Louisiana Veterinary Licensing Explained: September 30 Renewals, the 50% In Person CE Rule and RVTs

Louisiana runs one of the most structured renewal systems in the country. Every license expires on the same day, the CE year ends three months before that, and the state is strict about one point that surprises many licensees: a live webinar is online CE, not in person.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Louisiana

The Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine (LBVM) licenses veterinarians and certifies registered veterinary technicians (RVTs), certified animal euthanasia technicians (CAETs) and equine dentists. Its rules are in Title 46, Part LXXXV of the Louisiana Administrative Code. All renewals go through the LBVM License Portal; paper renewals are no longer accepted.

The annual calendar

So for the renewal that opened July 1, 2026, CE had to be completed between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026. Licensees first licensed after May 1 of a year skip that summer's renewal.

A renewal is complete only when the online application, all fees, certificates for approved CE, and any late fees are in. An expired license can still be renewed, but with late fees and possible discipline and fines.

Continuing education

Each year:

At least half in person

At least 50% of the required hours must be in person, which Louisiana's rules call contact participation: physical attendance at seminars, lectures, conferences or workshops.

Online participation, capped at 50%, includes:

1. pre recorded, self test audio or video with third party grading;
2. non interactive real time presentations over the internet; and
3. interactive, "live" webinars in real time.

The board has addressed this directly: live webinars are online, whatever their format. A technician who does ten hours of live webinars has met only five hours of the requirement.

Board meetings count

Attending an LBVM board meeting earns up to 3 CE hours per meeting, if you are present for at least three hours, and up to 6 hours a year.

Report as you go

You can enter CE in the License Portal throughout the year with each certificate. The board asks that certificates include your name, the title, the sponsor, the date, hours earned and the delivery method (in person or online). Report a whole conference as one entry, and do not mix in person and online activities in one batch entry.

Fees

Veterinarians who complete CE after the June 30 deadline also pay a $25 late CE fee. Card payments carry a 2.5% service fee; checks do not.

Keep your profile current

The board requires licensees to keep their portal profile current all year: contact details, employment history, education, and licenses held in other states.

How to verify a Louisiana license

The LBVM's online verification shows each credential's status. Check everyone on your schedule in early October, after the September 30 expiration. See how to verify a veterinary license.

What this means for Louisiana practices

• Fund in person CE. Half of every technician's and veterinarian's hours must be in the room.
• Send people to a board meeting. It is free CE and a good view of how the board works.
• Check in October for anyone who did not renew.

How Zuse helps

Zuse Hire shows Louisiana practices the licensed veterinarians and RVTs nearby, checked against the board's record. On Zuse Talent, Louisiana veterinarians and technicians can claim their license and browse vet tech jobs with pay shown.

Sources

• Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine, Annual renewal of active licenses and certificates and Continuing education
• Louisiana Administrative Code, Title 46, Part LXXXV

Fees and rules change. Confirm the current requirements with the Louisiana Board of Veterinary Medicine.

FAQ

When do Louisiana veterinary licenses expire?

Every veterinarian license and technician certificate expires on September 30 each year. Renewal opens July 1.

How much CE do Louisiana vets and techs need?

Veterinarians need 20 hours and RVTs 10 hours each year, completed between July 1 and June 30, with at least half in person.

Do live webinars count as in person CE in Louisiana?

No. Louisiana's rules count interactive live webinars as online participation, which is limited to half of the required hours.

Can I earn CE by attending a Louisiana board meeting?

Yes. Up to 3 hours per meeting if you attend at least three hours, and up to 6 hours a year.

What does it cost to renew a Louisiana RVT certificate?

$30, plus a $20 late fee if renewed after September 30.