Graduate from an accredited medical (MD) or osteopathic (DO) school, or hold ECFMG certification if graduated outside the U.S./Canada.
Complete two years of approved postgraduate training, or, in some cases, equivalent professional experience may be accepted by the Board.
Be of good moral character.
Pass a Board-approved licensing exam (USMLE, COMLEX, or equivalent) within the timeframe set by the Board.
For expedited licensure (if already fully licensed in another state):
Must have practiced for 3 years in U.S./Canada.
No disciplinary history.
Must hold board certification (ABMS or AOA) or be ECFMG-certified.
Provide two professional recommendation forms from physicians or department chairs who directly observe your ability.
Submit to a state and national (FBI) criminal background check.
Apply via the New Mexico Medical Board (NMMB) online portal (Hospital Services Corporation processes applications).
Choose the correct application path: examination license, expedited license, or training license.
Submit required documentation:
Medical school diploma and transcript
Postgraduate training verification
Exam score reports
Recommendation letters
Complete fingerprinting and criminal background check as part of your online application.
If applying for expedited license, also provide proof of unrestricted licensure in another state and board certification.
Wait for the Board to review your application and documentation.
Public Service License: For residents or fellows after 1 year of training, under specific conditions.
Temporary / Teaching License: For physicians visiting NM to teach, conduct research, or provide specialized services under supervision.
Physicians must earn 75 CME hours every 3 years.
CME must be Category 1 credit.
Physicians with a DEA registration (i.e., prescribing controlled substances) are required to complete 5 CME hours in pain management in their first license year.
Also need 1 hour of CME reviewing the New Mexico Medical Practice Act every cycle.
Licenses are renewed on a triennial (3-year) cycle, aligned with the CME requirement.
Renewal is done through the NMMB online system.
Be prepared to submit proof of CME if selected in a Board audit.
The NMMB uses Hospital Services Corporation (HSC) to process applications, which helps streamline credential verification.
Expedited licensure may be faster if you meet the 3-year practice + board certification criteria.
Delays may occur based on background check or incomplete documentation.
New Mexico Medical Board (NMMB): https://www.nmmb.state.nm.us/ New Mexico Medical Board
Licensing & Renewal Portal: https://nmrldlpi.my.site.com/nmmb/ New Mexico Medical Board
Licensure Regulations – NMAC 16.10.2: https://www.srca.nm.gov/parts/title16/16.010.0002.html State Records Center & Archives
CME Requirements (CME Passport): https://content.cmepassport.org/staterequirement/new-mexico-medical-board-md/ CME Passport
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