Moving States as a Veterinarian or Vet Tech: How Licensing Works

Veterinarians and technicians move for all the usual reasons: a partner's job, family, cost of living, a practice they love. Whatever the reason, one thing does not move with them: the license. Veterinary licenses are issued state by state, and each state decides who may practice within its borders.

This guide explains what usually happens when you move, so you can plan around it rather than lose weeks waiting on paperwork.

There is no national veterinary license

A license from one state does not let you practice in another. You apply to the board in your new state, and you cannot practice there until it issues your license. Ask the new board whether it offers any faster route for people already licensed elsewhere, because a few states make the process simpler for experienced licensees.

Technicians face the same rule wherever the new state credentials technicians. In a few states it does not; see which states do not license veterinary technicians.

What boards usually ask veterinarians for

Each state sets its own requirements, but most applications ask for:

• Proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary college, or an equivalency certificate for graduates of non accredited schools.
• A passing score on the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE).
• Verification of every license you hold or have held, sent directly from each board.
• A state jurisprudence exam in many states, covering that state's veterinary law.
• A background check in some states.
• An application fee.

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) runs a service that can send your NAVLE scores and license history to a new board for you, which saves contacting each one separately.

What boards usually ask technicians for

Technician applications usually ask for:

• Proof of graduation from an accredited veterinary technology program.
• A passing score on the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE), which the AAVSB can transfer.
• Verification of any technician credential you hold elsewhere.
• A state exam in some states.

Your title may change too. A CVT in Arizona becomes an RVT in California, and an LVT in another state. The work is the same. The name follows the state's law. See RVT, LVT, CVT explained.

How long it can take

Plan for several weeks at least, and longer if a board needs documents from schools or other states, meets only on certain dates to approve applications, or asks for an exam you have to schedule. Some states offer a temporary permit while the full application is processed. Others do not.

The most common delay is waiting on someone else: a school sending transcripts, or another board sending a verification. Request those first.

A simple plan

1. Look up the new state's board as soon as the move is likely and read its application checklist.
2. Request transfers early: NAVLE or VTNE scores through the AAVSB, transcripts, and verifications from every state you are licensed in.
3. Book the jurisprudence exam if there is one.
4. Tell your new practice the timeline. A good practice will set your start date around the license, not the other way round.
5. Keep your old license active until the new one is issued, and decide afterwards whether to keep it for relief work or let it lapse properly.
6. Check your controlled substance registrations. A veterinarian's DEA registration is tied to a state, and many states require their own registration as well.

For practices hiring someone who is moving

Ask where they are in the process at the first conversation, and agree a start date that allows for the board. Verify the new license on the board's site before their first shift. See how to verify a veterinary license.

Finding the next job before you move

Moving is easier when the job is already lined up. On Zuse Talent you can say you are open to moving and where, and browse openings in your new state with the pay shown, such as veterinarian jobs and vet tech jobs by state. Practices on Zuse Hire can see who is willing to move to them.

FAQ

How long does it take to get licensed in a new state?

Plan for several weeks at least. Waiting on transcripts, exam scores and verifications from other boards is the most common delay, so request those first.

Can I keep my old license?

Yes. Many people keep an old license active, especially for relief work across a state line. Renew it on time if you keep it.

Can I start working while my application is processed?

Only if the new state offers a temporary permit, and many do not. Ask the board before you agree a start date.