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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are the top FAQs for the Board. Have a different question? Search the FAQs by keyword or filter by topic. If you still haven't found your answer, contact the Board's Consumer Information Unit for assistance.

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Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What are the costs related to licensure?

Refer to the Fees Requirement page for all application and license fees for the Postgraduate Training License and the Physician's and Surgeon's License.

Can I pay the application fee via telephone?

No, you cannot pay your application via telephone. However, if you wish to pay the application fee with a credit card, you may submit your license application and payment electronically using the BreEZe Online Services. To use the BreEZe Online Services you must have an SSN or ITIN.

Do I have to pay both the application fee and the license fee when I submit my application?

If you use the BreEZe Online System to submit your application, you must pay all required fees at the same time.

  • Postgraduate Training License requires the application fee only.
  • Transition Application from PTL to a Physician's and Surgeon's License requires the license fee only.
  • Physician's and Surgeon's License requires both the application fee and the license fee.

How do I send monies to the Board?

You may print out a Licensing Fee Invoice Form and include it with your payment.

How long is my physician's and surgeon's license valid?

Once your Physician's and Surgeon's License is issued, it will be valid for two years.

If I am unable to practice all aspects of medicine safely due to a disability, can I still get a license?

Yes, the Board offers a Limited Practice License to physicians that have a diagnosis or disability that may limit their medical practice. To apply for a Limited Practice License you will need to submit the Limited Practice License Application, Form LPL. The LPL form advises the Board that you wish to apply for the Limited Practice License. Upon review, the Board will notify you that a clinical evaluation is required. The evaluation must be performed by a physician who specializes in the diagnosis and/or treatment of your disability and is familiar with your area of medical practice. The reviewing physician must have a current valid California medical license with no history of discipline and may not have any personal, professional, business, or social relationship with you.

What if I move or change my name after I have submitted my application?

If you have moved after you submitted your application, you must submit an Applicant Address Change Request Form. This form may be faxed or mailed to the Board.

If you change your name after you have submitted an application, you must submit a signed Notification of Name Change form, along with photocopy or electronic copy of a current government-issued photographic identification (e.g., driver's license, alien registration, passport, etc.) and one of the following legal documents as proof of the name change:

  • Marriage Certificate
  • Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
  • Certified Court Order

The Notification of Name Change form and supporting documents must be mailed or faxed to the Board.

Will you discard or destroy any documentation received prior to my application?

Any documents received prior to your application will be maintained for one year. If you do not submit your application within one year, the documents received will be confidentially destroyed.