Applications will be deemed abandoned if all licensing requirements are not completed within one year after the application has been filed with the board.
The following documentation must be provided to the Board to support the application: (Documents can be sent digitally as PDF attachments to vet.med@state.mn.us)
Online Application *Application progress can be checked by logging in to your account at https://vet.hlb.state.mn.us/#/login. Applications will be deemed abandoned if all licensing requirements are not completed within one year after the application has been filed with the board. Licenses and applications MUST be under your full legal name. Application and Criminal Background Check Process Flow Chart
Fees: (Effective July 1, 2025) All payments must be in U.S. funds and are non-refundable.
- $75 Application Fee (NOTE: This is required and is separate from the NAVLE application fee which is paid to NBVME)
- $75 Jurisprudence Examination Fee
- $32 Criminal Background Check Fee
- $300 Initial 2-year License Fee
TOTAL: $482
Criminal Background Check information. Beginning on June 1, 2016, Minnesota law and Board policy now require that all applicants for initial licensure or license reinstatement must complete a fingerprint-based criminal background check (Minn. Stat. § 214.075). When you apply for licensure, the criminal background check fee ($32) must be bundled into your other licensing fees and paid at the same time. After you have paid all required licensing fees and the criminal background check fee, you will be e-mailed a packet containing additional information and directions from the Criminal Background Check Program. You are responsible for having your fingerprints taken promptly and for completing all required paperwork so as to not delay finalizing your license application. Previously taken fingerprints cannot be used. Some agencies charge a fee for fingerprinting services. (Please note: The report received from the BCA and FBI is only valid for a year. Applications that are not completed within a year of the CBC will be invalid and no fees refunded.) NOTICE: Criminal Background Check Information Update: Once you have submitted your application, you will receive a packet via email from the Criminal Background Check Program with in 24-48 hours. Please complete this and return the fingerprinting packet as soon as possible so that your background check can be done while you are submitting the other required items for your application. To view the Criminal Background check process, please go to https://mn.gov/boards/cbc/process/process-overview.jsp
Notarized letters of reference (Affidavits) from 2 licensed practicing doctors of veterinary medicine, who are not related to you, residing in the United States or Canadian licensing jurisdiction in which the applicant is currently practicing, attesting that they are well acquainted with the applicant, that the applicant is a person of good moral character, and has been actively engaged in practicing or teaching in such jurisdiction for the period above prescribed;. Letters of reference are considered affidavits and therefore require a notarized signature on each letter. You may search for a notary using the Minnesota Secretary of State's notary website. Please have veterinarians include in their letter an active license number and state where currently practicing (veterinarians may be practicing in a state other than Minnesota). Letters MUST be signed. Notarized letters may be sent separately from the application form via mail to 335 Randolph Avenue, Suite 215, St. Paul, MN 55102 or via email to vet.med@state.mn.us.
Score reports of all previously taken national examinations in veterinary medicine, NAVLE (or NBE and CCT); certified by the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency if scores were not already sent to the Minnesota Board of Veterinary Medicine at a past exam date.
Certification of license in good standing from all other jurisdictions in which you hold a current license or have held a license in the past 10 years (Active, Inactive, Expired, Non-Renewal, etc.). The licensing agency should mail the verification directly to the Minnesota Board or email to vet.med@state.mn.us. *CO & OR licensees: MN Board staff will gather the license verification from the CO or OR State Board.
Copy of discharge papers if you have served in the military.
Either:
a. Proof of graduation (copy of your diploma or official transcript) conferring the DVM degree from an AVMA accredited College of Veterinary Medicine.
b. If graduated from a non-accredited school, verification of ECFVG or PAVE completion is needed.
Jurisprudence exam (see paragraph below for details)
Even though you’ve passed the NAVLE, Jurisprudence Exam, received your diploma, and have a clean background check, you CANNOT practice veterinary medicine until the Board issues you a license.
Applications will be deemed abandoned if all licensing requirements are not completed within one year after the application has been filed with the board.
Temporary and Specialty VMC Clinician Licenses CANNOT be applied for online. You MUST use the designated paper form.
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**At the Board Meeting on April 10, 2019, a motion was made to delegate authority to the board’s Executive Director to issue a license to candidates that meet all routine licensure requirements. The motion was unanimously approved.
