Washington D.C. Veterinary License Guide

Pay $265.00 to the State Board. 

• Application Fee by Examination: $215.00 (includes D.C. Veterinarian Exam Fee)
• Application Fee by Endorsement: $195.00

It will cost an additional $50.00 to get licensed in Washington D.C. due to:

• Criminal background check: $50.00

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript & diploma directly to the Washington D.C. 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. 

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Exam Requirements:

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

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

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Criminal Background Check & Moral Character Requirements:

• Include your completed Moral Character Form

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Required Documents:

• Submit (2) 2” x 2” passport photographs with your application. ‍
• Include a photocopy of your government ID.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state, US territory, or Canadian province 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.

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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 Washington D.C. 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 Washington D.C. veterinary license online.

Renewal Fee

Pay $130.00 to the Washington D.C. Board. 

• You are exempt from CE requirements for your first renewal period.

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

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What forms of CE qualify in Washington D.C.?

The list of approved CE providers for Washington D.C. can be found here.

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Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Submit records of your CE online as part of your renewal process.

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• Submit your name change request as part of your renewal process here.

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• Change your address and other contact information by emailing the D.C. office at Sahar.Majid@dc.gov.

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

Washington D.C. Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (202) 442-5955

Email: doh@dc.gov

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Mailing Address

2201 Shannon Place SE

Washington, D.C. 20020

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