Kentucky Veterinary License Guide

Pay $450 to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

• Licensing Fee: $350
• Exam Fee: $100

It will cost an additional $18 to get licensed in Kentucky for an FBI background check.

Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript or diploma directly to the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Medicine.

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

‍

Exam Requirements

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

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

‍

Criminal Background Check:

Complete a background check with the FBI. Detailed instructions can be found here.

‍

Required Documents:

• Submit a 2” x 2” photograph of your face taken in the last 6 months.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another jurisdiction 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.

It typically takes 45 to 60 days after you’ve completed your license application to receive your Kentucky veterinary license.

Please print the Kentucky Veterinary License Application and mail with all supporting to:

KBVE4047 Iron Works Parkway

Suite 104

Lexington, KY 40511

Renewal Fee

Pay $275 to the Kentucky State Treasurer.

‍

When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 9/30 every even-numbered year

‍

How long is a Kentucky Veterinary License valid for?

Kentucky veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.

30 Hours of CE are required every 2 year renewal period.

‍

What forms of CE qualify in Kentucky?

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

• At least 20 hours must be medical
• A maximum of 10 hours can pertain to practice management or other non-medical topics
• At least 2 hours must pertain to controlled substances, pharmacy, antimicrobials, or state laws and regulations.

‍

Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Kentucky does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE for 4 years as the Kentucky Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly audit you.

You can quickly change your personal info, including last name or address, online by clicking this link. 

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

Kentucky Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (502) 782-0182

Email: vet@ky.gov

‍

Mailing Address

4047 Iron Works Parkway, Suite 104

Lexington, KY 40511