Veterinarian / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota 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 Minnesota data shows for Veterinarians

To practice as a veterinarian in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires 4,703 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam). A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)".

Budget $241 to get started, plus $205 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
4,703 hours
Exam Requirement
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$241
Renewal Fee
$205
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 Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinarian in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota's requirements cover 4703 hours of education or training, the NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam) exam, and an initial fee of $241. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Veterinarian in Minnesota? ▼
Minnesota licenses veterinarians who complete its requirements (4703 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Minnesota licensing board.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for veterinarians nationally works like this: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Minnesota. Verify the specifics with the Minnesota licensing board.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Veterinarian licensing? ▼
Yes, Minnesota requires a criminal background check as part of the veterinarian licensing process. Disqualifying offenses and review criteria are determined by the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Veterinarian in Minnesota? ▼
Licensed veterinarians in Minnesota must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $205.

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.