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Frequently Asked Questions

License Information

  • What are the requirements for a license?

    License requirements vary according to License Type. From the home page of the website, use the Licensing dropdown menu to locate the license type you are interested in. There will be a link to the Application Instructions, which will include the specific requirements and documents needed to apply for a license.

  • How long does the the application process take?

    The length of the application process varies according to license type and the individual circumstances of the applicant. However, once the application is complete and all information has been submitted to the Board, a license can typically be issued within 2 to 4 weeks.

  • What are the fees for applications and renewals?

    A Fee Schedule for application, renewal, and other fees may be found on the Online Services page under Key Links, and also on the Additional Information page under the Licensing dropdown menu.

  • Is there an application fee discount for Military personnel?

    Board regulations do not allow for any discounts for license application fees.

  • Can I apply for a temporary license while my permanent license application is under review?

    There is no temporary medical license available that would allow physicians to practice medicine while their permanent license application is under review.

  • Can I apply for a telemedicine license?

    There is no separate license for telemedicine only. Physicians practicing telemedicine must hold a permanent unrestricted license.

  • Can the Board send out fingerprint cards in bulk?

    No. Fingerprint cards are sent individually to applicants upon receipt of their application and payment of the application fee.

  • When does my license expire?

    All license types, with the exception of Limited Institutional and Limited X-Ray, expire on June 30 of each year. Renewals are accepted between May 1 and June 30 each year. Limited Institutional licenses expire on September 30 of each year. Limited X-Ray licenses expire 2 years after issuance, and on each subsequent 2-year anniversary of license issue.

  • Who is eligible to renew on-line?

    With the implementation of the new Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System (MELS), all licensees are now eligible to renew on-line.

  • What if my medical license expired more than a year ago?

    You are not eligible to renew on-line. However, you may be eligible for a reinstatement. You may contact the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure or visit the Board's web site for additional information.

  • May I renew on-line if I do not have all my CME's?

    No, you must contact the Mississippi Board of Medical Licensure office for further information.

  • If I am retired, do I still have to acquire CME's?

    Yes, any physician with a current medical license must have documentation of completing the CME requirement.

  • Is there a reduced fee for senior citizens?

    There is no reduction in license application fees, however the annual renewal fee is waived once you have reached 70 years of age.

  • Will I still receive a wallet card if I renew on-line?

    Yes, you are able to print you wallet card from the MELS Gateway at any time. The dates on the wallet card are updated upon each annual renewal.

  • How do I get my nurse practitioner's license number?

    Your nurse practitioner should be able to provide it to you.

  • What is the difference between my primary practice location, mailing address and additional practice location?

    Primary practice location is the physical location where you practice the majority of the time. Mailing address can be a post office box or street address. The mailing address is where the Board will mail any correspondence. Additional practice location is a practice location other than your primary practice location. It may be a hospital or a clinic in another state. Your primary practice may be in another state and your additional practice location may be in Mississippi.

Paying Online

  • Is paying online safe?

    Making payments online is actually safer and more dependable than paying by mail. This system uses cutting-edge encryption technology to ensure that only those approved by you can have access to your confidential information.

  • What forms of payment can I use online?

    Payments must be made by either Visa/MasterCard credit or debit cards, Discover/American Express credit cards, or electronic check for online payments.

  • Why is my e-mail address required on the payment page?

    Your e-mail address will be used to: send you a final confirmation of your payment; notify you of problems processing your payment; or notify you of other Board of Medical Licensure's services that may be of interest to you.

  • How do I know that my payment was made?

    After completing the payment process, a confirmation page with a corresponding confirmation number will be displayed. You are encouraged to print this page for your records. Additionally, we will send you the same information by e-mail within one hour of your transaction.

  • What is my confirmation number?

    Your personal confirmation number is very important. The confirmation number is used to track the process of your online payment. After making a payment with the Board of Medical Licensure online payment system, your confirmation number will appear on the confirmation page. You will also receive a receipt by e-mail within an hour after making a payment. For your records, we suggest you print the confirmation page and the e-mail receipt containing the confirmation number.