Introduction
Virginia physicians must renew their medical license biennially through the Virginia Board of Medicine, part of the Department of Health Professions (DHP). With over 35,000 actively licensed physicians serving the Commonwealth, Virginia maintains robust continuing education requirements to ensure physician competency.
As a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), Virginia offers expedited multistate licensing options for eligible physicians. This guide covers everything you need to know about Virginia medical license renewal in 2026, including the $337 renewal fee, 60-hour CME requirement, and controlled substance training mandates.
Virginia Board of Medicine Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Regulatory Authority | Virginia Board of Medicine |
| Parent Agency | Department of Health Professions (DHP) |
| Renewal Cycle | Biennial (every 2 years) |
| Renewal Deadline | Birth month in even-numbered years |
| IMLC Status | Member State |
| Online Portal | license.dhp.virginia.gov |
| Phone | (804) 367-4444 |
Virginia Medical License Renewal Fees (2026)
The Virginia Board of Medicine maintains a straightforward fee structure for license renewal.
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Biennial Renewal (MD/DO) | $337.00 | Due in birth month, even years |
| Late Renewal Penalty | $115.00 | Within one renewal cycle |
| Application Fee | $302.00 | Initial licensure |
| Temporary License | $25.00 | If applicable |
Source: Virginia Department of Health Professions Fee Schedule
Last verified: January 22, 2026
CME Requirements for Virginia Physicians
Virginia requires physicians to complete continuing medical education as a condition of license renewal, with specific category requirements and mandatory topics.
Basic CME Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Hours | 60 hours per biennial period |
| Category 1 Minimum | At least 30 hours AMA PRA Category 1 |
| Category 2 Maximum | Up to 30 hours AMA PRA Category 2 |
| Carryover Allowed | Up to 60 hours (earned within 6 months prior) |
Mandatory CME Topics
| Topic | Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Controlled Substances | 2 | Must be Category 1 credits |
Virginia's mandatory 2-hour controlled substance requirement covers prescribing practices, risk assessment, and patient monitoring for controlled substances including opioids.
CME Exemptions
- First Renewal: Practitioners are exempt from CME requirements for the first biennial renewal following initial licensure in Virginia
- Temporary Disability: The Board may grant exemptions for illness or medical disability
- Military Service: Mandatory military service qualifies for exemption
- Disaster Service: Officially declared disasters may qualify
- Uncompensated Practice: Physicians practicing solely in uncompensated positions under supervision may qualify
- Medical Examiners: Those practicing solely as medical examiners need only 6 hours of ME training per year
CME Carryover Policy
Virginia allows up to 60 CME credits to be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next, provided they were earned within the six months preceding the new renewal cycle's start. This generous carryover policy provides flexibility for physicians who complete additional education.
Virginia License Renewal Timeline
| Timeframe | Action |
|---|---|
| 60-90 days before | DHP sends renewal notice |
| Birth month (even year) | Renewal deadline |
| After expiration | Late fee applies ($115) |
| Beyond one cycle | Reinstatement required |
Extension Requests
The Board may grant an extension of up to one year for good cause shown upon written request prior to the renewal date. Extensions must be requested in advance and are not guaranteed.
Online Renewal Process
- Access DHP Portal: Visit license.dhp.virginia.gov
- Login or Register: Use your PIN and license number from renewal notice
- Complete Application: Answer all required questions including disclosure items
- Certify CME Compliance: Attest to completion of 60 hours including mandatory topics
- Pay Fee: Submit $337 via credit card
- Print Confirmation: Save receipt for your records
Consequences of Non-Renewal
| Status | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Late Renewal | $115 additional fee |
| Expired License | Cannot practice medicine in Virginia |
| Extended Lapse | Reinstatement process required |
| Practice While Expired | Disciplinary action, potential criminal charges |
Virginia-Specific Considerations
IMLC Membership
Virginia is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), allowing eligible physicians to obtain expedited licensure in multiple states through a single application. Virginia can serve as either a State of Principal License (SPL) or an additional state for IMLC applications.
Telemedicine
Physicians providing telemedicine services to patients located in Virginia must hold a valid Virginia medical license. The IMLC pathway provides an efficient option for telemedicine providers practicing across state lines.
Compact Licensees
Physicians licensed through the IMLC still must maintain CME compliance with Virginia requirements and pay renewal fees directly to the Virginia Board of Medicine.
Key Takeaways
- Biennial renewal fee is $337 due in your birth month during even-numbered years
- 60 hours of CME required per renewal cycle (30 Cat 1, up to 30 Cat 2)
- 2 hours of controlled substance CME are mandatory
- Virginia is an IMLC member state offering expedited multistate licensing
- Up to 60 hours of CME can carry over if earned in final 6 months of cycle
- First renewal after initial licensure is CME-exempt
- Late fee is $115 for renewal within one cycle
Conclusion
Virginia's medical license renewal process combines a moderate CME requirement with IMLC membership benefits. The 60-hour biennial requirement with a 30/30 category split provides flexibility, while the 2-hour controlled substance mandate ensures prescriber competency. The generous carryover policy rewards proactive CME completion.
Use CredentialMate to track your CME hours by category, monitor your Virginia renewal deadline, and receive automated reminders—ensuring you maintain compliance with all Virginia Board of Medicine requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to renew a Virginia medical license?
The biennial renewal fee for a Virginia medical license (MD or DO) is $337, due in your birth month during even-numbered years. A $115 late fee applies if you renew after your expiration date but within one renewal cycle.
How many CME hours are required for Virginia medical license renewal?
Virginia requires 60 hours of CME per biennial renewal period. At least 30 hours must be AMA PRA Category 1 credits, with up to 30 hours allowed as Category 2. Two hours must cover controlled substance prescribing.
Is Virginia part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
Yes, Virginia is a member of the IMLC. Eligible physicians can use Virginia as their State of Principal License or add Virginia to an existing IMLC application for expedited multistate licensure.
Can I carry over CME credits in Virginia?
Yes, Virginia allows up to 60 CME credits to be carried over from one renewal cycle to the next, provided they were earned within the six months preceding the new cycle's start date.
When is my Virginia medical license renewal due?
Virginia medical licenses are due for renewal during your birth month in even-numbered years (2026, 2028, etc.). You'll receive a renewal notice approximately 60-90 days before your deadline.
References
[1]: Virginia Board of Medicine - Continuing Education
https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Medicine/PractitionerResources/ContinuingEducation/Medicine/
[2]: Virginia Board of Medicine - Fees
https://www.dhp.virginia.gov/Boards/Medicine/PractitionerResources/Fees/
[3]: Virginia DHP - Online Licensing
https://license.dhp.virginia.gov
[4]: AMA Ed Hub - Virginia CME Requirements
https://edhub.ama-assn.org/state-cme/Virginia
[5]: IMLC - Participating States
https://www.imlcc.org/participating-states/
[6]: Virginia Administrative Code 18VAC85-20-22
https://law.lis.virginia.gov/admincode/title18/agency85/chapter20/section22/