Veterinarian / Maryland
2026 data Maryland board official source

Maryland Veterinarian License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides medical care for animals. Requires DVM degree.

What the Maryland data shows for Veterinarians

Becoming a licensed veterinarian in Maryland means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 5,324 training hours, a passing score on NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam), plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Maryland regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)".

Budget $365 to get started, plus $299 at each renewal 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 Maryland

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
5,324 hours
Exam Requirement
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$365
Renewal Fee
$299
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 Maryland licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maryland licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinarian in Maryland? ▼
Maryland requires 5324 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $365. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Veterinarian in Maryland? ▼
Certification as a veterinarian in Maryland means clearing the state's checklist: 5324 hours of education, and a passing exam score. The Maryland licensing board can confirm the current details.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Maryland 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 Maryland licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Maryland require a background check for Veterinarian licensing? ▼
Maryland does require a background check before issuing a veterinarian license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinarian in Maryland? ▼
Maryland ties continued veterinarian licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $299 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.