Full License Applications for Physicians

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

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)

IMLC offers an optional alternate pathway to licensure for physicians who wish to practice medicine in multiple US states or territories. Please read the information below and review the associated checklist for a list of requirements.

North Carolina physicians seeking licensure in other Compact states or territories

To make North Carolina your State of Principal License, start the application process by registering for an account with the IMLC Commission.
Physicians who possess either an active or inactive NC professional license will use North Carolina as their home state.
If the applicant’s NC license is inactive, they will be required to reactivate it to apply for IMLC licenses in other states.
Applicants must return to the Board’s website to complete a separate IMLCC Letter of Qualification registration form to provide additional required information to the NCMB.

Physicians who currently hold a Compact license seeking licensure in North Carolina

Start the application process by visiting the IMLC Commission website and logging in to your existing IMLC account.
Applicants will initiate their application for a NC IMLC license by selecting “North Carolina” from IMLC’s list of participating states.
Applicants must then return to the Board’s website to complete a separate IMLCC Supplementary Compact Registration form to provide required information to the North Carolina Medical Board.

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

Internationally-Trained Physician Employee (ITPE) License

The ITPE license restricts practice to either a licensed North Carolina (NC) hospital or to a physician practice in specific underserved parts of NC with a US-trained physician practicing onsite. Upon completion of four years of successful practice with an ITPE license, the physician may be eligible to apply for full licensure. NOTE: This application will not be live until later in January 2026.

Please read the information below and carefully review the application checklist to determine if you are a candidate for the ITPE license. Available ONLY to physician applicants who meet strict eligibility requirements. See eligibility requirements.

Applicants must register for an account in the North Carolina Medical Board Licensure Gateway before starting a license application.
All applicants MUST have an offer of employment from either a licensed NC hospital or a physician practice that meets eligibility requirements before beginning a license application.
Internationally trained physicians must have legal authorization to work in the US before beginning work in NC; Work authorization is NOT needed to begin the license application.
The North Carolina Medical Board cannot predetermine eligibility for licensure.
Check back for more information in mid-January.

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

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.
Before you begin the application process, click to review the application checklist.

Licensing and Registration