Application for Medical Licensure in the State of California
Application
The following information is to assist you in the process of applying for a medical license in California. You can download the application by going to the Medical Board website at http://www.medbd.ca.gov 
. Applicants should recognize that the application review process can be lengthy, and are encouraged to start the application process at least six to nine months before they need licensure.
Following are the documents that you will download from the web page:
- General Information
- Application Instructions
- Initial and Update Application for Physicians's and Surgeon's License OR Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter (L1A-E)
- Certificate of Medical Education (L2)
- Certificate of Completion of ACGME/RCPSC Postgraduate Training (L3A-B)
- Certificate of Current Postgraduate Training Enrollment (L4)
- Postgraduate Training Registration Form
- Translation of Foreign Academic Credentials
- Fee Schedule: Application for Physician's & Surgeon's License/Postgraduate Training Authorization Letter
Please Note:
Applicants should submit all required documentation as soon as possible; however, without both the application and initial fees ($505), staff cannot begin the initial review process. Therefore, complete the forms L1A through L1E and send them with your payment to the Medical Board, ASAP. This will get your licensure application review started. Forward the other documentation as it is completed, in a timely fashion.
Fingerprints
Applicants who reside in California must complete the electronic Live Scan fingerprint process. Live San forms can be requested from the Board (916.263.2382, Option #1; Webmaster@medbd.ca.gov), or from the Office of Graduate Medical Education. The results of these fingerprints are generally received within five days. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that the person rolling the fingerprints submits TWO digital prints, one for the DOJ and one for the FBI. Please take care of the fingerprinting ASAP! For a listing of live scan facilities, please see http://ag.ca.gov/fingerprints/publications/contact.htm .
Applicants residing outside of California may submit hard copy fingerprint cards for processing. You will need to contact the Board (916.263.2382, Option #1; Webmaster@medbd.ca.gov) to obtain the appropriate fingerprint cards. Two cards will need to be submitted: for the DOJ and the FBI. The results of these fingerprint inquires are generally received within 12 weeks. [Note: Frequent washing and scrubbing of hands increases the chances that fingerprints will be difficult to read and will be rejected, requiring a reprint. Application of Cornhusker's lotion to the pads of the fingers for a period of 10-14 days will generate the regrowth of fingerprint ridges.]
Do not wait to submit an application until all documentation is complete, as that will significantly delay fingerprint card processing.
Pictures
- Digital pictures are accepted with the condition that they be printed on photographic paper
- One photo is required and must be 2" x 3".
- The photo can be either black and white, or color.
The following places will process your pictures:
- Office of Learning Resources: They are located in the basement of the Biomedical Library, next to the Basic Science Building at the School of Medicine in La Jolla. The office is identified with a sign that reads "OLR Media Services." They charge $25.00 per photograph. Call for an appointment at (858) 822-3733. Turn around time is three working days.
- A-1 Broadway Photo
148 West Broadway
San Diego, CA
(619) 234-5876
M-F 7am to 6:30pm
Sat 9am to 4pm
Passport photos - 2 for $10.95, 4 for $15.95
1-1.5 hour service for black and white; 5 minutes for color
Notaries
There are several offices throughout UCSD's several locations that provide Notary services. Notary services are provided free of charge for University-related matters. For a list of locations, please see:
Official University Notary services
Notaries Public for Non-University Business
Specific Form Details
Form L1A: On question #11, you are asked to list the names and locations of all colleges or universities attended and where pre-professional, postsecondary instruction was received. Be sure to answer this question fully. You are also asked to submit official transcripts with the school seal affixed for each school attended.
Form L3A and Form L4: These forms should be brought to your Program Director for completion. The L3A-B form certifies participation in a UCSD ACGME accredited training program. The L4 form certifies current enrollment in an ACGME accredited training program which qualifies the applicant for a $300 discount.
Request for Examination and Board Action History Report (EBHAR): This form is required to request your USMLE scores. Forms may be obtained at http://www.fsmb.org
. There is a fee of $50 to request exam history. The on-line form does not need to be notarized. However, if you prefer the paper form , you should plan to have this form notarized with your licensing documents.Medical School Diploma: The Medical Board of California has indicated that if your School of Medicine has a written statement on your school transcripts that documents your medical school diploma was issued on a specified date, you will not need to send your original medical school diploma to the Medical Board with your licensure application material.
Please contact Elaine Garrido or Cindy Slaughter if you have any questions.
