How to Guide: Veterinary Technician
How to Apply
If you would like to apply as a Veterinary Technician (Vet Tech), it is required that you file with the Secretary of State and renew your application every two 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.
- Renewal is completed online and is required by December 31st of even numbered years. Late renewal period is January 1- January 31st of odd numbered years.
- You can apply for a Limited Temporary License if you are a service member, transitioning service member or military spouse and wish to practice while your Georgia license is processed.
Select your application type to view instructions on how to apply:
After you Apply – What to Expect
- Processing Time – Applications are generally processed within 20 business days of receipt, excluding weekends and holidays. Applications are individually evaluated by the Board in order of date received, and processing times can vary based on individual circumstances and volume.
- If you receive a deficiency letter, your 20 business day count restarts when the Board receives your correct and complete documentation.
- Please Note – Incomplete applications may be withdrawn if noted deficiencies are not satisfied within 60 days of said notification. If your application is withdrawn, you will be required to restart the application process to be considered for licensure, to include submission of all required documents and fees.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 >>
Fees
DVM application | $100 |
Exam fee | Submit directly to NBVME |
Reinstatement of expired license | $600 |
Renewal fee | $200 |
Late renewal fee | $300 |
Veterinary Technician Fees | |
Application | $50 |
Exam fee | Submit directly to AAVSB |
Reinstatement of expired license | Must re-apply |
Renewal fee | $70 |
Late renewal fee | $100 |
Veterinary Faculty Fees | |
Application | $10 |
Reinstatement of expired license | Must re-apply |
Renewal fee | $20 |
Late renewal fee | $30 |
Continuing Education Providers | |
Application | $50.00 Per Course |
Renewal (annual) | Must re-apply |
Other fees- payable by separate check or money order | |
Duplicate pocket ID card | $25 |
Decorative wall certificate for DVM | $50 |
Decorative wall certificate for Vet Techs | $50 |
Verification/certification of licensure | $35 |
Processing Fees - Effective 3/15/2022
- Online processing fee: $5.00
- Mail-In processing fee: $10.00
Vet Tech Licensure by Exam
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia and have completed the requirements for Veterinary Technician, apply for Vet Tech licensure.
If you have never been licensed before in the state of Georgia and have completed the requirements for Veterinary Technician, apply for Vet Tech licensure.
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 >>
- Official Transcript
- National Board Scores
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- 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)
Submit a non-refundable application fee of $50. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Vet Tech Reinstatement or Transfer
This application is for licensees whose license has Lapsed or has been previously Revoked or for those who hold or have held a Vet Tech license in another state.
This application is for licensees whose license has Lapsed or has been previously Revoked or for those hold or have held a Vet Tech license in another state.
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 >>
- National Board Scores
- National Board Scores
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Verification of Employment
- Proof of Continuing Education
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $50. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Vet Tech Endorsement Military
If you have never held a Vet Tech license in Georgia, were previously licensed as a Vet Tech in another state and you are a military service member, a transitioning service member, or a military spouse, you will apply for licensure by endorsement.
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 >>
- National Board Scores
- National Board Scores
- Verification of License from all states to which you have ever held a license
- Verification of Employment
- Proof of Continuing Education
- 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)
A non-refundable application fee of $50. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Renewal
If you currently hold a license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal.
If you currently hold a license and need to renew it to keep your license up to date, apply for licensure renewal.
- 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.
A non-refundable application fee of $70 or $100 for late renewal. If applying online, you will be assessed a processing fee of $5.00. If applying by mail, you will be assessed a $10.00 processing fee.
Veterinary Technician Inactive Status
If you are a veterinary technician and want to place your license in an Inactive Status, you will submit this application.
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 >>
- Disciplinary Action/Sanctions (if applicable)
- Court Documents (if applicable)
- Letter of Explanation (if applicable)
- Enrolled in Alternative to Discipline (if applicable)
No fee is associated with this application.
How to File
To file online:
Once your checklist is completed, navigate to GOALS to register and login to the license portal >>
To file by mail:
Please contact us to request a mail-in application.
Contact
Related Resources
- Online Resource American Association of Veterinary State Boards
- Online Resource American Veterinary Medical Association
- Online Resource Georgia Veterinary Medical Association