Full License Applications for Physicians

Most physicians who wish to practice medicine in North Carolina obtain a full medical license. There are multiple license applications to choose from, depending on the individual applicant’s circumstances.

To avoid delays, please take the time to read each license application description to ensure you select the correct application type for you.

Begin the licensure process by setting up an account in the licensure gateway. From there, you can submit an application and also check the status of the review process.

Applications, documentation supporting licensure, and the application fee are good for one year. Once the application has expired, the applicant must reapply.

Physician Full License Application

Application most often used by applicants for a physician license.

NOT appropriate for international medical school graduates (IMGs) or ANY physician applicant using an FCVS profile. These applicants MUST use the full license application using FCVS (immediately below).
Applicants must first establish an account using the Licensure Gateway.

Physician Full License Application using FCVS

Application required for most international medical school graduates (IMGs) and physician applicants using an FCVS profile.

Applicants should NOT submit this application until their FCVS profile is complete.
IMGs that meet the eligibility requirements for the expedited license (immediately below) may apply using that application type.

Physician Full License Application – Expedited Requirements

Roughly 15 percent of all physician applicants qualify for this license application type

Available ONLY to physician applicants who meet strict eligibility requirements.
This application has fewer requirements than other full license applications but does not necessarily have a shortened time frame.
Applications from physicians who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be directed to reapply using the correct application type, which will delay the licensure process.

Physician Military Relocation License

Available to physicians who are military service members or the spouse of a military service member who is relocating to North Carolina on military orders. View the eligibility requirements.
Military relocation license holders may request to have their license converted to a full license at no cost as long as that request is made within the first year of licensure.
License is time-limited to the dates specified on the military orders.
The licensee is required to notify the Board when the military orders locating them in North Carolina have ended.

Reactivation of Physician License

Physicians previously licensed in NC but have had the license made inactive within the past calendar year. NOTE: If the license was made inactive more than one year ago OR as a result of disciplinary action, the applicant MUST use the reinstatement application immediately below.

Reinstatement of Physician License

Physicians previously licensed in NC who have been inactive for more than one year must submit this application OR were made inactive as a result of disciplinary action must submit this application.

Licensing and Registration