Veterinarian / Georgia
2026 data Georgia board official source

Georgia Veterinarian License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides medical care for animals. Requires DVM degree.

What the Georgia data shows for Veterinarians

Becoming a licensed veterinarian in Georgia means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 4,919 training hours, a passing score on NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Georgia regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)".

Upfront cost is $284, with renewal running $238 on a 2-year cycle. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 30 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For veterinarians, the reciprocity picture is: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required.

Licensing Requirements in Georgia

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
4,919 hours
Exam Requirement
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$284
Renewal Fee
$238
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

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Compare all states for Veterinarian All Georgia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Georgia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinarian in Georgia? ▼
Georgia requires 4919 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $284. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Veterinarian in Georgia? ▼
Certification as a veterinarian in Georgia means clearing the state's checklist: 4919 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Georgia licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Georgia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for veterinarians: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the Georgia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Georgia require a background check for Veterinarian licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the veterinarian licensing process in Georgia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinarian in Georgia? ▼
Georgia ties continued veterinarian licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $238 renewal fee.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.