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Texas Veterinary License Guide

Licensing Cost: $515.00 for a new license

Renewal Cost: $195.00

Duration: 1 year

Expires: the last day of your birth month every year

Continuing Education: 17 hours each year

Tempory License for Relief Work? No

How to Get Your Veterinary License in Texas

Initial License Application

Use the link below to apply for a Texas veterinary license online.

Initial License Fees

Pay $515.00 application fee to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

There will be an additional fingerprinting fee paid to Identego.

Veterinary License Requirements
Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript directly to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

  • Foreign Veterinary Graduates: Vets educated outside the US will need to complete the certificate program offered by the ECFVG OR PAVE
Exam Requirements:

NAVLE: Vets applying for a license in Texas will need to pass the NAVLE examination within 5 attempts and have their results submitted directly to the Texas Board.

State Board Exam: You will also need to complete an online Texas State Board Exam covering Texas's veterinary practice act and related regulations.

Criminal Background Check:

Submit your fingerprints at any IdentoGo center within Texas. 

  • Enroll online or call (888)467-2080 to schedule your fingerprint scan
  • Use service code 11HT6Y
  • The IdentoGo website will let you know what documents to bring to your appointment
  • Fingerprinting fees may vary
Reciprocity Applicants

Veterinarians already licensed in another US jurisdiction should submit a letter of good standing for any licenses currently or previously held.

AAVSB Vault Service: You can have the AAVSB transfer your NAVLE test results and letters of good standing for a fee of $99.

How long does it take to get licensed?

It typically takes a few days to a few weeks to process Texas Veterinary License Applications, depending on how quickly all required documents are received. Once you complete your application, you’ll be emailed instructions to take the Texas State Licensing Exam online. Once the exam is complete, it typically takes 1 to 7 days to receive your Texas veterinary license.

License Renewal & Continuing Education

Renewal Fees & Requirements
Renewal Fee

Pay $195 to the Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. 

When do I need to renew my license?

Texas Veterinary Licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every year. You’ll be mailed a reminder card 30 days before your license expires. 

How long is a Texas Veterinary License valid for? 

Texas veterinary licenses are valid for 1 year.

Continuing Education Requirements

17 Hours of CE are required every 1-year renewal period.

What forms of CE qualify in Texas?

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

  • 2 hours of CE every 2 years must pertain to opioid use
  • A maximum of 3 hours of CE may be from “self-study courses.”
  • A maximum of 5 hours of CE may be from “correspondence” or practice management courses. 
Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

Texas requires you to sign a statement during your online renewal confirming you’ve completed your CE requirements. 

It is recommended you keep a record of your CE for 4 years available at your practice location as the Texas Board of Veterinary Medicine may randomly inspect your records.

How do I update my personal info (name/address)?

You can change your personal info, including last name or address, by completing a Change of Address Form or Name Change Request Form and emailing it to licensing@veterinary.texas.gov

Temporary License for Relief Work

Temporary License Fees & Requirements

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

Contact Info & Additional Resources

Contact Info

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners

Phone: (512)305-7555

Email: licensing@veterinary.texas.gov

Mailing Address

333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 3-810

Austin, Texas, 78701

Disclaimer

Please check your local requirements as state and national guidelines may have changed since last updated on Aug 23, 2024.

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