Veterinarian License in Maryland
Quick Answer
To become a licensed veterinarian in Maryland, earn a DVM, pass the NAVLE and a Maryland state exam. Maryland has no in-state vet school but partners with Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. The state offers diverse practice from Delmarva poultry operations to equine racing and federal agency research positions.
- Exam
- NAVLE + Maryland state exam
- Timeline
- 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing)
- Background Check
- Required
- Renewal
- Every Biennial
Requirements
Veterinarian license in Maryland
How to Get Licensed
Step-by-step roadmap to becoming a licensed Veterinarian in Maryland.
- 1
Complete Education Requirements
Degree required
- 2
Submit Background Check
Specific type of conviction prohibited
- 3
Pass the Required Exam
State exam required — NAVLE + Maryland state exam
- 4
Submit Your Application
File your application with the licensing agency.
- 5
Receive Your License
Processing typically takes 4-8 years (veterinary school) + 3-6 months (licensing).
Veterinarian Licensing in Maryland: What to Know
Maryland requires a DVM degree from an AVMA-accredited school, passage of the NAVLE, and a state examination. The Maryland Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners oversees the profession. Maryland has no in-state veterinary school; candidates commonly attend the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (a regional partnership school located in Blacksburg, Virginia), the University of Pennsylvania, or Cornell University. Maryland's practice landscape is notably diverse: the Baltimore-Washington corridor supports a large companion-animal and specialty market, while the Eastern Shore (Delmarva Peninsula) hosts a massive poultry industry, one of the largest in the nation, requiring food-animal veterinary services. Maryland's equine industry is prominent, with thoroughbred racing at Laurel Park and Pimlico Race Course (home of the prestigious Preakness Stakes, the second leg of the Triple Crown), plus a significant hunt-country tradition in the western counties of Frederick and Washington. The proximity to federal agencies including the USDA, FDA (headquartered in Silver Spring), and NIH creates unique career pathways in regulatory medicine, public health, and veterinary research.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long does it take to get a Veterinarian license in Maryland?
- 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 Maryland?
- You need to pass the NAVLE + Maryland state exam. State exam required
Considering another state?
Compare Veterinarian requirements across states.
View all states →Data from CareerOneStop (DOLETA/DEED). Last updated: February 14, 2026.