Resources & Information

License Application

Is it OK to email the two-page notarized applicant oath to the NCMB?

No. The original notarized applicant oath must be mailed to NCMB. Send mail to PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 unless you are sending the information via overnight delivery. If you are overnighting something, use the street address, 3127 Smoketree Court, Raleigh, NC 27604. Faxes and emails will not be accepted.


What items do I need to provide to NCMB to support my application?

Each application has a checklist of items required for your application. Please refer to the appropriate checklist for the license application you are submitting. You can find them in the Licensing Section of our website under each licensure type.


What is the best way to submit changes or additions to support my completed application?

Changes and/or additions to licensure applications are not accepted via telephone. Please send all documents, clarifications, or other supplemental information via email to the .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). You may also send items via USPS or via FedEx or UPS.


After I pay for my application online, how long do I have to provide my supplemental documentation?

The sooner documentation is received, the sooner the application review process can begin and the license issued. Applicants have up to one year after payment is made to submit documentation, or the application will be made inactive.


My application has finally gone to QA. How much longer will it take to get my license?

On average, licenses are issued 7-10 business days after starting the QA process.


How long does it take NCMB to update my status after items are mailed or electronically provided?

Please allow 12-15 business days from the time NCMB the receives items for it to be reflected on your “check status” page.


How long does it take for NCMB to receive background check results?

Results from SBI/FBI can take 8-10 weeks.


I realized I started the wrong application. What should I do?

You have the option to delete any applications in progress from the homepage of your Licensure Gateway.


I filled out the Expedited license application and paid for it and was then informed I do not qualify to use it. What should I do?

Send an email to the Licensing Department and ask that the expedited application be withdrawn. Ask for a refund when you make this request.


I sent an email to the Licensing Department. How long will it take before I hear from someone with a response?

Please allow 2-3 business days to receive a response.


What happens after all items have been received for my application?

NCMB has several processing steps that it follows in reviewing your application and materials.

The first step is for you to submit the application online and pay for it. The second step is for all supporting documentation to be received by NCMB, including the results of the criminal background check. You should expect the process to take approximately four months. Please begin your license application well in advance of your plans to begin practicing in NC.


How long will it take to get my license?

The application process will take roughly four months.  Processing time will take longer during the months of March through August, due to the increased number of residents and relocating physicians.  We recommend you allow four to six months of total processing time if you wish to be granted a license during these months.

The following lists common reasons a license approval may take longer:

  • Forms submitted by the applicant are not completed correctly and must be resubmitted.
  • The fingerprinting requirement was not submitted in a timely manner.
  • One or more of the items sent to NCMB never reached us.
  • Information submitted to NCMB did not include the applicant’s full name and/or File ID#, or this information was not legible, and staff were unable to match submitted information with the correct application.

  • What are the license application fee amounts for all types of licenses and registrations issued by NCMB?

    Fees vary by application or registration type. Click here for a current list of all application and registration fees.


    Is it OK to email reference forms?

    Yes. Reference forms can be emailed to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) from the author of the form.


    USMLE and COMLEX: Is there a limit on the number of attempts to pass?

    Yes. You must pass each step/component within three attempts. However, this requirement can be waived IF the applicant can show proof of being certified/recertified by an approved specialty board within the past 10 years. To document certification/recertification, send a photocopy of the supporting document(s) to the NCMB Licensing Department.


    I completed the FCVS application. Do I also need to complete the NCMB application?

    Yes.


    Why can’t I log back into my application after submitting it?

    Once payment has been made on your application, you will not be allowed to make any changes to your application through the portal. If you need to make changes or have additions to your application please send all documents, clarifications, or other supplemental information via .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to the Licensing Department. Be sure to include your full name and/or File ID# so that the information can be routed to the correct licensing coordinator.


    How do I know if my medical school qualifies for licensure?

    The NCMB does not have a list of approved or disapproved schools.


    Does NC offer a teleradiology license?

    No.  Physicians wanting to practice teleradiology will need to obtain a full license


    Will I need a personal interview?

    It will be determined upon completion of the application as to whether an applicant will be required to appear for a personal interview.


    What do I do with the State of Connecticut form?

    If you have a Connecticut license, complete the form and forward to the Connecticut Medical Board.


    Which mailing address should I use when submitting items to supplement my application?

    Send mail to PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 unless you are sending the information via overnight delivery. If you are overnighting something, use the street address, 3127 Smoketree Court, Raleigh, NC 27604.


    Can I fax documents to NCMB to include in my application?

    Fax documents are not permitted unless prior permission has been given by the Licensing Department.


    What is the best way for me to check the status of my online application?

    You can check the status of your online application by using the Check Status tool on this website. Click here to access it now.


    What if an item on my check status is marked not received but the item does not apply to me?

    You should send an e-mail to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)and indicate which requirement states “not received,” and that it’s not applicable to you.


    If I’m applying for a full license, do I still need to register my training license?

    Yes. North Carolina law requires that physicians register their license within thirty days of their birthday each year.


    How do I find out if I’m registered with FCVS (Federation Credentials Verification Service)?

    You should contact their office at 817-868-4000 or www.fsmb.org/fcvs.html


    Do I need to obtain a license verification if I have only held training licenses?

    No. NCMB does not require verification of training licenses.


    Does NCMB issue temporary licenses?

    No.


    How do I convert my resident training license to a full license?

    You will need to complete the full physician license application online.


    Where do I send my fingerprint cards, if I am submitting paper cards?

    Fingerprint cards should be sent to the NCMB along with a completed authority to release information form. Send both to NCMB at PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC, 27619 unless you are overnighting, in which case you should use the street address, 3127 Smoketree Court, Raleigh, NC 27604. Please remember NCMB cannot forward fingerprint cards to the appropriate agency until the online license application fee has been paid.


    Does NCMB accept electronic fingerprints to satisfy the fingerprinting requirement?

    Applicants who have their fingerprints completed within the state of North Carolina may opt to submit electronic fingerprints. Applicants who have fingerprints taken outside of NC must submit paper fingerprint cards.

    If you decide to submit electronic fingerprints, the results of the background check will be submitted directly to NCMB by the NC State Bureau of Investigations. NC SBI may provide you with paper fingerprint cards even if you opt to have your prints submitted electronically. Please do not submit the cards; the electronic prints fully satisfy the fingerprint requirement.


    How do I supply fingerprint cards, authority to release form and criminal history?

    Applicants outside North Carolina
    You will need to go to your local law enforcement office to be fingerprinted. Your fingerprints will need to be provided on an FD-258 fingerprint card which can be provided by the law enforcement office. Two fingerprint cards will need to be submitted.
     
    You will need to upload the Authority for Release of Information Form to your application via the gateway.

    Applicants in North Carolina
    Live Scan is available to those applicants who are in NC. You will need to go to your local law enforcement office to have this process completed and take the following with you: (1) Applicant Information Form, and (2) Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information Form.

    Once the fingerprinting process has been completed, you will need to upload the Electronic Fingerprint Submission Release of Information Form to your application via the gateway.

    The Applicant Information form can be discarded after being fingerprinted.


    Does North Carolina recognize medical licenses issued by any other states?

    No. North Carolina does not have “reciprocity” with any other states at this time. Physicians and PAs who wish to practice in North Carolina must obtain a license in this state.


    Can third parties contact NCMB for information on the status of a pending license application?

    No. NCMB cannot share applicant information with anyone except the applicant.