Hold an MD or DO degree from an accredited medical school.
Complete required postgraduate training (residency). For permanent license, board expects standard postgraduate training.
Pass required examinations (USMLE, COMLEX, or other Board-approved exams).
Apply via the Mississippi Enforcement & Licensure System (MELS).
Complete a state and FBI criminal background check. Provide primary-source verification of medical school graduation, training, and credentials.
Demonstrate good character and no disqualifying disciplinary history.
Register on the MELS Licensure Gateway to start your application.
Fill out the MD/DO Permanent License Application, including all required fields and uploads.
Upload or submit:
Medical school transcripts / diploma
Postgraduate training verification
Exam score reports (USMLE / COMLEX)
NPDB or similar disclosure form (if required)
Pay the $550 application fee for permanent MD/DO licensure.
Complete fingerprinting and background check via the method prescribed in the MELS application.
Submit any additional required documentation (birth certificate, photo, affidavits) as requested.
For temporary license during training, apply separately (allowed for residency).
Once licensed, physicians may prescribe both non-controlled and controlled substances.
To prescribe controlled substances, you will need:
A Mississippi Controlled Substances Registration (CSR) — handled by the board.
DEA registration (federal) to prescribe scheduled substances.
You may need to complete opioid prescribing education as required by state regulations.
License renewal requires 40 hours of CME every 2 years.
If you have a DEA registration / prescribe controlled substances: at least 5 of your CME hours must cover controlled substance prescribing.
Maintain records of CME (certificates, attendance proofs) for at least 3 years, as the Board may audit.
Licenses must be renewed annually between May 1 and June 30.
To renew:
Submit renewal application in MELS.
Attest to fulfilling CME requirements.
Pay late renewal fees if renewing after the deadline.
Reinstatement: If your license lapsed for > 1 year, submit a reinstatement application through MELS.
Must pay a $250 reinstatement application fee.
If not practiced clinically for 3+ years, you may need to complete a competency or clinical assessment.
For a fully completed application, licenses are often issued within 2–4 weeks once all required documents are submitted.
If you don’t respond within 3 months with required documents, the application may become void.
If you haven’t received a license within one year of application, you will need to reapply.
MSBML MELS Licensure Gateway (Apply / Renew): https://www.msbml.ms.gov/onlineservices msbml.ms.gov
MD/DO Permanent Licensure Instructions: https://www.msbml.ms.gov/node/388 msbml.ms.gov
Temporary Training Physician License (MD/DO): https://www.msbml.ms.gov/node/389 msbml.ms.gov
CME / Rules / Regulations (Administrative Code): https://www.msbml.ms.gov/sites/default/files/Rules_Laws_Policies/10-2023%20Administrative%20Code.pdf msbml.ms.gov
Reinstatement Application Info: https://www.msbml.ms.gov/Reinstatements
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