Hold an active, unencumbered U.S. medical license, or apply directly for District of Columbia (D.C.) medical licensure if licensed in another state.
Graduate from an LCME-accredited (MD) or COCA-accredited (DO) medical school.
International medical graduates must have ECFMG certification and meet all D.C. educational standards.
Complete at least 2 years of ACGME- or AOA-approved residency training (3 years required for international graduates).
Submit official medical school transcripts directly to the D.C. Board of Medicine.
Provide verification of all postgraduate training, sent directly from residency and fellowship programs.
Provide verification of all medical licenses ever held, sent directly from each state’s licensing board.
Submit USMLE or COMLEX exam scores directly from the appropriate testing organization.
Submit a National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) Self-Query report.
Complete the D.C. medical license application through the D.C. Health – Board of Medicine’s online portal.
Pay all required application and licensing fees.
Upload or submit all required documents, including:
Medical transcripts
Training verification
License verification
Photo identification
NPDB Self-Query report
Detailed employment/education history
Complete the FBI criminal background check and D.C. police fingerprinting.
Submit documentation explaining any malpractice claims, disciplinary history, practice gaps, or legal issues.
Apply for a D.C. Controlled Substance Registration (CSR).
Register with the District of Columbia Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP).
Maintain an active DEA registration.
All three are required before prescribing controlled substances within D.C.
To maintain your D.C. medical license:
For MDs and DOs
For controlled substance prescribers:
Typical processing time: 6–10 weeks, depending on background check completion and document verification.
Applicants with international credentials, malpractice history, or multiple license verifications may experience longer processing times.
Stop hunting state medical board for answers and see how our team can help you:
Check out individual state requirements by clicking the links down below.
