How to Renew a Medical License

Medical licenses are awarded to physicians and allied medical personnel who meet specific criteria prescribed by state law and mediated by the respective licensing boards. Every U.S. state, including the District of Columbia, has review boards that oversee the licensing of physicians, physician assistants, nurses, nurse practitioners, radiology technicians, acupuncturists and surgical assistants. Some states have separate medical boards for allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (O.D.) doctors. License renewal is yearly or every two years in most states. Barring incompetence, once CME courses are complete, your application is accurate and sent on time with the appropriate fee, you’ll probably get your license renewed.

Instructions

• 1

  Wait to receive your medical license renewal in the mail. Some states like California, allow you to renew only during the 90-day period prior to license expiration. Update your mailing addresses with your medical boards to ensure you get renewal notices. Be sure to contact your medical board at least 30 to 60 days prior to renewal if you did not get a notice. Late fees typically apply if you miss deadlines.

• 2

  Gather application materials and collect and compile your required data per application renewal instructions. Rules, regulations and laws are always changing so make sure to scrutinize the information for any new directives.

• 3

  Find out if you’ve met your CME (continuing medical education) requirements as mandated by your state medical board or current laws. According to the Medical Quality Assurance Services of the Florida Department of Health, failure to meet prescribed CME course credit will mean disciplinary action against you.

• 4

  Provide accurate and complete data on your renewal application. Omission of data or typos can cost you time and money. Mistakes made on your part will cause unnecessary delays when your application is returned.

• 5

  Pay your required fee. In California, physicians may be exempt from the $808 biennial renewal fee and instead pay $25 if they meet certain conditions and apply prior to their license expiration: military, retired, voluntary service or disabled status.

• 6

  Wait to get your license in the mail. According to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, expect on average 16 weeks of processing time. If malpractice, legal or competency issues are involved, more time will be required for processing.