Frequently Asked Questions

Once the initial application review is completed, the Board will notify you of any deficiencies. If there are no deficiencies, your application will move forward for licensure and you will be notified when your license is issued. After your reviewer has contacted you, you can work directly with them until your application is complete. You can also check the status of your application and a list of deficient items online through the BreEZe system, even if you applied by mail.

Please refer to the License Application Processing Times webpage for more information.

Each application file is different and it depends on the particular issues involved for that specific file as to when the application will be approved for licensure. The application process may be longer when application volume is high, if the Board does not have all required documents necessary to complete your file, or there are unusual circumstances that require additional documentation and review. The greatest determining factor in completing a licensure file is the applicant's ability to secure the items required. You are encouraged to submit your application materials early and to be proactive in prompting others to timely submit primary source documents necessary to complete the review of your file. To allow sufficient time for processing and remediating deficiencies, the Board strongly encourages applicants to submit their application online six months in advance.

The Board also encourages medical schools and training programs to submit documents through the Board's Direct Online Certification Submission (DOCS) service, which allows the electronic submittal of application documents that are immediately received by the Board.

Certain Licensing Documents Must be Submitted Online Starting January 1, 2024

Please refer to the License Application Processing Times webpage for more information on timeframes.

Applicants can submit their application online through BreEZe Online Services and can attach the following documents:

• Copy of Completed Request for Live Scan Service
• Copy of Name Change Documentation
• Timeline of Activities, Form TOA (signed and dated)
• Explanation to Application Question, Form EXP (signed and dated)
• Priority Review and Expedite documentation - To expedite review of your application, you must attach the required supporting documents at the time of application if you meet one of the expedite requirements.

Medical schools and postgraduate training programs can utilize the Board's Direct Online Certification Submission (DOCS) portal. DOCS is a secure, fast, and reliable online document delivery system that allows medical schools and postgraduate training programs to submit primary-source licensing documents directly to the Board. DOCS will accept verification forms, official transcripts, certified copy of diplomas, letters of explanations, and much more. DOCS only accepts documents for applicants with an open application with the Board.

To request access to DOCS, the medical school or the postgraduate training program must submit a DOCS Portal Registration Form to the Board. Please allow at least five business days for processing.

Certain Licensing Documents Must be Submitted Online Starting January 1, 2024

The Board will accept electronic signatures from the third-party services listed on the Third-Party Services webpage.

You may participate in a short-term, guest rotation without a PTL if all of the following conditions are met:

1. You are a graduate from an approved medical school who is engaged in an ACGME-accredited postgraduate training program outside of California;
2. The guest rotation is in an approved postgraduate training program in California, or a participating training site affiliated with an ACGME-accredited program; and
3. Time spent in the rotation(s) does not exceed a total of 90 days for all rotations.

You may engage in the practice of medicine up to 90 days where required as part of the training program.

There is no application for guest rotation training through the Medical Board of California. The postgraduate training program/site is responsible for accepting you for training.

Yes. You may receive compensation during the guest rotation training.