Veterinarians in Georgia are licensed by the Professional Licensing Board at the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office. The application process can be daunting for a new graduate, so the GVMA has created this easy step-by-step list for your convenience.
Step 1: Go to the veterinary licensing board website – http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/53
Step 2: Click on “Application/Form Downloads” and then on “Application – Veterinary Medicine”
Step 3: Print the license application and complete the form
Step 4: Get the application notarized (all applications must be notarized)
Step 5: Obtain the following items to mail with your notarized application:
- $100 APPLICATION FEE (non-refundable) – it is best to send a check or money order made out to the Georgia Secretary of State Professional Licensing Board.
- VERIFICATION OF VETERINARY COLLEGE EDUCATION – this form must be completed by the Academic Affairs Department at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine.
- NATIONAL BOARD SCORES – If you have previously taken the NAVLE, NBE &/or CCT, you must have the scores transferred to the Georgia Board by contacting AAVSB at http://www.aavsb.org/VIVA.
- GEORGIA LAW EXAM: You must take and submit a completed Law Exam with a passing score. The exam can be downloaded from licensing board website at www.sos.ga.gov/plb/veterinary, and link to Application/Form Downloads. HINT: all the answers to the test questions can be found online, and all the answers must be correct or your application will be returned to you, increasing your application time.
- OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT – sent directly from the school, showing Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree and date awarded. For transcripts visit http://www.reg.uga.edu/transcripts
- SECURE AND VERIFIABLE DOCUMENT – the following are acceptable forms:
- A United States passport or passport card.
- A United States military identification card.
- A driver’s license or identification card issued by one of the United States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, the United States Virgin Island, American Samoa, or the Swain Islands.
- A tribal identification card of a federally recognized Native American tribe.
- A United States Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card.
- An Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph of the bearer.
- A passport issued by a foreign government.
- Visit the veterinary licensing board – for other forms of secure and verifiable documentation.
Step 6: Place all documents in a 9 x 12 envelope with pages unstapled and unfolded. Mail the application to:
Georgia State Board of Veterinary Medicine
237 Coliseum Drive
Macon, Georgia 31217
Other Important Information
- Keep the application checklist for your records, recording the date information was submitted.
- Keep a copy of your application.
- If any item is missing, incomplete or incorrect, your application cannot be reviewed by the Board.
- You will be notified of your completed application via email. You will not receive a paper veterinary license.
- The application process may take up to 25 days. An application is not deemed as complete until all documentation has been received, reviewed and processed.
- If you have not received notification from the Secretary of State’s Office that you are licensed you may not practice veterinary medicine. If you begin employment after graduation from veterinary school but before obtaining approval of your licensure, you are considered an unlicensed professional and can only work as a Veterinary Assistant. Visit the GVMA website at www.GVMA.net and look for the Scope of Practice – Veterinary Assistants for the limitations.
Questions?
There is an FAQ page on the licensing board website at http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/53 or call the Professional Licensing Board at 478-207-2440.
The GVMA is a great resource for many questions pertaining to veterinary medicine. Email us at gvma@gvma.net or call 678-309-9800. Congratulations on completing veterinary school and welcome to the profession!
