Veterinarian License in California
Quick Answer
To become a licensed veterinarian in California, graduate from an AVMA-accredited school, pass the NAVLE and the California VLE, and pay approximately $950 in initial fees ($350 application, $100 VLE, $500 license). Processing takes about 9 days, with biennial renewal required. California is the largest veterinary market in the US.
- Exam
- NAVLE + California Veterinary Law Examination (VLE)
- Total Cost
- $950 (est.)
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Veterinarian license in California
Estimated Costs Est.
- Application Fee
- $350
- Exam Fee
- $100
- Total Estimated Cost
- $950
Cost Breakdown
Estimated costs for getting your Veterinarian license in California. Values marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions.
Enter the cost of your pre-licensing education program
Fees marked "Est." are extracted from official descriptions and may not reflect current pricing. Verify with the California licensing board.
Veterinarian Salary in California
Entry Level
$79,710
Median
$158,950
Experienced
$239,200
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary data is for informational purposes only.
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Veterinarian in California.
- 1
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency. Application fee: ~$350.
- 2
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing).
Veterinarian Licensing in California: What to Know
California explicitly lists fees: $350 application, $100 for the California VLE, and $500 initial license, totaling $950 for initial licensure. The NAVLE is administered in November/December and April testing windows. The California VLE is sent by email and tests knowledge of state-specific veterinary law. Processing takes approximately 9 days, and renewal is biennial. The Veterinary Medical Board of California oversees the state's approximately 16,000 licensed veterinarians, making it the largest veterinary market in the nation. California is home to two premier AVMA-accredited veterinary schools: UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, consistently ranked among the top programs globally, and Western University of Health Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine in Pomona. The state's diverse agriculture sector, including dairy (California is the top dairy state), beef, poultry, and wine country equine operations in Napa and Sonoma counties, combined with its massive companion animal population in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bay Area metro regions, creates exceptionally varied practice opportunities across both food-animal and companion-animal disciplines.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a Veterinarian license cost in California?
- The estimated total cost is $950, including application fees, exam fees ($100), and education costs.
- How long does it take to get a Veterinarian license in California?
- The process typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing), depending on education completion and exam scheduling.
- What exam do I need for a Veterinarian license in California?
- You need to pass the NAVLE + California Veterinary Law Examination (VLE). N/A
Considering another state?
Compare Veterinarian requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.