Virginia Medical License Renewal

To complete your Virginia Medical License Renewal, you must submit an application through the Virginia Board of Medicine (VA BOM) online portal. Licenses are renewed biennially during the practitioner’s birth month in even-numbered years. The process requires attesting to completed CME hours and paying the required fees.

Best Time to Process Your Virginia Medical License Renewal

To ensure a seamless experience, it is highly recommended to submit your renewal application at least 30 days before your birth month begins. Processing your request mid-week rather than during end-of-year holidays or the final days of the month helps you avoid high-traffic system congestion. Completing the process early also provides a necessary buffer should the board require additional documentation for your file.

How to Renew Your Virginia Medical License

Online Renewal

Practitioners should first navigate to the official Department of Health Professions login page and enter their established username and password to access the secure portal. Once logged in, you must complete the renewal questions regarding your practice status, criminal history, and any disciplinary actions to ensure all information matches your current professional profile. The final step involves submitting the $337 biennial renewal fee using a valid Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover card to receive an immediate electronic confirmation of your transaction.

Renewal by Mail

If you prefer a manual process, you must request a paper renewal form by emailing the Technology Call Center at least 30 days prior to your expiration date to allow for timely delivery. After receiving the form, fill out the application manually and attach a check or money order made payable to the Treasurer of Virginia for the full renewal amount. You should then send the completed packet via certified mail to the Virginia Board of Medicine to ensure you have a tracking number and proof of delivery for your records.

In-Person Renewal

While most renewals are handled digitally or by mail, practitioners requiring direct administrative support can contact the board for guidance on complex identity or documentation issues. For technical assistance with the online portal, you may contact the DHP Technology Call Center at (804) 367-4444. For specific licensure questions, the Virginia Board of Medicine direct support line is available at (804) 367-4600.

Required Documents Checklist

Physicians must provide their current Virginia Medical License Number along with their primary practice address to begin the application. Identity verification requires a valid Social Security Number or Federal Tax ID. To meet competency standards, you must attest to the completion of 60 total CME hours, which must include at least 30 Category 1 credits. Additionally, you must be prepared to provide proof of active professional liability or malpractice insurance coverage and a current email address for digital license delivery.

Renewal Fees and Grace Period

The standard biennial renewal fee for MDs, DOs, and Podiatrists is $337. If you fail to renew by the last day of your birth month, an additional late fee of $115 is imposed, bringing the total cost to $452. Virginia does not offer a formal practice grace period beyond the expiration date, practicing with an expired license can lead to disciplinary action. If a license remains unrenewed for more than two years, it is considered lapsed, and the practitioner must undergo a formal reinstatement process involving a $497 fee and additional documentation.

Virginia Telehealth and Remote Practice Requirements

Virginia law requires any physician treating patients located within the Commonwealth to hold an active, unrestricted license issued by the Virginia Board of Medicine. Telemedicine regulations dictate that the standard of care for remote visits must be equivalent to in-person services, including the establishment of a formal provider-patient relationship. Out-of-state physicians must generally obtain a full Virginia medical license for remote medical practice, as there is no specific “Telehealth-only” registration that bypasses full licensure requirements. Cross-state licensing is simplified for those participating in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which Virginia joined to streamline the process for qualified physicians.

Professional Liability and Malpractice Insurance for Virginia Physicians

Maintaining active medical malpractice insurance is a critical component of professional practice in Virginia. While the Board requires an attestation of coverage during the renewal process, professional liability coverage serves as a primary safeguard against the high costs of legal defense and potential settlements. License defense protection is often included in these policies, providing physicians with legal counsel during Board of Medicine investigations or administrative hearings. Ensuring your coverage limits meet the state’s recovery cap requirements is essential for protecting your personal assets and professional standing.

Schedule Your Visit

If you need to update your legal name or address on a state-issued ID in conjunction with your professional records, it is best to schedule an appointment in advance. You can book a time for identity-related tasks at a local branch by visiting Virginia DMV Appointment.

Official Virginia Medical License Renewal Portal – Click Here

Frequently Asked Questions About Virginia Medical License Renewal

How long does the Virginia medical license renewal process take?
The online renewal process is typically near-instantaneous for the digital update of your license status on the DHP License Lookup website. Once the payment is processed and your attestation is submitted, your license status is updated within 24 to 48 hours. However, receiving the physical or hard-copy license via mail can take approximately 10 to 14 business days.

What are the specific CME audit procedures for the Virginia Board of Medicine?
The VA BOM conducts random audits of licensees to ensure compliance with the 60-hour continuing education requirement. If selected for an audit, you must provide certificates of completion for at least 30 hours of Category 1 CME and a log of your Category 2 activities. It is mandatory to maintain these records for a minimum of six years following the renewal period in case of a retrospective review.

Can I practice medicine in Virginia during the renewal processing period?
You may continue to practice as long as your current license has not reached its expiration date and you have submitted your renewal. If your license expires while your renewal is being processed due to a late submission, you must cease practice until the status is officially updated to “Active.” Practicing on an expired or “Lapsed” license is a violation of state law and may result in heavy fines or board sanctions.

What is the process for reactivating a lapsed medical license in Virginia?
Reactivating a license that has been expired for more than two years requires a formal application for reinstatement rather than a simple renewal. You will need to pay a higher reinstatement fee of $497 and provide evidence of continued competency, which may include proof of active practice in another jurisdiction or additional CME hours. The Board reviews these applications on a case-by-case basis to ensure the practitioner still meets all safety and professional standards.

Do I need a separate Virginia license for Telehealth practice?
Yes, most states, including Virginia, require a full or special-purpose license to treat patients located within state lines, even via remote platforms. There is no separate “Telehealth license” that functions independently of the standard medical license for out-of-state doctors. You must be fully licensed by the Virginia Board of Medicine to provide any form of medical diagnosis or treatment to a resident located in Virginia at the time of the encounter.

Related Services

Virginia State Medical License
Virginia Medical License Renewal
Virginia State Medical Board
Virginia Medical License Lookup
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