Hold an active, unencumbered U.S. medical license or apply for Colorado medical licensure if licensed in another state.
Graduate from an LCME-accredited (MD) or COCA-accredited (DO) medical school.
International medical graduates must meet Colorado’s educational equivalency and provide ECFMG certification.
Complete an ACGME- or AOA-approved residency program (minimum of 1 year for U.S. graduates; 3 years generally required for IMGs).
Submit official medical school transcripts sent directly to the Colorado Medical Board.
Provide verification of residency training, sent directly from each training institution.
Provide verification of all medical licenses ever held, sent directly from state boards.
Submit USMLE or COMLEX exam scores directly from the appropriate testing body.
Complete a Self-Query Report from the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB).
Complete the Colorado medical license application through the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) portal.
Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Upload or submit required documentation, including:
Medical school transcripts
Training verification
License verification
Proof of identity
NPDB Report
Detailed work/education history
Complete a state and FBI fingerprint background check.
Submit documentation for any malpractice claims, disciplinary actions, employment gaps, or credentialing concerns.
Colorado physicians practice independently and do not require collaboration.
To prescribe controlled substances:
Register for the Colorado Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
Obtain and maintain an active DEA registration.
Colorado does not require a separate state-level controlled substance license.
To maintain your Colorado medical license:
Colorado does not mandate specific CME hours for license renewal.
However, physicians must attest to ongoing competency, which is satisfied through:
Board certification, or
Participation in a Continuing Professional Development (CPD) program, or
A Board-approved competency activity.
Must complete state-required opioid and substance-use training, including:
Topics in safe opioid prescribing,
Best practices for pain management,
Use of the PDMP.
Typical processing time: 4–8 weeks, depending on fingerprint processing, document verification, and application completeness.
Applications with international credentials or extensive license history may take longer.
Colorado Medical Board / DORA
https://dpo.colorado.gov/Medical
Colorado PDMP Registration
https://dpo.colorado.gov/PDMP
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