Hawaii License & Training Requirements

1. Graduation from an LCME or AOA-accredited school.
2. Passing USMLE, COMLEX, FLEX, or NBME (no attempt limits).
3. 1 year for U.S./Canada graduates, 2 years for international graduates.
4. Medical school transcripts, AMA/AOA profile, NPDB/HIPDB report, FSMB disciplinary report.
5. Proof of employment or privileges for the last 3 years.
6. Required for international medical graduates.
7. Processing Time 3–4 months, with FCVS accepted to streamline verification.

Hawaii Medical License Application Guide

Hawaii, known for its natural beauty and unique cultural heritage, offers healthcare professionals an opportunity to practice medicine in a picturesque setting. The Hawaii Medical Board (HMB) oversees licensure to ensure public safety and high standards in medical practice.

Board Overview

The Hawaii Medical Board is composed of:

• 7 Physicians or Surgeons
• 2 Osteopathic Physicians
• 2 Public Members

The Board manages over 10,000 active medical licenses, primarily on Oahu and the Mainland, reflecting the demand for healthcare services across the islands.

Application Process

Healthcare professionals seeking licensure in Hawaii can expect a straightforward process:

Application Fee: Approximately $599

Processing Time: 45–60 days, depending on document completion

IMLC Participation: Hawaii is part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), enabling eligible physicians to obtain a license faster if already licensed in other member states.

The HMB ensures that all licensed professionals meet rigorous standards through licensure verification, monitoring, and ongoing education. This commitment guarantees safe, efficient, and high-quality healthcare delivery across Hawaii.

Hawaii Physician License by Endorsement: How to Apply

Physicians seeking licensure in Hawaii via endorsement can streamline the process if they already hold an active license in another state or Canadian province. Endorsement allows qualified medical professionals to obtain a Hawaii license based on their prior credentials, training, and professional history.

Steps to Apply for License by Endorsement

Fill out the Hawaii Medical Board’s endorsement application form and pay the required fee.

Submit Supporting Documentation,

• Educational Verification: MD degree from an LCME-approved school in the U.S. or Canada.
• Residency Training Verification: Completion of one year in an ACGME, RCPSC, or CFPC-approved program.
• Professional History: National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and AMA profile reports.
• Federation Licensing Reports: FSMB or equivalent reports for additional verification.
• Examination Scores: Passing results from USMLE, FLEX, NBME, or MCCQE. Pre-2000 applicants must provide evidence of SPEX or equivalent state exams.
• Verify Licensure in Other Jurisdictions: Confirm that your current license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for endorsement licensure in Hawaii,

• Hold an MD degree from an LCME-approved U.S. or Canadian medical school.
• Complete at least one year of approved residency training.
• Pass one of the recognized licensure exams: USMLE, NBME, FLEX, or MCCQE.
• Maintain a valid, unrestricted license in another state or Canadian province with standards comparable to Hawaii.
• Have practiced medicine for at least two of the past five years in a licensed jurisdiction.
• Have no disciplinary actions, adverse
• rulings, or malpractice settlements that compromise licensure eligibility.

Benefits of Endorsement Licensure

Faster licensure process for experienced physicians.

Recognizes prior credentials and practice experience.

Allows practice in Hawaii without repeating residency or initial examinations if requirements are met.

U.S. and Canadian MD Requirements

• Must be from an LCME-accredited up institution.
• Complete at least one year in a program approved by the ACGME, RCPSC, or CFPC.
• Pass one of the following:

USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination)

NBME (National Board of Medical Examiners)

FLEX (Federation Licensing Exam)

MCCQE (Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination)

Applicants with older credentials may use combinations of the above exams or the Special Purpose Examination (SPEX) along with state-specific exams.

Osteopathic Physician (DO)

Graduate from an AOA-approved osteopathic school.

Complete a one-year internship at an AOA-approved or ACGME-accredited program.

Acceptable tests include:

COMLEX-USA

NBOME

USMLE

FLEX

Partial USMLE and FLEX scores may be accepted when appropriate.

International Medical Graduate (IMG)

Primary Pathway

Complete a two-year residency approved by ACGME, RCPSC, or CFPC.

Hold ECFMG certification or Fifth Pathway certification.

Pass one recognized licensure exam (USMLE, NBME, or FLEX).

Pre-2000 exam results or SPEX may also be accepted.

Second Pathway (Non-U.S./Canadian Schools)

Graduate from a recognized non-U.S./Canadian medical school.

Complete three years of postgraduate training in a Council on Medical Education and Hospitals-approved facility.

Pass recognized licensure exams or pre-2000 test combinations.

FMGs must provide legal authorization to practice in the U.S..

Additional Notes for IMGs:

Residency or hospital training verifications must be sent directly from the issuing institution.

Temporary licenses require verification of government employment where applicable.

Guide to Obtaining a Hawaii Medical License

Applying for a physician license in Hawaii involves submitting a detailed application and verifying your professional background. Following the correct steps helps ensure a smooth review process with the Hawaii Medical Board.

1. Complete the Online License Application

Start by filling out the official medical license application form and paying all required fees. This application provides the licensing board with essential details about your identity, qualifications, and professional history.

Typical information required includes:

Personal identification details such as your legal name, Social Security number, and contact information.

Eligibility confirmation, including age and legal authorization to work in the United States.

Professional conduct questions related to disciplinary actions, investigations, or ethical concerns.

Education and training history, including medical school, postgraduate training, and hospital affiliations.

Previous medical licenses issued in any state or jurisdiction.

Applicant declaration, confirming that all information submitted is accurate.

Third-party authorization if you want a licensing service or representative to assist with your application.

Carefully review your application before submission. If any integrity or disciplinary questions are answered “yes,” you must provide detailed explanations and supporting documentation to the Hawaii Medical Board.

2. Verify Your Medical License History

Applicants must disclose all previous and current medical licenses, including those obtained during residency or temporary work assignments.

Each licensing authority must send official verification directly to the Hawaii Medical Board confirming your license status and professional standing.

3. Submit Hospital and Professional Privileges

If you have worked, trained, or held hospital privileges within the last three years, provide details for each institution.

Hospitals must send verification of your privileges directly to the licensing board using the required verification forms.

4. Confirm Medical Education Credentials

Applicants must submit proof of medical education, which may include:

Medical school diploma

Official transcripts

A verification letter from the medical school dean

If any documents are issued in a language other than English, they must include certified translations.

5. Provide Residency Training Documentation

Evidence of completed postgraduate training is required. Acceptable documentation includes:

A residency completion certificate, or

A verification letter from your residency program director

This confirms that you have successfully completed the required training for licensure.

6. Submit Examination History

If you have taken licensing examinations such as USMLE or NBME, you must request an official Examination and Board Action History Report.

This report is typically sent through the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and includes:

Examination scores

Licensing exam history

Any related disciplinary actions

7. Provide a Complete Work History

Applicants must document their professional practice history from residency to the present.

If there are gaps in employment or training, include a clear explanation to avoid delays during the review process.

8. Avoid Common Application Delays

To prevent your application from being dismissed:

Complete the licensing process within one year.

Submit all required documentation promptly.

Provide a valid Social Security number if required.

Take any required examinations once you become eligible.

Failure to meet these requirements may result in the application being closed.

 Processing Time

Estimated Timeline for Physician Licensure

The timeframe for obtaining a physician license in Hawaii typically ranges from 45 to 120 days after submitting a complete application to the Hawaii Medical Board. The processing period may vary depending on how quickly all required documents and verifications are received.

One key part of the review process is the verification of your professional employment and training history for the past five years. Any missing documentation or requests for additional information from the Board may extend the review period.

How to Track Your Application Status

Applicants can monitor the progress of their license application through the Hawaii Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) online search system. This digital tool allows you to:

• Check the current status of your medical license application
• Confirm whether required documents have been received

Ensure your application is progressing through the licensing review process

Regularly checking your application status can help you quickly respond to any additional requests from the licensing board and avoid unnecessary delays.

Hawaii Medical License Fees

The total cost of obtaining a Hawaii medical license depends on when the application is submitted within the state’s two-year licensing cycle. Fees generally include the application fee, licensing fee, and a contribution to the Compliance Resolution Fund.

Application Fees During Even-Year Cycle

If you apply between February 1 of an even-numbered year and January 31 of the following odd-numbered year, the total fee is approximately $392. This amount typically

includes:

$50 application fee

$97 initial licensing fee

$148 Compliance Resolution Fund contribution

$97 partial renewal fee

Application Fees During Odd-Year Cycle

Applications submitted between February 1 of an odd-numbered year and January 31 of the next even-numbered year have a reduced total cost of about $221. This usually includes:

$50 application fee

$97 license fee

$74 Compliance Resolution Fund contribution

MDG License Fee

For applicants seeking an MDG (graduate) license, the total cost is approximately $164, regardless of when the application is submitted within the licensing cycle.

Hawaii Telemedicine License Guidelines

Physicians who wish to provide telemedicine services to patients located in Hawaii must generally hold a valid Hawaii medical license. The state requires healthcare providers to be properly licensed to ensure patient safety and maintain professional standards of care.

Telehealth Through Provider Referrals

In some situations, telemedicine services may occur through a referral from a Hawaii-licensed healthcare provider. In this case:

The referring provider must have already conducted an in-person evaluation with the patient.

Relevant medical records and patient information must be shared with the telemedicine physician.

This process helps ensure the remote provider has enough information to deliver safe and appropriate care.

Ongoing Telemedicine Care

Once a physician–patient relationship is properly established, telehealth services may continue remotely. This  include:

• Follow-up consultations
• Ongoing monitoring and medical advice
• Collaboration between a Hawaii-licensed physician and healthcare providers in other states, when permitted by law.

Restrictions for Out-of-State Physicians

Healthcare professionals who are not licensed in Hawaii must follow strict limitations:

They cannot open a medical office or see patients physically in Hawaii.

Patient care must remain under the primary supervision of a Hawaii-licensed physician.

All treatments must follow Hawaii medical regulations and standards of practice.

Hawaii Physician License Verification

Verifying a physician’s license in Hawaii is simple and can be done through the state’s official online database. The system allows individuals, employers, and healthcare organizations to confirm the credentials and current status of medical professionals practicing in the state.

Online License Lookup

The State of Hawaii provides an online verification system through the Professional and Vocational Licensing (PVL) portal. Users can search the database by entering:

• Physician’s name
• License number
• Business or practice name

The search results typically display important licensing details, including the original license issue date, expiration date, current license status, and any recorded disciplinary actions.

Requesting Official Written Verification

If a formal verification document is required, for credentialing, employment, or legal purposes. You may request a written license verification from the Licensing Branch.

To submit a request, provide:

• The physician’s full name
• License number (if available)
• Your name and mailing address

A verification fee of approximately $15 may apply for processing the request. This process ensures accurate confirmation of a physician’s licensure and professional standing in Hawaii.

Hawaii Medical Licensing Service

MLS provides a simple and effective solution for healthcare providers navigating Hawaii’s medical licensing landscape. Our services are geared to fulfill a wide range of requirements, including new applications and renewals, verifications, and accelerated processing.

Our staff is familiar with Hawaii’s special licensing requirements. We diligently handle your application to ensure its timely submission. MLS handles all of the bureaucratic paperwork, allowing you to focus on the thing you do best: providing great patient care. We are committed to making your license process easier, faster, and overall more effective; so you may begin operating in Hawaii with no delay.