Email NCMB
Toll Free - (800) 253.9653
International Medical School Graduates who meet the criteria for the expedited application process are NOT required to use FCVS.
The expedited license application enables an experienced, eligible physician to obtain a license in North Carolina faster and easier while maintaining the same high quality standards for admission to practice.
Physicians must meet four eligibility requirements in order to apply using the expedited application. To view the necessary requirements, click on the green “Eligibility requirements” box to the right. If you do not meet all four requirements, you are not eligible for an expedited license and will need to complete the full license application.
Application requirements
The following outlines the required information necessary to obtain a full medical license using the expedited pathway. Please read carefully. Failure to submit important information may delay the application process.
An application for license in NC is a confidential matter. We are unable to respond to questions regarding an application from anyone other than the applicant. .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)for more information.
The Board reserves the right to make whatever additional demands on the applicant for licensure it deems appropriate at the time.
Useful resources: Chapter 32B NC Administrative Code and NC General Statutes Chapter 90.
Submit all materials to:
NC Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619, or
NC Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609 (express/overnight deliveries)
Do not submit photocopies or facsimiles unless specifically permitted.
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.
APPLYING FOR A LICENSE
1. Complete the online application
The Board offers applicants the convenience of applying for licensure online. You must complete the online application and pay necessary fees (Visa/MasterCard) within 30 days to avoid having your application deleted.
Note to applicants: Some applicants have technical difficulties that prevent them from completing all sections of the online application. Hard copies of any forms you are unable to complete during the online application process are available by clicking “download forms” in the list to the right.
2. Licensure status report
Secure a report regarding the status of licensure from at least one state, U.S. territory or Canadian province where you currently holds an active full unrestricted license for the previous five years immediately preceding the application. Most licensing agencies charge a fee for this service. Veridoc is accepted.
Attention physicians licensed in Connecticut: The Board requires a “Connecticut release form” for those licensed in Connecticut. If you are submitting verification of your Connecticut license, you must send this form along with the “Licensure biography form” to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.
3. Board certification
Provide a photocopy of board certification received within the past 10 years by one of the following:
4. U.S. citizen status/Immigration status
Submit a copy of your birth certificate if you were born in the United States or one of its territories. If you were not born in the U.S. or one of its territories, you must submit a copy of the first four pages of a valid, unexpired U.S. passport.
If you are unable to submit a U.S. birth certificate or passport you must provide a statement regarding your immigration status. By doing so, you give the NC Medical Board permission to perform an inquiry to confirm the appropriateness of your immigration status.
5. Submit fingerprint cards
The Board conducts state and federal criminal background checks on all applicants. You must submit two completed fingerprint cards to the Board. An application is not considered complete until results of the background check have been received; in approximately eight to 10 weeks. It is recommended that your local law enforcement complete the fingerprinting, and if possible, have different officials complete each card. The SBI suggests applicants use live scan when available. When using live scan, prints cannot be submitted electronically and must be printed on fingerprint cards and submitted to the Board. Using lotion or witch hazel on your hands before being fingerprinted may help avoid fingerprint rejection.
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6. Authority to release form
Sign and date the “Authority to release form” and return it to the Board.
7. Physician profiles and reports
The NC Medical Board will request the following documentation on behalf of each applicant. If the Board is unable to obtain the information, the applicant will be notified and expected to forward the information to the Board.
Once your application is received, it will be forwarded to a staff member for quality assurance review. After it is determined that your application is complete and no additional information is required, your file will be forwarded to a Board member for review. The Board member will determine if a personal interview is required. You will be notified if a personal interview is required. If a personal interview is not required, staff may issue a full license.
License renewal
Don’t forget to renew. NC law requires licensed physicians to renew with the Board within 30 days of their birthday, every year, no matter when the license is issued. A renewal fee is required.