Ohio Veterinary License Guide

Licensing fees range from $474.50 to $349.50 based on the year of application.

• Licensing Fee: $425.00 for even-numbered year and $300.00 for odd-numbered years
• Transaction Fee: $3.50
• Ohio Criminal Background Check: $22
• FBI Criminal Background Check: $24

Proof of Graduation:

Ask your AVMA accredited veterinary school to submit your transcript directly to The Ohio 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. 

Exam Requirements:

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

Jurisprudence Exam: Ohio does not require a jurisprudence exam for licensure at this time.

Criminal Background Checks:

• Click here to schedule your BCI and FBI criminal background checks.
• Submit your fingerprints electronically to the Bureau of Criminal Identification and Investigation.
  • Be sure to list “required licensure under Section 4741.10 ORC” as the reason for fingerprinting.
  • If you are out of state, you will be required to use fingerprint cards and must request them from the BCI at (877) 224-0043.
  • NOTE: If you chose to perform a background check while out of state, it could take several months for the results to be received by The Ohio Board.
• Both background check results need to be directly sent from the BCI to The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board.

Veterinarians who are already licensed in another state must submit a verification of licensure directly from the issuing state board 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 Ohio 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 an Ohio veterinary license online.

Renewal Fee

Pay $158.50 to The Ohio Board before . 

• You are exempt from CE requirements your first year of renewal as a new graduate veterinarian.

When do I need to renew my license?

Renewal Date: 3/1 every even numbered year

How long is a Ohio Veterinary License valid for? 

Ohio veterinary licenses are valid for 2 years.

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

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

What forms of CE qualify in Ohio?

• A minimum of 20 hours of CE must be medical and directly related to the practice of veterinary medicine.
• A maximum of 18 hours of CE may be performed remotely or online. 
• A maximum of 10 hours of CE may be on practice management or professional development.

Continuing Education Verification & Documentation

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

You can quickly change your personal info, including last name or address, online by clicking this link.

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

The Ohio Board of Veterinary Medicine

Phone: (614)644-5281

Email: info@ovmlb.ohio.gov

Mailing Address

77 S. High St., 16th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215