This outlines the appropriate requirements for obtaining a license through reinstatement. The Board reserves the right to make whatever additional demands on the applicant for licensure the Board deems appropriate at the time. Below is a summary of what is listed in the rules of Chapter 32 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

Doctors that held a North Carolina Medical License that has been inactive for more than one calendar year are eligible to reinstate their medical license. This requires the submission of materials, payment of $388.00 (and includes a $38 fee for criminal history record check). Fees submitted are not refundable, and a personal interview may be required.

Submit all materials to:
North Carolina Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 (919.326.1100), or
North Carolina Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609

Please do not submit photocopies or facsimilies unless specifically permitted.

1. Completed application form.

• CIRCLE the correct answer for all questions.
• Provide DETAILED explanations for affirmative answers. A claim form must be completed for EACH malpractice suit or settlement (form enclosed-photocopy as needed). Attach a photocopy of plaintiffs complaints and settlement orders for each incident.
• Sign applicant’s oath and have signature NOTARIZED. Make sure the original application form is submitted to the Board.
• Include name change documentation, if applicable.

2. You must secure a report from each state regarding status of licensure. All licenses, active and/or inactive, must be verified. Most licensing agencies charge a fee for this service. The verifications should be sent directly to the NC medical Board. The NC Medical Board accepts license verifications through the veridoc service.

• If you have ever been licensed in Connecticut, you must send an additional release form, located in the list to the right, along with the licensure biography form to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. If you have never been licensed in Connecticut, disregard the form.

3. Two recommendations must be from physicians using the enclosed Physician Reference Forms. Recommendations must not be from a relative. These forms must be sent from the reference source directly to the NC medical Board.

4. ECFMG: Graduates of foreign medical schools must have a current ECFMG. You will need to contact ECFMG and have a certification status report sent to the NC Medical Board.
Fifth Pathway: Graduates of a foreign medical school, who have completed a Fifth Pathway program, must furnish verification of passing the ECFMG examination and completion of the 5th Pathway Program. You will need to contact ECFMG and have your score transcript forwarded directly to the NC Medical Board. You can obtain a Fifth Pathway Verification Form, by

5. If certified or recertified by an American Medical Specialty Board or American Osteopathic Board, send a photocopy of your certificate with your application.

6. In addition to all other requirements for licensure, an applicant who has not met one of the following qualifications within the past 10 years of the date of the application to the Board, must take the SPEX, or other examination as determined by the Board, and attain a score of at least 75:

• National Board of Medical Examiners Certification
• FLEX examination
• USMLE examination
• National Osteopathic Board of Medical Examiners Examination or COMLEX.
• SPEX examination with a score of at least 75
• COMVEX examination, Osteopathic examination equivalent to SPEX.
• Certification or recertification by a specialty board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) or the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
• Completion of formal ACGME or AOA post-graduate training
• Received Certificate of Added Qualifications issued by a specialty board recognized by ABMS or AOA.

You must provide this office with verification of one of the above.  The SPEX requirement may be waived by the Board upon receipt of a current three year AMA Physician’s Recognition Award or equivalent AOA CME.  Visit the AMA’s website for CME requirements.  If the AMA/PRA is submitted to satisfy this requirement, copies of the CME documentation used to obtain the award must be included as part of your NC medical license application clearly showing the majority of the CME is relevant to your speciality or area of practice.

7. Applicants must request an AMA Physician Profile from the AMA. Visit the AMA’s Web site to request a profile be mailed directly to the NCMB office from the AMA. If you are a DO, visit the American Osteopathic Association’s Web site to request a physician profile be sent directly to the NCMB from the AOA. This should be done in addition to the AMA profile.

8. Applicants must request a Board Action Databank Inquiry form from the Federation of State Medical Boards of the US. Visit the Federation’s web site. This form will be sent directly to the NC Medical Board.

9. Applicants must submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) report as part of their application. The NPDB and HIPDB reports must be dated within sixty (60) days of submission of your application to the NCMB. You will need to send the notarized “self-query” form to the National Practitioner Data Bank address.  The NPDB will send you e-mail notification when the report is available for online viewing.  You can access this report online from their web site.  You will need to print this report and send to the NCMB.  You can e-mail a copy of the report to license@ncmedboard.org. 

10. Applicants must submit two completed fingerprint cards for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check. When possible, have different officials complete each card. It is recommended you have your local law enforcement office complete the fingerprinting. An application is not considered complete until a response has been received from the appropriate agency. Expect a minimum of eight weeks for the report to be received. First set of fingerprint cards must be submitted with your NCMB application. Since rejections are common, the SBI has suggested that applicants use lotion or witch hazel on their hands before being fingerprinted. Fingerprint cards are submitted for processing twice a week upon receipt of your application for a license, fingerprint cards, authority for release of information form and the fingerprinting fee. The SBI has suggested that using live scan when available may be a more reliable choice. E-mail to request a set of fingerprint cards. 

11. When all applications materials have been received, your file will be forwarded to a staff member for quality assurance review. If the quality assurance review is complete and no additional information is needed, your file will be forwarded to a board member for review to determine whether you will be required to appear for a personal interview. Upon receipt of the board members decision, your license will be reinstated if a personal interview is not required. Interviews scheduled prior to applicant being notified by NCMB staff that the application is complete may be cancelled.

12. If a physician has been away from clinical practice 2 years or longer, they may be required to develop a reentry plan as part of the license application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be prepared to present a program of re-training or supervision that will establish proof of competency in their chosen area or medicine. Applicants in this category will be required to appear for a personal interview.

Registration - North Carolina Law requires licensed physicians to register with the Board within 30 days of their birth date, every year, no matter when the licensed was issued. A registration fee is required.

Doctors are eligible to reactivate their North Carolina medical licenses if, and only if, they have had a license in North Carolina and said license has been placed on inactive status within the past calendar year.  However, if a license is inactive as a result of a disciplinary action (e.g., revocation, suspension, surrender), then a reinstatement application is required. The reactivation of your license must be complete within one year of the inactive date to avoid having to submit additional information. Your license will not be retroactive, but your license number will remain the same. Upon completion of your reactivation application and receipt of your fee, you will be advised whether an interview is required.

Submit all materials to:
North Carolina Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 (919.326.1100), or
North Carolina Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609
Please do not submit photocopies or facsimilies unless specifically permitted.

1. Completed Reactivation Application. 

• CIRCLE the correct answer for all questions.
• Provide DETAILED explanations for affirmative answers.
• A claim form must be completed for EACH malpractice suit or settlement (form enclosed-photocopy as needed).  Attach a photocopy of plaintiffs complaints and settlement orders for each incident.
• Sign applicant’s oath and have signature NOTARIZED.  Make sure the original application form is submitted to the Board.
• Include name change documentation, if applicable

2) Download the Board Action Data Bank Inquiry form from the Federation of State Medical Board’s Web site. Click on Credentialing/Data Services.  Go to the Physician Data Center homepage to download the Board Action Data Bank Inquiry form.  This form will be mailed directly to the NCMB. 

3. Applicants must submit two completed fingerprint cards for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.  When possible, have different officials complete each card. It is recommended you have your local law enforcement office complete the fingerprinting. An application is not considered complete until results of the background check have been received.  Expect a minimum of 8 weeks for the report to be received.  Since rejections are common, the SBI has suggested that applicants use lotion or witch hazel on their hands before being fingerprinted.  Fingerprint cards are submitted for processing twice a week. The SBI has suggested that using live scan when available may be a more reliable choice. When using live scan, prints must be printed on fingerprint cards and be submitted to the NC Medical Board.  They cannot be submitted electronically.  See detailed instructions for completing cards.  E-mail to request a set of fingerprint cards.  A set contains 2 fingerprint cards.

4.  You will need to document any CME you’ve obtained since your NC license went inactive on the CME log form.  If you have not obtained any CME since becoming inactive, you will need to send a letter stating this. 

5. When all applications materials have been received, your file will be forwarded to a staff member for quality assurance review.  If the quality assurance review is complete and no additional information is needed, your file will be forwarded to a board member for review to determine whether you will be required to appear for a personal interview.  Upon receipt of the board members decision, your license will be reinstated if a personal interview is not required.  INTERVIEWS SCHEDULED PRIOR TO APPLICANT BEING NOTIFIED BY NCMB STAFF THAT APPLICATION IS COMPLETE MAY BE CANCELED.

6. If a physician has been away from clinical practice 2 years or longer, they may be required to develop a reentry plan as part of the license application.  It is the responsibility of the applicant to be prepared to present a program of re-training or supervision that will establish proof of competency in their chosen area or medicine.  Applicants in this category will be required to appear for a personal interview.

REGISTRATION - NORTH CAROLINA LAW REQUIRES LICENSED PHYSICIANS TO REGISTER WITH THE BOARD WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR BIRTH DATE, EVERY YEAR, NO MATTER WHEN THE LICENSE IS ISSUED.  A REGISTRATION FEE IS REQUIRED.

Physicians with an active NC medical license wanting to convert to the Retired Limited Volunteer License must submit a form entitled Conversion of Full License to Retired Volunteer License

Physicians who have held a medical license in NC and let it go inactive for less than six months must complete the Retired Limited Volunteer License Application (short form) (No application fee is required.)

Physicians who have held a medical license in NC and let it go inactive for more than six months must complete the Retired Limited Volunteer License (full application) (No application fee is required)

Physicians who have never held a NC medical license and want to obtain the Retired Limited Volunteer License must complete the Retired Limited Volunteer License (full application) Submit verification of license in another state. (No application fee is required.)

All physicians holding a Retired Limited Volunteer License must maintain appropriate CME hours as required by 21 NCAC 32R .0101 - .0104

An annual registration fee will be required.

The law permits the Board to issue a Limited Volunteer License to you if you meet the following requirements:

1. You must have a license to practice medicine in another state.  You must have that state licensing board submit a letter verifying that the license is in good standing or have the licensing board complete the enclosed form and return to this Board. 
2. You must produce proof that you are authorized to treat personnel enlisted in the United States armed services or veterans.  This requirement can be satisfied by having a letter submitted from the hospital or clinic administrator verifying that you have privileges at a clinic which treats personnel enlisted in the United States armed services or veterans. 

We ask that you provide the additional information requested in the enclosed application so that our files can be complete and so that we may contact you as the need might arise. 

Applicants for this license are also required to provide fingerprints as set forth in the N.C. G.S. 90-11 (b) and 21 N.C.A.C. in order for the Board to conduct a state and federal criminal history record check. 

Every physician who holds a license is required to register that license within 30 days of his or her date of birth each year.  A registration fee is required. .

Physicians holding an active North Carolina Retired Volunteer License who want to convert back to a full and unrestricted license, must complete the Board’s application form; pay the reinstatement fee and provide documentation of 150 hours CME over the past three years, with at least 60 hours Category 1 and 90 hours Category 2. An interview may be required. 

This outlines the appropriate requirements for obtaining a special purpose license/special permit. The Board reserves the right to make whatever additional demands on the applicant for license the Board deems appropriate at the time. Below is a summary of what is listed in the rules of Chapter 32 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

Submit all materials to:
North Carolina Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 (919.326.1100), or
North Carolina Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609
Please do not submit photocopies or facsimilies unless specifically permitted.

1. Completed application form.

• Circle the correct answer for all questions and provide a detailed explanation for all affirmative answers.
• A claim form must be completed for EACH malpractice suit or settlement (photocopy as needed). Attach a photocopy of plaintiffs complaints and settlement orders for each incident.
• Attach a photograph taken within the past year to the applicant’s oath and have the form notarized.
• If your name has changed at any time during your life, you will need to list your prior names and submit a copy of legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, etc.) supporting the name change.

2. Verification from local facility/group to participate in a learning/teaching procedure giving details stating the name of the local facility/group where the procedure(s) will be performed, length of time of the procedure(s), type of procedure, what the procedure(s) will include and the name of the physician responsible for overseeing the procedure(s).

3. You must have verification of a full, unrestricted license mailed directly to the Board from one licensing jurisdiction. Most licensing agencies charge a fee for this service.

• If you are submitting verification of a Connecticut license as part of this application, you must send the Connecticut release form along with the NC license verification form to the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

4. Applicants must request a Board Action Databank Inquiry form from the Federation of State Medical Boards of the U.S. Visit the Federation’s Web site at and click on Credentialing/Data Services. Go to Physician Data Center home page to download the Board Action Databank Inquiry form. This form will not be returned to you, but mailed directly to the NCMB office from the Federation.

5. Applicants must submit two completed fingerprint cards for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check.  When possible, have different officials complete each card. It is recommended you have your local law enforcement office complete the fingerprinting. An application is not considered complete until results of the background check have been received.  Expect a minimum of 8 weeks for the report to be received.  Since rejections are common, the SBI has suggested that applicants use lotion or witch hazel on their hands before being fingerprinted.  Fingerprint cards are submitted for processing twice a week. The SBI has suggested that using live scan when available may be a more reliable choice. When using live scan, prints must be printed on fingerprint cards and be submitted to the NC Medical Board.  They cannot be submitted electronically.  See detailed instructions for completing cards.  .  A set contains 2 fingerprint cards.

6. When all application materials have been received, your file will be forwarded to a staff member for quality assurance review. If the quality assurance review. If the quality assurance review is complete and no additional information is needed, your file will be forwarded to a Board member for review to determine whether you will be required to appear for a personal interview. You will be notified regarding the Board member’s decision.

Registration - North Carolina law requires licensed physicians to register with the Board within 30 days of their birth date, every year, no matter when the license is issued. A renewal fee is required.

This outlines the appropriate requirements for obtaining a faculty limited license. The Board reserves the right to make whatever additional demands on the applicant for licensure the Board deems appropriate at the time. Below is a summary of what is listed in the rules of Chapter 32 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.

Submit all materials to:
North Carolina Medical Board, PO Box 20007, Raleigh, NC 27619 (919.326.1100), or
North Carolina Medical Board, 1203 Front Street, Raleigh, NC 27609
Please do not submit photocopies or facsimilies unless specifically permitted.

Section .0800 - Medical School Faculty License | 21 NCAC 32 B .0801 - Definition of Practice
The license for Medical School Faculty limits the practice of its holder to the confines of the physician’s employment as a member of the medical faculty at one of the following North Carolina medical schools:

• Duke University School of Medicine;
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine;
• East Carolina University School of Medicine; and
• Wake Forest University School of Medicine

This license will not be used to engage in a practice outside the realm of the medical school.

History Note: Authority G.S. 90-12; Eff. October 1, 1993.

1. Completed application form.

• Circle the correct answer for all questions.
• Provide detailed explanations for affirmative answers.
• A claim form must be completed for each malpractice suit or settlement. Attach a photocopy of plaintiff’s complaint and settlement orders for each incident.
• Sign applicant’s oath and have signature NOTARIZED. Make sure the original application form is submitted to the Board.
• If your name has changed at any time during your life, you will need to list your prior names and submit a copy of legal documentation (marriage certificate, divorce decree, adoption papers, etc.) supporting the name change.

2. Attach a photograph taken within the past year to the applicant’s oath. Complete the form and have the form notazrized.

• Transcripts - If you attended one medical school for more or less than the standard four years, OR if you attended more than one medical school, you must submit original medical school transcript(s), translated into English, if applicable.

3. Verification of medical education: Forward form to medical school for completion.

4. Letter from the Dean of the medical school or his appointed representative, confirming that the applicant has received a full-time appointment at the medical school as either a lecturer, assistant professor, associate professor, or full professor. This letter must be an original, include the dates of the appointment, the Dean or his appointed representative’s original signature, addressed to the NC Medical Board.

5. Two recommendations must be from physicians using the enclosed Physician Reference Forms. Recommendations cannot be from a relative. These forms must be sent from the reference source directly to the NC Medical Board.

6. You must secure a report from each state regarding status of licensure. All licenses, active and/or inactive, must be verified. Most licensing agencies charge a fee for this service. The verifications should be sent directly to the NC medical Board.

• If you have ever been licensed in Connecticut, you must send the consent for release of confidential disciplinary records form along with the NC license verification form to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. If you have never been licensed in Connecticut, disregard the form.

7. Applicants must submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) and Healthcare Integrity and Protection Data Bank (HIPDB) report as part of their application.  The NPDB and HIPDB report must be dated within sixty (60) days of submission of your application to the NCMB. You will need to send the notarized “self -query” form to the National Practitioner Data Bank address.  The NPDB will send you e-mail notification when the report is available for online viewing.  You can access this report online from their web site. You will need to print this report and send to the NCMB. You can e-mail a copy of the report to license@ncmedboard.org. http://www.npdb-hipdb.hrsa.gov/welcomesq.html.

8.  Applicants must request an AMA Physician Profile from the AMA.  Visit the AMA’s web site (https://profiles.ama-assn.org/amaprofiles) to request a profile be mailed directly to the NCMB office from the AMA. If you are a DO, visit the American Osteopathic Association’s web site (https://www.doprofiles.org) to request a physician profile be sent directly to the NCMB from the AOA.  This should be done in addition to the AMA profile.

9. Applicants must request a Board Action Databank Inquiry form from the Federation of State Medical Boards of the US. (http://www.fsmb.org/fpdc_data_inquiry.html)

10. Applicants must submit two completed fingerprint cards for the purpose of conducting a criminal background check. When possible, have different officials complete each card. It is recommended you have your local law enforcement office complete the fingerprinting. An application is not considered complete until results of the background check have been received. Expect a minimum of 8 weeks for the report to be received. Since rejections are common, the SBI has suggested that applicants use lotion or witch hazel on their hands before being fingerprinted. Fingerprint cards are submitted for processing twice a week. The SBI has suggested that using live scan when available may be a more reliable choice. When using live scan, prints must be printed on fingerprint cards and be submitted to the NC Medical Board. They cannot be submitted electronically. See detailed instructions for completing cards. E-mail fpc@ncmedboard.org to request a set of fingerprint cards. A set contains 2 fingerprint cards.

11. When all application materials have been received, your file will be forwarded to a staff member for quality assurance review. If the quality assurance review is complete and no additional information is needed, you file will be forwarded to a board member for review to determine whether you will be required to appear for a personal interview. Upon receipt of the Board members’ decision, your license will be issued if a personal interview is not required.

12. If a physician has been away from clinical practice 2 years or longer, they may be required to develop a reentry plan as part of the license application. It is the responsibility of the applicant to be prepared to present a program of re-training or supervision that will establish proof of competency in their chosen area or medicine. Applicants in this category will be required to appear for a personal interview.