How to Guide: Podiatrist
How To Apply
If you would like to apply to be a licensed Podiatrist, it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew every two years on the odd-numbered years. Review the requirements and the step-by-step guide below.
- Licensure requires completing an application and paying the required fees.
- See specific instructions for application depending on license and application type.
- You must submit all the required documentation and fees to be considered for licensure.
- Immediately after applying, you must register and complete a fingerprint background check to be considered for licensure. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) awarded Idemia the contract to provide a service for electronic submission of fingerprints for Georgia applicants. The Georgia Applicant Processing Service (GAPS) is simple and easy to use.
- To watch the training video to navigate the process: Training Video >>
- To access a downloadable set of instructions for the process: GAPS/Idemia Instructions.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by August 31st of the odd-numbered years. Late renewal period is September 1 to September 30 of the odd-numbered years.
- You can apply for a Limited Temporary Permit if you are a podiatrist from another state or country and wish to practice while your Georgia license is processed.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
Podiatrist Licensure Checklist
To file online:
Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are processed in the order in which they are received.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, please submit all requested items at one time, as soon as possible, to prevent processing delays.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.
- Completed applications will be initially reviewed by Board staff and may be reviewed by the Board at an upcoming Board Meeting. Applications must be complete and received at least 15 days prior to a Board Meeting to be added to that meeting’s agenda. Otherwise, the application will be reviewed at the next Board meeting.
- Check Application Status >>
- Keep Your Contact Info Up to Date
- Be sure the email address you include for yourself on your application is correct and current. Email is the primary means of communication for the Board.
- Additionally, it is important for applicants/licensees to update their email address with the Board just as they would update their physical and mailing addresses.
- Wait For It
- You may not legally perform services until you hold an active license.
Disability Accommodations
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA Public Law 101-336), the Professional Licensing Boards Division provides for reasonable accommodations by designated vendors for exam candidates with disabilities that may interfere with their performance on a Licensure Examination.
Applicants may request an accommodation under the American with Disabilities Act by submitting an application and all supporting documentation to the respective Board and/or a designated vendor as instructed on this form >>
Veteran’s Preference
Veterans, military service members, transitioning service members and military spouses of the armed forces of the United States, including the National Guard, may be eligible for exam point credits and/or expedited application processes. See program information here >>
- If you are claiming veteran’s preference points, you must enclose a copy of your DD-214 form, showing that you served during a period of conflict or war for a minimum of 90 days. Contact the VA to request make a DD-214 Request >>
Podiatrist Licensure Checklist
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
If you have never been licensed before and have completed the requirements including passing your exam, apply for licensure by examination.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Letter from Residence Director
- Certificate of Residency
- Official Transcript
- National Exam Scores Part 1
- National Exam Scores Part 2
- National Exam Scores Part 3
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Limited Temporary Podiatrist Checklist
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia and you must practice in Georgia for 12 months of less to advance your medical education, you are eligible to apply for a Limited Temporary License.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia apply for licensure by Application/Examination.
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Official Transcript
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Background Consent Form
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Certificate of Insurance
- Curriculum Vitae or Resume
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanction
Reinstatement
A reinstatement application must be completed by individuals who have held a podiatry license before in Georgia and it is now lapsed, expired, or revoked.
If you meet the qualifications for reinstatement of a podiatry license, submit this application and applicable fees.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Resume
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Action/Sanction Documents (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Inactive Status
If you want to cease practicing podiatry in Georgia temporarily, you may be eligible to apply for Inactive Status.
If you want to cease practicing podiatry in Georgia temporarily, you may be eligible to apply for Inactive Status. If you later choose to resume the practice of podiatry in Georgia, you will have to meet all reactivation or reinstatement requirements in place at the time you apply to restore the license to an active status.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Reactivation
If you have previously held an inactive status and meet the requirements to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.
If you have previously held an inactive status and would like to reactivate your license, apply for reactivation.
The following is a checklist of required documents for this application:
- Completed, signed, and notarized application with fee. Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
- Proof of Continuing Education
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Board Disciplinary Actions/Sanctions
- Resume
- Background Consent Form
- Arrests and Convictions (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation
- Court Documents
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Certified Copy of Action/Sanctions
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
- Secure & Verifiable Document
- Affidavit of Citizenship
- Immigration Documents (If applicable)
Renewal Checklist
If you have previously held this license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before August 31st of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
If you have previously held this license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal before August 31st of the year it expires to avoid late fees.
- To process your renewal, navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Please note that a license will remain in “Active-Renewal Pending” status when:
- A licensee has applied for renewal before the deadline; and,
- A licensee has supplied all the required information to complete the renewal application before the deadline; and,
- It has been determined that the application requires additional review by the Board.
In accordance with O.C.G.A. §50-13-18(b), a license in this status is not considered to be lapsed, expired, inactive or invalid until the renewal application has been finally decided upon by the Board. If the license remains in that status or another active licensing status as allowed by statute or rule, the licensee may legally continue to engage in the practice of the profession.
Licensees will be notified of a change in status by email.
Notice of Intent to Dispense: At the time of license renewal, licensed Podiatrists are required to notify the Georgia State Board of Podiatry Examiners of their intention to dispense drugs if he or she desires to dispense any drugs and/or controlled substances as defined in Article 2 of Chapter 13 of Title 16 [O.C.G.A. §§ 26-4-130(a)(1) & (2); 26-4-130(e)].
ALL LICENSED PODIATRISTS ARE TO SUBMIT A NOTICE OF INTENT TO DISPENSE FORM TO THE BOARD IF:
On your license renewal application, you answered YES to the question which asked if you have a current DEA License Number and intend to dispense drugs in accordance with the law cited above; or,
You obtained a DEA License Number during the biennium (2-year renewal cycle) and intend to dispense drugs in accordance with the law cited above.
Download the Notice of Intent to Dispense form and submit it with your application renewal materials.
How to File
To file online:
Navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource Federation of Podiatric Medical Boards
- Online Resource American Podiatric Medical Association
- Online Resource Georgia Podiatric Medial Association
- Online Resource American Podiatric Medical Licensing Examination