California Medical License Requirements

1. Verification of medical school credentials and official transcripts
2. USMLE or COMLEX examination scores
3. Proof of completed postgraduate training
4. California Law and Ethics Exam
5. Criminal background check
6. Continuing Medical Education (CME) compliance
7. ECFMG verification for international medical graduates
8. Average processing time: 4–5 months

Training Requirements

1. Maximum of 4 attempts allowed for USMLE Step 3; no attempt limit for COMLEX
2. Minimum postgraduate training. 1 year for U.S. graduates, 2 years for international medical graduates (IMGs)
3. Limited acceptance of Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) for document verification.

Processing Overview

Obtaining a California medical license requires meeting strict education, examination, and compliance standards set by the Medical Board of California. Applicants must submit medical school verification and transcripts, USMLE or COMLEX scores, postgraduate training documentation, and pass the California Law and Ethics Exam. A criminal background check and proof of CME compliance are required, along with ECFMG verification for international medical graduates. The average processing time is approximately 4–5 months, depending on documentation completeness. Training standards include a maximum of four attempts for USMLE Step 3 (no limit for COMLEX), at least one year of postgraduate training for U.S. graduates, two years for IMGs, and limited acceptance of FCVS for credential verification.

About the Medical Board of California

The Medical Board of California exists to protect patients by licensing and regulating physicians and certain healthcare professionals under the state’s Medical Practice Act. Established in 1876, the Board has evolved to strengthen medical oversight, introduce CME standards, manage complaint investigations, and support modern healthcare policies including telemedicine regulations. The Board consists of 15 members, eight physicians and seven public representatives, primarily appointed by the Governor. Through enforcement, policymaking, and regulatory oversight, the Board maintains high standards of medical care and promotes safe prescribing practices across California.

Full and Temporary Licenses in California

A full California Physician and Surgeon license requires graduation from an accredited U.S., Canadian, or recognized international medical school, completion of required postgraduate training, and successful completion of all examinations. Physicians entering a California ACGME-accredited program from another state or Canada must obtain their license within 180 days of starting training, or they must stop all clinical services to avoid disciplinary action.

Temporary California P&S licenses are valid for up to twelve months or until the full license is issued. Eligibility for a temporary license includes being married to, in a domestic partnership with, or legally connected to an active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces stationed in California, holding a current and unrestricted license in another U.S. jurisdiction, and having no prior disciplinary actions or unresolved complaints. Fingerprint results from both the California Department of Justice and the FBI are required before the temporary license is issued. This temporary license allows physicians to practice while completing their full license application, and upon approval, they receive a wall certificate and an online license profile.

The California Medical Board has the authority to revoke a temporary license if an applicant fails to meet the required qualifications or provides false or misleading information. In such cases, the licensee must immediately stop all clinical practice.

IMLC California

California does not recognize licenses from other states and is not part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). All physicians, regardless of their licensure elsewhere, must complete the full California licensing process to practice in the state.

Physician Assistant (PA) requirements.

 Requires a bachelor’s degree, graduation from a Board-approved PA program, PANCE exam, fingerprint check, and controlled substance course.

Psychiatrist License requirements.

MD degree, MCAT, 4-year psychiatry residency, and at least 3 years of graduate training approved by AMA or AOA. Total process may take up to 12 years.

DEA License.

Required to prescribe controlled substances; applicants must submit proof of state-issued license and pay applicable fees.

Recognized Medical Schools

The Board recognizes schools accredited by the LCME, Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools, or Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation, including international schools verified by ECFMG.

California Medical License Application

All new applicants for a Physician and Surgeon (P&S) License in California must apply online. The Medical Board of California reviews the submitted information to determine eligibility. Applications missing required information may be rejected as incomplete.

For physicians previously licensed in California, a paper application is required, along with the applicable fees and submission of the original California wall certificate. If the certificate is lost or destroyed, a notarized explanation must be provided.

Recent Legislative Updates

Two recent California bills impact medical licensing….

AB 1369: Permits out-of-state physicians to treat patients with life-threatening conditions.

AB 232: Allows the California Board of Behavioral Sciences to grant a 30-day temporary practice authorization for out-of-state licensees holding equivalent licenses from other states or U.S. territories.

These changes enhance flexibility for temporary and emergency practice while ensuring compliance with California regulations.

How to Get a California Medical License

To obtain a Physician and Surgeon (P&S) License in California, applicants must apply online through the BreEZe Online Services system.

Online Application Steps

• Complete the Application
• Provide your full legal name, Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN, address of record, details of medical licensing exams (USMLE, LMCC, FLEX, NBME, or state exams), medical school information, and any ACGME-accredited postgraduate training. Include all previously held licenses.
• Pay Required Fees
• Submit the applicable fees through the BreEZe system.
• Submit Fingerprints
• Upload a Request for Live Scan Service for electronic fingerprints, if applicable.
• Provide Additional Documents
• Include name change notifications, Form EXP for application explanations, Form TOA or FCVS TOA for activity timelines, and any supporting documents for expedited processing. Criminal background checks from the California
• DOJ and FBI are mandatory.

Special Cases

If your California P&S license lapsed more than five years, you must reapply and meet all current licensing standards.

Applicants seeking a limited practice license should submit the Limited Practice License Form (Form LPL) with their application or by mail.

Required Documents for California Medical License Application

Fingerprints

Use the Live Scan fingerprinting system and submit the Request for Live Scan Service form.

Send two completed fingerprint cards or visit a California Live Scan facility.

Exam and Certification Records

Provide an ECFMG Certification Status Report or FCVS primary source verification.

Submit official results for USMLE, NBME, or equivalent exams directly from the certifying organization or via FCVS.

Medical School and Postgraduate Training Documents

Submit the Certificate of Medical Education (Form MED) and your official transcript, or provide FCVS primary source verification.

Submit either the Certificate of Completion of Postgraduate Training (Form PTA/PTB) or Current Training Verification (Form CTV) if still in progress.

California Medical License Processing Time

Obtaining a medical license in California can take several months, depending on your qualifications and the completeness of your application. While the Medical Board aims to process initial physician applications in 84 days and postgraduate licenses in 60 days, many applications require additional review due to missing or incomplete information.

As of 2023–2024, processing times averaged:

Initial licenses: 106 days

Reinstatements: 168 days

Postgraduate licenses: 131 days

To avoid delays and allow time to correct any deficiencies, it is recommended that applicants submit their Physician and Surgeon (P&S) license application at least six months before their planned start date. Early submission ensures smoother processing and reduces the risk of interrupted practice.

License Fees

• Application Fee: $674 (includes $49 for fingerprint processing).
• Initial License Fee: $1,176 (includes $25 for the Steven M. Thompson Physician Corps Loan Repayment Program).
• Fee Waivers: Military spouses or eligible individuals may have the application and/or license fee partially waived; supporting
• documentation is required.
• Postgraduate Training License: Only the $674 application fee applies; a 50% discount may be available for current trainees.

Renewal Requirements

Licenses expire every two years; no grace period

Renewal reminders

180 days via email; 120 days via mailed notice if not renewed online

CME Requirements:

MDs: 50 Category 1 CME credits per cycle

DOs: 50 hours, including 20 hours in AOA Category 1A/1B3

Initial Renewal

Provide proof of 36 months of board-approved postgraduate training within 60 days of license expiration to avoid delinquency. Starting January 2024, licenses will be valid for two years and 60 days to allow additional time for document submission.

Verify California Medical Licenses

Check the licensure status of healthcare professionals in California using the Medical Board of California’s Licensee Lookup Tool. For osteopathic physicians (DOs), use the Osteopathic Medical Board search.

This online tool allows you to confirm the credentials and current license status of:

• Physicians and Surgeons
• Postgraduate Trainees
• Licensed Midwives
• Psychoanalysts and Student Researchers
• Special Faculty and Fictitious Name Permit holders
• Polysomnographic Technologists, Technicians, and Trainees
• Participants in other special programs

Simply enter the professional’s name or license number to view their official licensure information, ensuring safe and verified healthcare practice.

California Medical License Assistance

Navigating California’s medical licensing process can be complex, but expert guidance makes it simple. MLS helps physicians, physician assistants, and other healthcare professionals understand requirements, fees, and procedures for obtaining, renewing, or maintaining a license.

Whether you are a first-time applicant, reapplying, or expanding your practice to California, our team provides step-by-step support to ensure a smooth, efficient process. With personalized assistance and professional insight, securing your California medical license has never been easier.