California Medical Board Licensing Requirements

Changes effective January 1, 2024

Obtaining the appropriate California medical license is the responsibility of every physician.  

Failure to obtain the license will result in removal from clinical duties.

Postgraduate Training License (PTL) 

• Required for US Medical School Graduates participating in an ACGME program for the first 12 months of ACGME training; International medical graduates (IMGs) will complete 24 months of training with the PTL
• After the first 12 months of ACGME training, US Graduate trainees should obtain a California Physician and Surgeon license; IMGs will apply for a full license after 24 months
• The PTL will be valid for 36 months

California Physician and Surgeon License

• All US graduates with more than 12 months of ACGME Training are required to obtain a California Physician and Surgeon License; IMGs with more than 24 months are required to get the full license
• Completion of the USMLE / COMLEX Part 3 Exam is required for a Physician and Surgeon License, therefore this exam should be completed during the PGY 1 year

Grace Periods for New Hires

• Incoming Trainees into ACGME Programs, will have up to 180 days from the start of training to obtain the appropriate license
• Incoming Trainees entering a Non-ACGME Program have no grace period, a California Physician and Surgeon License must be secured before the start of training

License Renewal

• California Physician and Surgeon License must be renewed every 24 months

Additional Details

• ACGME-International Training is not applicable for a California Medical License
• Deadlines for obtaining licenses are defined in California statute and are not flexible
  • Failure to obtain a license by the indicated deadline will result in removal from clinical
    duties
• Visiting Trainees (Rotators) may work without a license in California under the following conditions:
  • Rotations may last no more than 90 days
  • Rotators must be both enrolled in an ACGME Program and rotating at UC Davis in an ACGME Program
  • International Residents are not permitted

Application Timelines for US Medical School Graduates

*International Medical Graduates will have different timelines

License Fee Reimbursements

• License fees may be reimbursed as per the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the UC Davis Housestaff and University of California
• Refer to the GME Compensation Plan for policies and procedures around reimbursement

For additional information please see the appropriate Medical Board websites: 

Please contact the GME Office with any questions regarding licensure.