Transfer a Veterinary License to Missouri

Verified July 2026 · 30 official sources

Cheap, with a law exam for everyone

Missouri is the bargain of the map: $200 to apply by reciprocity (licensed one year elsewhere qualifies under the new universal-recognition law) and just $60 a year to keep. Everyone, even 30-year veterans, takes the Missouri State Board Exam, but it's open book, online, 50 questions at 70 percent. No fingerprints. A $25 supervised provisional license bridges the wait. One sharp edge: Missouri accepts ECFVG only, not PAVE, for foreign-trained vets.

First year: about $320Renewal: $60 / yr (cheapest anywhere)Wait: ~60 days + the exam stepWork while waiting: Yes, $25 supervised provisionalTravel required: None (online exam)

What carries over to Missouri, and what does not

Comes with you

Your license (1+ year) via universal recognition
Your NAVLE/NBE+CCT score via VAULT Basic
12+ months of practice (waives the internship)

New for this state

Missouri State Board Exam: 50 questions, open book, online, 70%
PAPER transcript direct from your school (no electronic)
Verifications from every state ever licensed
Two signed passport photos + notarized disclosures

Working in Missouri without a Missouri license

To advise another vet Free to give advice or demonstrate techniques to Missouri vets. Working hands-on in a consulting capacity requires the Missouri vet's IMMEDIATE supervision (physically within sight and hearing), and the Missouri vet keeps the case.

For visits or one-time work Two narrow tools: the $25 temporary license covers ONE named animal owner's animals for 120 days (one 90-day extension), and the $25 provisional license lets you practice under a Missouri supervisor while your full application pends. General relief shifts need the full license, which is at least cheap.

For remote care Missouri license required: rendering an opinion or treatment for a Missouri patient from out of state is expressly defined as practicing across state lines. Exception: consulting where a Missouri vet keeps ultimate authority. The vet-client relationship requires an exam or premises visits.

Your send-off checklist

YOUApply in MOPRO (reciprocity route) with photos and any notarized explanations. $200 Apply (MOPRO)

YOUR SCHOOLYour school mails the official PAPER transcript with seal directly (electronic transcripts rejected).

STATE BOARDSEvery state ever licensed sends verification directly; your current state also certifies your requirements and good standing. (From Pennsylvania: PALS, $15.) PALS portal

YOUOrder VAULT Basic; Missouri accepts only the score from AAVSB, nothing more. $105 AAVSB VAULT

YOUOptional: file the $25 provisional license with a Missouri supervisor and work while you wait. $25

YOUWhen your file is approved, take the online open-book State Board Exam with your PIN (70% to pass; fail twice and later attempts are proctored in Jefferson City).

Where documents go. Apply in MOPRO or mail to PO Box 633, Jefferson City. Third parties direct: school (PAPER transcript only), AAVSB (score via VAULT Basic; Missouri doesn't take Premium), each state board, AVMA letter for ECFVG holders.

The money

Application + reciprocity fee	$200
Provisional license (optional)	$25
Score transfer (VAULT Basic)	$105
VER
TOTAL First year, typical	~$320
Then: renewal every year	$60

Watch out in Missouri

Two reciprocity standards coexist: the application says 1 year licensed; the old rule says 5 consecutive years. Short practice histories should confirm in writing.
Missouri doesn't participate in VAULT Premium: AAVSB sends only your score, and you assemble transcripts and verifications yourself.
Paper-only transcripts (no electronic), two signed passport photos, notarized explanations: old-school paperwork.
Practicing before the license (or provisional) issues is explicit grounds for denial, and the $200 late-renewal penalty is over three years of renewal fees.

After you are licensed

Renew every November 30 for $60, the cheapest upkeep in the country. CE is 10 hours a year; RACE counts; up to 10 excess hours carry forward.
Facilities need their own permit ($100, then $35 a year, renewing March 31) with a vet-in-charge regularly on site.
Foreign-trained colleagues take note: ECFVG only; PAVE is not accepted.

Official links for Missouri

Board. Missouri Veterinary Medical Board · Portal. MOPRO portal · Phone. 573-751-0031

Keep going

The veterinary planner, which builds a plan across several states at once.
What transfers when you move a veterinary license, covering NAVLE, VAULT and DEA.
All three professions we cover.

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