How to Verify a Veterinarian's License

Quick answer

Use the AAVSB VerifVet tool (aavsb.org/verifvet) for a cross-state veterinary license lookup covering most U.S. states and territories. For the most current status, verify directly with the state veterinary medical board in the state of practice. If the vet prescribes controlled substances, also verify their DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov.

Step 1: AAVSB VerifVet

The American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) maintains VerifVet (aavsb.org/verifvet), a centralized license verification service for veterinary professionals. VerifVet aggregates data from participating state boards and returns:

License status per state (active, inactive, expired, revoked)
License number and expiration date
Discipline type (veterinarian, veterinary technician)
Any public disciplinary actions from participating boards

VerifVet charges a small fee per search for employer verification. Veterinarians can also create a free profile to share their license records with employers and clients.

Step 2: State veterinary medical board

For real-time license status or states not covered by VerifVet, go directly to the state veterinary medical examining board. Most states provide free public license lookup tools.

Key state veterinary board portals

California: CA Veterinary Medical Board — vmb.ca.gov
Texas: TX State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners — license.vet.texas.gov
Florida: FL DBPR — myfloridalicense.com
New York: NYS Office of the Professions — op.nysed.gov/verification
All states: AAVSB board directory — aavsb.org

Step 3: DEA registration (controlled substances)

Veterinarians who prescribe or dispense controlled substances must hold a current DEA registration. This is separate from the state veterinary license. Verify DEA status at deadiversion.usdoj.gov using the Practitioner Lookup by name or DEA number.

DEA registrations for veterinarians are typically Schedule II–V. A lapsed DEA registration prohibits controlled substance prescribing and dispensing — critical for surgical practices, pain management, and large-animal work.

USDA NVAP accreditation

Veterinarians who issue health certificates for interstate or international movement of animals, or who perform inspections for USDA programs, must also hold USDA National Veterinary Accreditation Program (NVAP) accreditation.

NVAP accreditation can be verified through the USDA APHIS Veterinary Accreditation online portal. This is particularly relevant for large-animal, equine, livestock, and export practices.

Specialty board certification

Veterinary specialists hold additional credentials from American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA)-recognized specialty colleges. Common specialist titles include Diplomate ACVIM (internal medicine), ACVS (surgery), ACVECC (emergency/critical care), and others.

Verify specialty board status through the AVMA (avma.org) or directly through the relevant specialty college. The American Board of Veterinary Specialties (ABVS) at avma.org lists all recognized veterinary specialty organizations and their credential verification contacts.

Verification checklist

1. Search AAVSB VerifVet (aavsb.org/verifvet) — confirm license status and state(s)
2. Verify directly with the state veterinary medical board for real-time status
3. If prescribing controlled substances — verify DEA registration at deadiversion.usdoj.gov
4. If issuing USDA health certificates — verify NVAP accreditation
5. If specialty credentials claimed — verify with the relevant AVMA-recognized specialty college
6. Verify veterinary school — confirm graduation from an AVMA COE-accredited program

Verify veterinary school credentials

State veterinary boards require graduation from an AVMA-accredited College of Veterinary Medicine. Use VerifyED to confirm that a claimed veterinary degree comes from a legitimate, accredited program.

Search Schools and Accreditation →