Volunteer License Applications for Physicians

Please note: The application process will take roughly four months.

These applications are for physicians volunteering at indigent clinics. The license permits practice in North Carolina for up to 30 days per calendar year, prohibits compensation, and is not suitable for physicians intending to perform any paid medical work.

Physician Limited Volunteer License

The Limited Volunteer License is available to physicians who hold an active license in a state or jurisdiction other than North Carolina, and who wish to volunteer at indigent clinics. To get started, applicants must establish an account using the Licensure Gateway.

NOTE: This license will not cover the practice of medicine at summer camps. A full license will be required. If you wish to obtain a full license, go to our full license application section here.

Physician Application for Retired Limited Volunteer License

Physicians who have been licensed in North Carolina or another state or jurisdiction and wish to volunteer at indigent clinics.

If you currently have an active full NC medical license, complete the Conversion of Full License to Retired Volunteer License form.
If you had a full NC license and it has been inactive for less than six months, complete the Retired Limited Volunteer License Application B.
If your full NC license has been inactive for more than six months but less than two years, complete the Retired Limited Volunteer Application C.
If you have previously held a full NC license and your Retired Volunteer License has been inactive more than two years, you will need to complete the Retired Limited Volunteer Application D.
If you have a current Retired Volunteer License and have previously held full NC license and want to convert back to your full license, complete the Conversion of Retired Volunteer license to full form.
If you have never held a NC license, complete the Retired Limited Volunteer Application.

Renewal requirements

NC law requires licensed physicians to renew with the Board within 30 days of their birth date, every year, no matter when the license is issued.

Am I eligible for licensure in North Carolina?

The following list outlines the necessary requirements for applicants who have never held a NC medical license or their NC license has been inactive for more than six months. Failure to submit required information may result in delays.
Learn more about licensing: rules and statutes.

Application: chronological information beginning with high school, questions and applicant’s oath
Citizenship: a photocopy of a birth certificate, valid and unexpired U.S. passport or a statement regarding immigration status is required, whichever may apply
Documentation of legal name change if applicable
Verification of all state licenses ever held from other licensing Boards
Documentation of CME obtained in the past three years
Fingerprint and criminal history record check through the SBI and FBI
Fee: $38 (fingerprints)

Application credentials and fee are good for one year. If the applicant is not issued a license within the year and chooses to reapply, he or she will be required to resubmit all application credentials and an additional application fee. Click here to access the current license application fee schedule

Please Be Aware

1. NCMB requires applicants for licensure to submit to a criminal background check as part of the licensure process.

2. NCMB will review all relevant information when processing a license application and making a determination on licensure. As part of the NCMB’s review, it considers criminal convictions. When considering criminal convictions, the NCMB shall consider all the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 93B-8.1(b1). Below is a link to N.C. Gen. Stat. Chapter 93B Occupational Licensing Boards where you can review the factors listed in N.C. Gen. Stat. § 93B-8.1(b1).

3. If NCMB denies an application in whole or in part because of a criminal conviction or otherwise, there is an appeals process that the applicant can pursue through N.C. Gen. Stat § 90-14.1. Review the appeals process in N.C. Gen. Stat § 90-14.1.

Licensing and Registration