What must a veterinarian do to renew a lapsed license?

To renew a lapsed veterinary license, a veterinarian must write an application and pay the current renewal fee. This process is typically in place to help ensure that the veterinarian's credentials are kept up to date while also maintaining compliance with state regulations. The renewal application usually requires the submission of information that may include proof of continuing education, but fundamentally, the act of writing an application and submitting the necessary renewal fee is a primary requirement.

Other options involve requirements that are either outdated or unnecessarily punitive. For instance, paying fines for all past years may not be a standard renewal procedure, as fees for a lapsed license typically focus on current renewal rather than penalizing for previous lapses beyond the current renewal fee. Undergoing a competency examination might be required if there is an extended lapse or concerns about the veterinarian's skills, but it’s not a standard requirement for most license renewals. Similarly, obtaining a new diploma would not align with standard renewal practices; a veterinarian’s initial diploma remains valid throughout their career as long as they meet ongoing licensing requirements.