Get your Arkansas DVM License

Arkansas Veterinary License Guide

Licensing Cost: $100.0 for a new license

Renewal Cost: $100.00

Duration: 1 year

Expires: 3/31 each year

Continuing Education: 20 hours every year

Tempory License for Relief Work? Yes

How to Get Your Veterinary License in Arkansas

Initial License Application
Initial License Fees

Pay $100 to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

Veterinary License Requirements
Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript & diploma directly to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

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

Exam Requirements:

NAVLE: New vets applying for a license in Arkansas will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the Arkansas Board.

Jurisprudence Exam: Applicants in Arkansas will also need to complete a Veterinary Jurisprudence Exam covering Arkansas's veterinary practice act.

  • This is an open-book exam administered online via AAVSB. The fee is $50.

Required Documents:
  • Submit a photograph of your face taken in the past six months along with your application.
Endorsement Applicants

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state, US territory, Canadian province, or Washington D.C. must submit a verification of licensure for any licenses currently or previously held, including any disciplinary action taken against any of your licenses by a state veterinary board.

AAVSB Vault Service: You can have the AAVSB transfer your NAVLE test results, verification of licensure for any other veterinary licenses, and letters of good standing for a fee of $99.

How long does it take to get licensed?

The Arkansas Board does not specify exactly how long it takes to process license applications, but recommends allowing at least 10 business days for review after all documents are received. Ensure your application is not missing any documents to avoid delays.

Use the link above to apply for an Arkansas veterinary license online.

License Renewal & Continuing Education
Renewal Fees & Requirements
Renewal Fee

Pay $100 to the Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examining Board.

  • Continuing education requirements are waived for veterinarians during the renewal period in which they graduated.

When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 3/31 every year

How long is a Arkansas Veterinary License valid for?

Arkansas veterinary licenses are valid for one year.

Continuing Education Requirements
20 Hours of CE are required every one year renewal period.

What forms of CE qualify in Arkansas?

If your CE is provided or sponsored by one of the following, it is accepted:

  • RACE (Registry of Approved Continuing Education) programs
  • AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) or its specialty organizations
  • AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association)
  • Accredited Colleges of Veterinary Medicine
  • Local, state, regional, or national Veterinary Associations
  • USDA (United States Department of Agriculture)

A maximum of 10 hours of CE may be performed remotely or online (pre-recorded/non-interactive).

  • Up to 2 hours may be earnedfor visiting a colleague
  • Up to 2 hours may be earned for attending exhibit halls

Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Arkansas does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE for 3 years as the Arkansas Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly audit you. You will be required to certify your hours on a form provided by the Board at the time of renewal.

How do I update my personal info (name/address)?

You can quickly change your personal info, including last name or address, online by logging into the licensing portal here.

Temporary License for Relief Work
Temporary License Fees & Requirements

If you meet the requirements below, you can apply for a Temporary License in Arkansas, which allows you to practice pending examination or for a limited time as a non-resident.

Temporary Veterinary License Requirements

To be eligible for an Arkansas Temp License, you must hold an active license in good standing in another state, US territory, or Washington D.C., or be an applicant pending the state exam.

Arkansas Temporary Veterinary License Application

Submit these documents with your application:

  • Official copy of transcript/diploma OR PAVE/ECFVG certificate
  • License verification of any existing veterinary licenses (use AAVSB’s VAULT Service to quickly transfer)

Contact Info & Additional Resources
Arkansas Veterinary Medical Examing Board

Phone: (501) 224-2836

Contact Form

Mailing Address

1 Natural Resources Dr.

Little Rock, AR 72205

Disclaimer

Please check your local requirements as state and national guidelines may have changed since last updated on Dec 08, 2025.