West Virginia Veterinary License Guide

Pay $300 to the State Board.

‍

Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript & diploma directly to the West Virginia 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 West Virginia will need to pass the NAVLE examination and have their results submitted directly to the West Virginia Board.

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

‍

Required Documents:

• Submit a 2” x 2” photograph of your face along with your application, citizenship proof (if applicable), and official transcripts

‍

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.

‍

The West Virginia Board does not specify how long it takes to process license applications, but background checks on fingerprint cards can take several weeks. Ensure your application is not missing any documents to avoid delays.

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

‍

Renewal Fee

Pay $250 to the West Virginia Board.

• CE Exemption Rules
  • New graduates of the current year are exempt from the continuing education requirements until the beginning of the immediately succeeding reporting period after licensure.

‍

When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 12/31 every year

‍

How long is a West Virginia Veterinary License valid for?

West Virginia veterinary licenses are valid for one year

‍

18 Hours of CE are required every one year renewal period.

What forms of CE qualify in West Virginia?

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

• A minimum of 14 hours shall be in classroom scientific education or webinar CE programs with a scientific curriculum relative to the practice of veterinary medicine.
• A maximum of 4 hours of CE may be claimed for listening to audio or reading journals.
• A maximum of 4 hours of CE may be claimed in practice management.

‍

Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

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

‍

You can quickly change your personal info online, but name changes require a certified copy of the legal document here.

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

‍

West Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (304) 776-8032

Email: patricia.a.holstein@wv.gov

‍

Mailing Address

5509 Big Tyler Road Suite 3

Cross Lanes, WV 25313

‍