Massachusetts Veterinary License Guide

Pay $343.00 to the Massachusetts Board of Veterinary Medicine. 

• Application Processing Fee: $117.00
• Jurisprudence Exam Fee: $155.00
• Initial Licensing Fee: $71.00

Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript directly to the Massachusetts Board of Veterinary Medicine (not required if you’ve been practicing in another state for 5 or more years).

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

Jurisprudence Exam: Applicants in Massachusetts will also need to complete a Veterinary Jurisprudence Exam covering Massachusetts' veterinary practice act. This is an untimed, open-book, multiple choice exam. 

• You will need to download the exam and upload it with your other supporting documents in your online application.

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Moral Character Requirements:

Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement Form: Complete, sign and notarize this form with your application.

Professional and Ethical Reference Form: You will need to include two (2) completed and notarized reference forms filled out by 2 currently US-licensed veterinarians in your application.

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Required Documents:

• Include a recent color passport style photograph in jpeg format.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state or jurisdiction must submit a certified letter 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.

The Massachusetts Board does not specify how long it takes to process license applications. Ensure your application is not missing any documents to avoid delays.   

Use the link above to apply for a Massachusetts veterinary license online.

Renewal Fee

Pay $125.00 to the Massachusetts Board of Veterinary Medicine. 

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When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 2/28 every year

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How long is a Massachusetts Veterinary License valid for? 

Massachusetts veterinary licenses are valid for 1 year.

15 Hours of CE are required every year renewal period.

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What forms of CE qualify in Massachusetts?

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

• There is no maximum of hours of CE that may be performed remotely or online.

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Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Massachusetts does not verify your CE annually, but it's recommended you keep a record of your CE for 4 years as the Massachusetts 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. 

• If you are changing your name, be sure to include a copy of a court document or marriage certificate and surrender your old license to the Massachusetts Board office.

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

Massachusetts Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (617) 701-8723

Email: vetmedboard@mass.gov 

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Mailing Address

1000 Washington Street

Suite 710

Boston, MA, 02118