MD/DO Permanent License Application
For Doctors of Medicine (MD) and Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) seeking full licensure to practice in Mississippi.
At a glance: A permanent license entitles the physician to practice medicine within the state of Mississippi. Applications are submitted online through MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System).
Fee: $550, payable after submission of the online application. View full fee schedule.
License validity: If issued by the Board prior to March 31, the license expires June 30 of the current year. If issued on or after April 1, the license expires June 30 of the following year.
Renewal: Annually.
Important rules before you start
Online Application Timeline. Your online application stays active for 90 days from the date the Board receives each verification from an outside institution. Each new verification received resets the 90-day window, up to a maximum of 365 days total from the date of submission. If the application is not completed and the license is not issued within 365 days, the application will be considered null and void, and a new application must be submitted along with all required fees and certifications. The 365-day time limit cannot be waived under any circumstances.
Application Progress. Once submitted, applicants may track progress through MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System).
Incomplete Application Fee. A one-time $50.00 fee will be assessed if MSBML staff discover during application review that the application is not complete. This includes, but is not limited to: any public record not disclosed on the application (for example, prior name changes or prior arrests), or unreported segments of training (for example, training completed in part at one facility and in part at another must list both facilities and the time spent at each).
Refund Policy. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances.
FCVS Accepted. The Board accepts as primary source verification the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS) from the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB). For more information, contact FSMB at www.fsmb.org.
Items Submitted by the Applicant
Submit these items upon completion of the online application and fees. All documents received become the property of the Board and will not be returned. Download the application instructions PDF below to use as a printable checklist.
Verifications Requested by the Applicant (Primary Source)
MSBML is a primary source verification board. The following verifications must be sent directly from the issuing institution to the Board. You are responsible for sending each form to the appropriate institution and requesting that they return it directly to MSBML.
Examination and Credential Reports
The following reports are requested by the applicant but sent to the Board directly by the testing body or credentialing organization.
- Examination Report (FLEX, SPEX, or USMLE): Transcript requested from FSMB at fsmb.org/transcripts. If you took the COMLEX or COMVEX, request transcripts from NBOME at nbome.org/scores-transcripts/reports-transcripts.
- NBME Certification: If you are a Diplomate of the NBME, request a transcript of certification at usmle.org/transcripts.
- NBOME Certification: If you are a Diplomate of the NBOME, request a transcript at nbome.org/exams-assessments/exam-faqs.
- State Board Examination (pre-March 1973): Request copies from the state in which you took the examination.
- LMCC Certification: Statement of registration requested at mcc.ca/examinations.
- ABMS/AOA Certification: If 10 years or more have passed since your medical licensing examination, you must have current certification through one of the American Board of Medical Specialties or American Osteopathic Boards.
- ECFMG Verification: Required for graduates of international medical schools. Request at ecfmg.org.
- Military Records: DD-214 Form (or equivalent) for any branch of military service during or after medical school. Notarized copies accepted. Active-duty applicants submit a letter of standing from their commanding officer.
How to Apply
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Register in MELS
First-time applicants create a username and password in MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System). All applications are submitted online.
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Request your primary source verifications
Send Appendix A through F (as applicable) to each issuing institution and request that they return the completed form directly to MSBML. Request exam and credential reports from FSMB, NBOME, ECFMG, and other sources as needed.
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Complete and submit the online application
Log in to MELS, complete each section of the online application, upload your applicant-side documents, and pay the application fee.
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Mail your Affidavit and physical items
Mail the ORIGINAL notarized Affidavit and Perpetual Release Form (with wallet-sized photo attached) and completed fingerprint cards to the Board. LiveScan appointments are scheduled by the Board after application review and approval.
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Track your application in MELS
Track application progress in MELS (Mississippi Enforcement and Licensure System). Each new verification received resets the 90-day window; respond promptly to any Board requests. Maximum total time from submission to license issuance is 365 days.
Fee
$550, payable after submission of the online application. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances. A one-time $50.00 incomplete-application fee may be assessed if MSBML staff determine during review that the application is not complete (for example, undisclosed public records or unreported segments of training).
For the full breakdown of all MSBML licensing fees, see the Fee Schedule.
Questions?
Email the licensing professional at mboard@msbml.ms.gov. To ensure a smoother process, format the subject line as: License Type + Applicant’s Full Name.
By phone: 601.987.3079.
Mississippi Administrative Code: For complete rules governing this license type, see Mississippi Administrative Code, Part 2610 (Physician and Podiatrist rules) on our Laws, Code & Policies page.