Veterinarian Licensure Application Process

Applicants Not Currently Licensed (including senior students)

These instructions are for qualified individuals to apply for the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE) and/or a license to practice veterinary medicine in the state of North Dakota.

If you are applying for the NAVLE:

• North Dakota NAVLE candidates apply through and are approved by the International Council for Veterinary Assessment (ICVA; formerly the National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners), acting on behalf of the North Dakota Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.  Contact the ICVA office at www.icva.net for more information.
• Be sure you have read the NAVLE Bulletin of Information for Candidates (available online at www.icva.net) and that you understand the procedures and deadlines for applying for and taking the NAVLE.
• If you apply for NAVLE approval through North Dakota, you are indicating you wish to be licensed in North Dakota, and your score will be reported to the North Dakota Board. Once you pass the NAVLE you may request score transfers to additional licensing boards. This service is offered by the AAVSB at www.aavsb.org.

If you have passed the NAVLE and are applying for a license to practice veterinary medicine in North Dakota:

• You must complete the North Dakota application.  
• If you have a documented disability covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act for which you need accomodations, please contact the Board Office 30 days prior to the application deadline.
• Your North Dakota application must be accompanied by:
  • Document(s) verifying your degree:
    • A copy of your diploma or official transcript, verifying your veterinary degree or,
    • If you are a graduate from a non-accredited College of Veterinary Medicine, a copy of your ECFVG or PAVE certificate.
    • Senior veterinary students must submit a letter from the Dean of the College stating that they are a student in good standing and must include the expected graduation date.  A copy of the diploma must then be sent upon receipt after graduation.
  • If you have previously passed the NAVLE with approval through another agency, your score must be transferred to the North Dakota Board by the Veterinary Information Verifying Agency (VIVA) found on the AAVSB website at www.aavsb.org.
  • A recent photo of yourself.
  • Pay the application fee ($75.00) and the license fee ($90.00, paid annually on June 30) for a total of $165.00.
• You may also apply for a temporary license ($40.00) to practice veterinary medicine until the state board examination is completed.  The temporary license will be issued upon graduation. Please refer to the Veterinary Temporary Permit Application Process.
• The state board examination will consist of an online examination covering North Dakota laws and regulations governing the practice of veterinary medicine. This is an open book examination. A copy of the North Dakota Board Rules and Practice Act will be sent with the instructions for the examination to all eligible candidates.  A passing score of 80% is necessary to be eligible for licensure. 
• Information regarding USDA accreditation will be provided at that time as well.

Please contact the Board Office if you have any questions.

Updated 7/29/2025