Retiring from the active practice of clinical medicine is a big life change, which may affect your decision to maintain an active professional license. This page includes information and resources that can help licensees adjust their licensure status to meet their needs in retirement. If you have any questions, please contact NCMB’s Registration Coordinator at registration@ncmedboard.org or by calling 919-326-1109, Ext. 387.
Options for retired physicians and PAs
Remain licensed – Many licensees keep an active license, even though they plan to cease active clinical practice. If this is your choice, you must continue to renew annually and complete all required continuing medical education (CME). If you later decide to resume clinical practice you may do so with no delay.
Be a volunteer – If you want the flexibility to volunteer medical services in retirement, you may switch from a full license to a “retired volunteer” license. You will be restricted to providing care to indigent clinics in NC for free. You will still need to complete required CME and renew annually, but there is no fee.
Go inactive – Inactivating your license is a more permanent choice for those who have no intention to continue to actively practice clinical medicine. If circumstances change, you would essentially have to submit a new license application and, if two or more years have passed since you last held an active license, you might be required to comply with reentry provisions.
Ready to convert to a volunteer license?
Convert a current physician license to a retired limited volunteer license
Convert a current PA license to a retired limited volunteer license
Inactivate your license
Submit an inactivation request here
Learn about reentering the practice of medicine after a lapse in licensure
Closing or leaving your practice?
Read NCMB's practice closure guide