California · guide
Physician licensing in California
Read from Medical Board of California. Last verified 2026-09-15.
The sequence
| Step | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Primary source verification | FCVS profile or board-run verification of medical education, training and prior licensure. |
| Application to the board | Full application filed with the Medical Board of California. |
| Fingerprints and background check | State and FBI criminal history record, submitted through the board's vendor. |
| License issued | Renewal cycle begins on issue; the renewal date is tracked from that day. |
What the numbers say
- California is not a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, so every physician files a full application.
- Priced as a Tier 3 state at $995 plus board fees at cost.
Source: Medical Board of California. Last verified 2026-09-15. Where a national summary and a board disagree, we publish the board.