Veterinarian / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Veterinarian License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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

PlainCredential home → About this data

Provides medical care for animals. Requires DVM degree.

What the Missouri data shows for Veterinarians

Missouri sets the entry bar for veterinarians at 4,676 training hours and a passing score on NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam). A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Missouri's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)".

Upfront cost is $235, with renewal running $201 on a 2-year cycle. The license also carries an ongoing 30-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NAVLE recognized nationwide — state licensing still required.

Licensing Ease Score

F
Licensing Ease Score
32/100
Veterinarian · Missouri

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
4,676 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$235
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden F
$101/yr
$201 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
4,676 hours
Exam Requirement
NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)
Required
Initial License Fee
$235
Renewal Fee
$201
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Veterinarian in Missouri? ▼
Missouri requires 4676 education/training hours, passing an exam (NAVLE (North American Veterinary Licensing Exam)), and an initial fee of $235. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Veterinarian in Missouri? ▼
Missouri licenses veterinarians who complete its requirements (4676 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the Missouri licensing board.
Can I transfer my Veterinarian license to Missouri 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 Missouri. Verify the specifics with the Missouri licensing board.
Does Missouri require a background check for Veterinarian licensing? ▼
Yes, Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Missouri ties continued veterinarian licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $201 renewal fee.

Related Guides

What to do with this veterinarian license

Veterinarian in Missouri, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a veterinarian-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Missouri's veterinarian requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Veterinarian in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state veterinarian license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Missouri's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Missouri overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Missouri licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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