Maine Medical License

Table Of Content

Eligibility Requirements

Education
• Graduate from an accredited medical (MD) or osteopathic (DO) school.
• International medical graduates must hold valid ECFMG certification.
Postgraduate Training
• Completion of at least 2 years of ACGME- or AOA-approved postgraduate training.
• IMGs must complete a minimum of 3 years of accredited postgraduate training unless meeting a Board-approved exception.
Good Moral & Professional Character
• Applicants must demonstrate good moral character, ethical practice, and professional conduct.
Examination Requirements
• Pass a Board-approved exam pathway: USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or LMCC.
• Must meet Maine’s rules regarding exam completion, combination, and attempt limits.

Application Process

Apply through the Maine Board of Licensure in Medicine (BOLIM) online application portal.
Choose the appropriate application type:
• Full License by Examination
• Full License by Endorsement (Reciprocity)
• Temporary or Locum Tenens License
• Training License
Submit Required Documentation:
• Medical school diploma and transcript
• ECFMG certificate (if IMG)
• Postgraduate training verification
• Exam score reports (USMLE/COMLEX/LMCC)
• Professional reference letters
• Employment history and malpractice disclosures
• Proof of active, unrestricted license (for endorsement)
Complete Criminal Background Check:
• Applicants must complete Maine State Police and FBI fingerprint-based checks.
Credential Verification
• Maine strongly recommends using FCVS for credentials.
• The Board will verify training, education, examinations, and professional history.
Board Review
• Once all documents are received and verified, the Board reviews your application and issues the license.

Special / Limited Licenses

Temporary License
• For physicians who need short-term authorization to practice while their full license is processed.
Locum Tenens License
• Allows short-term practice (up to 90 days) when covering for another Maine physician.
Trainee License
• Required for residents, interns, and fellows training in Maine’s accredited programs.
• Must be sponsored by an institution or training director.

Continuing Education Requirements

• Maine requires 40 CME credits every 2 years for license renewal.
– Credits must be AMA PRA Category 1 or equivalent.

Mandatory Special Topics:
• 3 hours in Opioid Prescribing, Pain Management, or Substance Use Disorder (if prescribing controlled substances).
• Additional education may be required for medication-assisted treatment (MAT) waivers.

Expiration & Renewal

Physician licenses must be renewed every 2 years.
Renewal is completed online through the Maine BOLIM portal.
Physicians must attest to CME completion; supporting documentation is required only if audited.

Expedited Endorsement Licensure

Applicants may qualify for licensure by endorsement if they:

Hold an active, unrestricted license in another U.S. state or Canadian province.
Have no history of discipline, impairment, or malpractice concerns.
Have practiced for at least 2–3 years post-training (as determined by Maine Board standards).
Hold ABMS or AOA board certification, or ECFMG certification (if internationally trained).
Submit two recent professional reference evaluations from supervising or collaborating physicians.Complete a Maine state and FBI criminal background check (fingerprinting required).

Processing Time

Standard processing typically takes 8–12 weeks, depending on:
– FCVS processing
– Background check and fingerprint clearance
– Training and exam verification
Delays often occur due to incomplete forms, missing malpractice information, or unverified training documents.

Helpful Links

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine (BORIM)
https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-medicine
Physician Licensing Portalhttps://madocs.mass.gov/
FCVS – Federation Credentials Verification Servicehttps://www.fsmb.org/fcvs/
Massachusetts Continuing Education Requirementshttps://www.mass.gov/info-details/physician-continuing-education-requirements
Massachusetts Controlled Substance Registration (MCSR)https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-controlled-substances-registration-csr