The licensing process involves the collection of credentials from the applicant and from other sources. Once all materials are submitted, the Board’s staff will review them. It may be necessary for the staff to request additional information, and/or return any times that may need corrections or clarifications. Our goal is to review materials as quickly as possible, but we must be thorough. You should not expect the entire process to take less than four months from the time your application is received by the NCMB.

Once your application is completed and has been reviewed by a staff member for quality assurance and no additional information is required, your file will then be forwarded to a Board member for review to determine whether you will be required to appear for a personal interview. If a personal interview is not required, staff has the authority to issue the full license at that time. Applicants will be notified if a personal interview will be required.

Please note and adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Processing time will take longer during the months of March through August, due to the increased number of residents and relocating physicians applying. We recommend that you allow four to six months of total processing time if you want to get licensed during these months.

2. Without a medical license, you cannot practice as a physician in North Carolina. Do not make commitments on loans, practice start dates, home purchases, etc., until you have been granted a license to practice medicine in North Carolina.

3. If you have been named in any malpractice suits, or have answered, “yes” to any of the questions on our application, anticipate the possibility that additional information will be requested and an interview.

4. State law only allows staff to speak to the applicant about the application. Relatives, staff members, future employers or placement services can not be informed about the status of your application.

5. If you wish to exit the application at any time, please do so by clicking on the ‘Logout’ button at the bottom of the page. This will save all the date that you have entered.

6. You can check the status of your application by clicking the “Check Status” link. Once you have submitted your application, it will take up to 15 days before the information on your status is up to date. You will need to know your File ID number and your date of birth to access this information. Your File ID number will be given to you once you start the application.

Application credentials and fee are good for 1 year.  If you are not issued a license within the year and choose to reapply for a NC license, you will be required to resubmit all application credentials and the application fee.

Note: The NCMB will be unable to return original or photocopied application materials once received.

An application for licensure in North Carolina is a confidential matter therefore we are not able to respond to any questions regarding your application from anyone other than you, the applicant.