N.Y. Education Law Section 6704
Requirements for a professional license as a veterinarian

To qualify for a license as a veterinarian, an applicant shall fulfill the following requirements:

(1)

Application: file an application with the department;

(2)

Education: have received an education, including a doctoral degree in veterinary medicine, in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(3)

Experience: have experience satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(4)

Examination: pass an examination satisfactory to the board and in accordance with the commissioner’s regulations;

(5)

Age: be at least twenty-one years of age;

(6)

Citizenship or immigration status: be a United States citizen or a noncitizen lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States; provided, however that the board of regents may grant a one-time three-year waiver for a veterinarian who otherwise meets the requirements of this article and who has accepted an offer to practice veterinary medicine in a county in the state which the department has certified as having a shortage of qualified applicants to fill existing vacancies in veterinary medicine, and provided further that the board of regents may grant an extension of such three-year waiver of not more than one year;

(7)

Character: be of good moral character as determined by the department; and

(8)

Fees: pay a fee of two hundred sixty dollars to the department for admission to a department conducted examination and for an initial license, a fee of one hundred thirty-five dollars for each reexamination, a fee of one hundred thirty dollars for an initial license for persons not requiring admission to a department conducted examination, and a fee of two hundred ten dollars for each triennial registration period.

Source: Section 6704 — Requirements for a professional license as a veterinarian, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/EDN/6704 (updated Dec. 16, 2022; accessed Nov. 29, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 29, 2025

Last modified:
Dec. 16, 2022

§ 6704. Requirements for a professional license as a veterinarian's source at nysenate​.gov

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