How to Apply/What Happens Next

• Apply via the Federation of State Medical Boards’ Uniform Application.
• Applications must be completed in one sitting.
• The normal time for processing an application is two to three months.
• Instructions and forms are available during the process as well as on this page.

• IMPORTANT:  Application fees are non-refundable, including for applicants who do not meet all qualifications for a license.

What happens next:

• Email instructions are sent when the application for a certificate of qualification (COQ) is received and processing has begun, including how to access the Check Pending Application web page.
• Once all items have been received, your status will update to “Pending Board Meeting” and the date of Board consideration is provided.
• If the COQ is approved (status changes to Approved Pending MLC), apply and pay for your license using this form. Apply for an Alabama Controlled Substance Certificate (optional) at the Licensee Portal. You can do this before you receive license approval.
• License applications are considered by the Commission at its next meeting. A license number will not be issued until the license application and fee are received.
• You have six months following COQ approval to apply and pay for the license before your certificate of qualification expires.
• Non approved applicants will be notified by mail and given further instructions.
• A wall certificate is mailed to you, and a wallet certificate is available to print at the Licensee Portal.

 Eligibility Requirements

• Medical Education Requirements

• Postgraduate Requirements

• Examination Requirements

• Written Examination/Board Certification Requirement

• Additional Requirements for USMLE

• Recent Clinical Practice

• Legal Presence and Criminal History Background Check

• Provisional Approval for Residents

• Military Special Service License

Forms

Forms are provided through the Uniform Application and also provided here:

• Application to review Alabama Criminal History Record Information
• Declaration of Citizenship and Lawful Presence of an Alien
• Medical School Certification
• Postgraduate Education Certificate
• License Application Form

Fees (all fees are non-refundable)

• Universal Application Fee: $60
• Board Application Fee: $175
• Criminal Background Check: $65
• License: $75
• Alabama Controlled Substances Certificate (optional): $150
• Print receipts at the Licensee Portal

Renewal Requirements

• All licenses expire on December 31 each year.
• Renewal period is Oct 1 – Dec 31 (grace period with an additional charge Jan 1 – 31).
• Reminder emails are sent to the email address of record beginning in October.
• Renewals are accomplished online using the Licensee Portal beginning on Oct. 1.
• Be sure the information provided is accurate.
• NOTE: All lawful aliens/foreign national licensees must submit annually a Declaration of Citizenship and Lawful Presence of an Alien with documentation prior to license renewal. You will not be allowed to renew online or manually until legal presence documentation has been received and approved.

NOTICE: The licensure CME requirement was waived for all licensees for 2020. Licensees are expected to obtain the annual requirement of 25 AMA PRA Category 1 or equivalent credits during 2021.

Reinstatement

• To reinstate an inactive license, download and return a reinstatement application.
• The cost to reinstate is up to $850, depending on when you were last active.
• A criminal background check with fingerprinting is required. The fee is $65.
• Twenty-five Category 1 or equivalent CME credits acquired in the previous 12 months are required.
• Applicants who have been absent from clinical practice for two years or more may obtain a license by entering into a reentry agreement with the Board (See Board Rules, Chapter 540-X-23, for additional information).
• For reinstatement of a certificate of qualification that was voluntarily surrendered, use the COQ Reinstatement Application.

FAQ

• Do you require a test of English language proficiency?

• What is “primary source verification”?

• Is there a difference between an applicant with the Medical Doctor degree (M.D.) and one with the Doctor of Osteopathy degree (D.O.)?

• Is there a temporary license issued pending a full license application?

• I have decided not to move to Alabama and I want to withdraw my application. What should I do? Are the application fees refundable?

• I was convicted of a felony ten years ago. Can I still obtain a medical license in Alabama?

• I have had an addiction problem in my past. Will this prevent me from obtaining an Alabama medical license?