Arizona Veterinary License Guide

Licensing fees range from $500 to $750 based on licensing process and year of application. 

• Regular License or Universal Recognition
  • Application Fee: $400.00
  • License Issuance Fee:  $100.00 in even-numbered years or $200.00 in odd-numbered years
• Endorsement: $750.00 total

The $400 application fee must be submitted with your initial application with a cashiers check, certified check, or money order. You can include your  license issuance fee or send that as a second payment after passing the State examination.

Fee Waiver

New graduates are encouraged to apply for a fee waiver if your household income is less than 200% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.  Email licensing@vetboard.az.gov to get your fee waiver application.

Which licensing process should I use?

• Regular: Recent graduates who have passed the NAVLE in the last 5 years
• Universal Recognition: Arizona residents currently licensed in another state for at least one year
• Endorsement: Took the NAVLE more than 5 years ago and licensed in another state or Canada and practicing for at least 3 of the past 5 years. 

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Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your official transcript directly to the Arizona Board of Veterinary Medicine. You can submit a copy if it’s in a sealed envelope from your college. 

• Foreign Veterinary Graduates: Vets educated outside the US will need to complete the certificate program offered by the ECFVG OR PAVE. 

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Exam Requirements:

NAVLE: New vets applying for a license in Arizona will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the Arizona Board. You can request a score transfer from the AAVSB for a fee of $99. 

Jurisprudence Exam: Applicants in Arizona will also need to complete a State Exam covering Arizona's veterinary laws and regulations.

• Once your application is complete, you’ll receive an email to take the State Exam within 1 -2 weeks. You’ll then have 2 weeks to complete this open-book exam.

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Moral Character Requirements:

• Moral character reference forms are no longer required as of 2022. 
• Letter of Recommendation Professional Qualification form completed by a licensed veterinarian is required unless you have never held a veterinary license. Professional letterhead may be used in place of the official form contained in the application packet.

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Required Documents:

• Submit a 1.5” x 2” photograph (passport size) of your face along with your application. 
• Letter or current resume summarizing your experience and qualifications.
• A copy of your government issued ID and documents that prove your lawful presence in the US (full list of acceptable documents in application)

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Miscellaneous requirements:

• The application must be notarized and your signature date must match the notary date.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state, US territory, or Washington D.C. must submit a verification of licensure for any licenses currently or previously held. These must be sent directly from the issuing state veterinary board. 

Unfortunately, Arizona does not accept AAVSB Vault service transfers for license verifications.

It typically takes 4 - 6 weeks after you’ve completed your license application to receive your Arizona veterinary license. Applications that are complete when they first arrive are processed faster. 

Once your application is complete, you’ll receive an email to take the State Exam. You’ll then have 2 weeks to complete this open-book exam.

Please print the appropriate Arizona Veterinary License Application and mail with all supporting documents to:

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Arizona Veterinary Medical Board

1740 W. Adams St.

Suite 4600

Phoenix, AZ 85007

Renewal Fee

Pay $400.00 to the Arizona Board. 

• If you are receiving your initial license during an even-numbered year, only 10 hours of CE are required before the first renewal.

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When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 12/31 every even numbered year

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How long is an Arizona Veterinary License valid for? 

Arizona veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.

20 Hours of CE are required every 2-year renewal period.

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What forms of CE qualify in Arizona?

The list of approved CE providers for Arizona can be found here. 

• There is no maximum number of hours of CE that may be completed remotely or online. 
• 3 hours of opioid, substance use disorder or addiction-related CE is required if you are authorized to dispense controlled substances and have a valid DEA registration.
• A maximum of 2 hours can be taken in practice management 

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Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Arizona does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE for a few years as the Arizona Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly audit you.

To change your personal info, including last name or address, email this form to licensing@vetboard.az.gov.

• For last name changes, include a copy of legal documentation that defines that change.

Unfortunately, Arizona does not offer temporary veterinary licenses that allow relief veterinarians to practice in state for a limited duration. 

Arizona Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (602) 364-1738

Email: licensing@vetboard.az.gov

Contact Form

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Mailing Address

1740 W Adams St

Suite 4600

Phoenix, AZ 85007