Licensing Cost: $135.00 for a new license
Renewal Cost: $370.00
Duration: 2 years
Expires: Every two years, in an even or odd numbered year that corresponds to whether you were born in an even or odd year
Continuing Education: 20 hours every year
Tempory License for Relief Work? No
Pay $135.00 to the State Board.
It will cost an additional $37.15 to get licensed in Tennessee due to:
Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript & diploma directly to the Tennessee Veterinary Medical Examining Board.
NAVLE: New vets applying for a license in Tennessee will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the Tennessee Board.
Jurisprudence Exam: Tennessee does not require a jurisprudence exam for licensure at this time.
Submit your fingerprints with the state's vendor, IdentoGO.
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.
It typically takes 6 weeks after you’ve completed your license application to receive your Tennessee veterinary license.
Use the link above to apply for a Tennessee veterinary license online.
Pay $370.00 to the Tennessee Board.
Renewal Date: Every 2 years with expiration dates varying per licensee
Tennessee veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.
The list of approved CE providers for Tennessee can be found here.
Tennessee does not verify your CE annually, but it is recommended you keep a record of your CE for 4 years as the Tennessee 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, Tennessee does not offer temporary veterinary licenses that allow relief veterinarians to practice in state for a limited duration.
Phone: (615) 532-5090
Email: Veterinary.Health@tn.gov
665 Mainstream Drive, 2nd Floor
Nashville, TN 37243
Please check your local requirements as state and national guidelines may have changed since last updated on Dec 09, 2025.
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