What Are the Requirements for Doctor License Renewal?

For medical professionals, maintaining an active and valid license is not just a formality—it’s a professional obligation that ensures continued trust, accountability, and competence in patient care. Licensing boards across the globe require physicians to renew their licenses periodically, and while the specifics vary by country and state, there are several common requirements that doctors must fulfill to keep their license current. If you are a practicing physician, here’s what you need to know about doctor license renewal.

1. Continuing Medical Education (CME)

One of the primary requirements for renewing a medical license is the completion of Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits. These are structured learning activities that help doctors stay updated with the latest advancements in medicine and improve their clinical skills.

• Typical Requirement: Most states in the U.S., for example, require between 20 to 50 CME credits per renewal cycle, which usually occurs every 1 to 3 years.


• Topics Covered: Courses may cover medical ethics, patient safety, emerging medical technologies, and specialty-specific knowledge.


• Proof Needed: Physicians must often submit certificates of completion or transcripts as evidence of completed CME hours.