3. If NCMB denies an application in whole or in part because of a criminal conviction or otherwise, there is an appeals process that the applicant can pursue through N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1. Review the appeals process in N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1.
Physician Application for Retired Limited Volunteer License
Physicians who have been licensed in North Carolina or another state or jurisdiction and wish to volunteer at indigent clinics.
Show Moreā
Renewal requirements
NC law requires licensed physicians to renew with the Board within 30 days of their birth date, every year, no matter when the license is issued.
Am I eligible for licensure in North Carolina?
The following list outlines the necessary requirements for applicants who have never held a NC medical license or their NC license has been inactive for more than six months. Failure to submit required information may result in delays.
Learn more about licensing: rules and statutes.
- Application: chronological information beginning with high school, questions and applicantās oath
- Citizenship: a photocopy of a birth certificate, valid and unexpired U.S. passport or a statement regarding immigration status is required, whichever may apply
- Documentation of legal name change if applicable
- Verification of all state licenses ever held from other licensing Boards
- Documentation of CME obtained in the past three years
- Fingerprint and criminal history record check through the SBI and FBI
- Fee: $38 (fingerprints)
Application credentials and fee are good for one year. If the applicant is not issued a license within the year and chooses to reapply, he or she will be required to resubmit all application credentials and an additional application fee. Click here to access the current license application fee schedule
Please Be Aware
1. NCMB requires applicants for licensure to submit to a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.
2. NCMB will review all relevant information when processing a license application and making a determination on licensure. As part of the NCMBās review, it considers criminal convictions. When considering criminal convictions, the NCMB shall consider all the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1). Below is a link to N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B Occupational Licensing Boards where you can review the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. Ā§ 93B-8.1(b1).
3. If NCMB denies an application in whole or in part because of a criminal conviction or otherwise, there is an appeals process that the applicant can pursue through N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1. Review the appeals process in N.C. Gen. Stat Ā§ 90-14.1.