Physicians seeking medical licensure in Colorado apply through the Colorado Medical Board. The board uses the FSMB Uniform Application and requires credentials verification through FCVS. The board advises allowing 60 days for processing a completed application. Colorado is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), offering an expedited pathway for eligible physicians already licensed in other compact states.
This guide covers the Colorado physician licensing process for locum tenens applicants applying by endorsement, including application steps, fees, temporary license availability, prescriptive authority, and renewal.
Colorado Medical Board Contact Information
Colorado Medical Board
Address: 1560 Broadway, Suite 1350, Denver, CO 80202
Phone: (303) 894-7800
Email: [email protected]
Physician Licensing Contact: Stephanie Luethy — (303) 894-7851 | [email protected]
Website: Colorado PA Applications
Colorado PA-C Licensing: At a Glance
| Credential Name | Physician License (MD or DO) |
|---|---|
| Issuing Board | Colorado Medical Board |
| Application Method | Online portal (apps2.colorado.gov/dora/licensing/default.aspx) |
| Application Fee | $362 (nonrefundable) |
| Temporary License | Available. Up to 180 days. Issued to applicants with a valid, unrestricted license in another state. Not renewable or extendable. |
| Processing Timeline | Allow 60 days for processing a completed application. Applications reviewed in order received. |
| IMLC Member | Yes. Colorado is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. |
| Renewal | 2-year license term. Expires end of licensee’s birth month. |
| CME | 50 hours Category I CME every 2 years (at least 25 hours specialty-related; up to 10 hours in ethics). |
Physician License Application
Colorado physician license applications are submitted through the state online licensing portal. Both the FSMB Uniform Application (UA) and FCVS credentials verification are required. The $412 application fee is nonrefundable and nontransferable, paid by credit card through the portal.
Applications are processed in the order received. The board advises allowing 60 days for processing a completed application. Submitting all required documents promptly and following instructions carefully helps avoid delays.
Licensing Fees
All fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- Physician application and initial license fee: $362
Contact the board directly to confirm current fees, as they may change and are not publicly posted.
Licensing Timeline
The Colorado Medical Board advises allowing 60 days for processing a completed application. Applications are reviewed in the order received. Timelines can vary based on the complexity of an applicant’s work history, the number of licenses held in other states or territories, FCVS processing time, and whether any disciplinary history or malpractice claims are disclosed.
FCVS credentials verification is typically the longest step for applicants who have not previously used the service. Initiating FCVS early — before or alongside the UA submission — is the most effective way to avoid delays.
Tip: Submit all supporting documents promptly and in accordance with checklist instructions. Incomplete applications cause processing delays and do not move forward until complete.
Temporary License
Colorado offers a temporary medical license for qualified applicants. The temporary license is valid for up to 180 days and is issued to physicians who hold a valid, unrestricted medical license in another state and meet all other Colorado licensure requirements.
Important: The Colorado temporary medical license is not renewable or extendable. It is intended to allow a physician to practice while the full licensure process is completed, not as a standalone short-term license. Physicians must complete the full application process before the temporary license expires.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for a Colorado physician license by endorsement, applicants must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted license in another U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia
- Have completed a minimum of 1 year of ACGME or AOA-accredited postgraduate training
- Have passed a recognized licensing examination (USMLE, COMLEX, NBME, FLEX, or equivalent)
- Disclose all disciplinary actions, malpractice judgments, and criminal convictions, subject to board review
Supporting Documents
The following are required for a complete Colorado physician endorsement application:
- FCVS profile: Submitted electronically to the Colorado Medical Board. Required for all applicants.
- FSMB Uniform Application (UA): Submitted online with payment of applicable fees.
- Verification of licensure: Primary source verification of all licenses held. All documents must be sent directly from the primary source — applicant-submitted copies are not accepted.
- Postgraduate training verification: Verification of ACGME or AOA-accredited training from the program directly.
- Three professional references: From physician colleagues. Specific format and submission instructions are provided in the application checklist.
- Notarized affidavit: Must be notarized before submission.
- Passport-style photograph: Recent photo required.
- Colorado Criminal History Disclosure form: Completed and submitted with the application. A background check is conducted.
- Disciplinary disclosure documentation: Required for any investigations, adverse actions, or malpractice history.
Fingerprinting
Colorado requires electronic fingerprint submission for background checks processed by the Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Fingerprints must be submitted electronically through one of two approved vendors under the Colorado Applicant Background Services (CABS) program:
Important: Do not submit fingerprints until you are ready to submit your application. The Colorado Division of Professions and Occupations (DPO) must receive the results of both the CBI and FBI background checks before a license can be issued.
For current vendor links and enrollment instructions, visit the Colorado Physician Applications page.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Colorado is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), which offers an expedited pathway to licensure for eligible physicians already licensed in another IMLC member state. Eligible physicians may apply through the compact at a reduced fee compared to the standard application.
To be eligible, a physician must hold a full, unrestricted medical license in an IMLC member state of principal licensure and meet the compact’s eligibility requirements. More information and the compact application are available at https://imlcc.com/.
DEA Registration
Physicians who plan to prescribe controlled substances in Colorado must hold a DEA registration listing a Colorado address. DEA registration is not a prerequisite for the medical license but must be in place before prescribing begins on an assignment.
For locum tenens work, there are two options: obtain a separate DEA registration for Colorado, or transfer an existing DEA registration to a Colorado address before the assignment starts. Both are managed through the DEA Diversion Control Division website. Transfers can take up to five business days — plan accordingly when scheduling assignment start dates.
License Renewal and Continuing Education
Colorado physician licenses have a 2-year term and expire at the end of the licensee’s birth month. For example, a physician born in May will have a license that expires on May 31 of the renewal year. Renewal is managed through the state licensing portal.
CME requirements for renewal:
- 50 hours of Category I CME every 2 years
- At least 25 hours must be specialty-related
- Up to 10 hours may be in ethics
Physicians must attest to CME completion at the time of renewal. Verify current CME requirements at here.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long does it take to get a Colorado physician license?
The Colorado Medical Board advises allowing 60 days for processing a completed application. Timelines vary based on work history complexity, FCVS processing time, number of prior licenses, and whether any disciplinary history is disclosed. FCVS credentials verification is typically the longest step for first-time FCVS applicants. Submitting all documents promptly and initiating FCVS early helps avoid delays.
Does Colorado offer a temporary medical license?
Yes. Colorado offers a temporary medical license valid for up to 180 days for physicians who hold a valid, unrestricted license in another state and meet all other Colorado licensure requirements. The temporary license is not renewable or extendable and is intended to allow practice while the full license application is being processed.
What are the application fee requirements for a Colorado physician license?
The standard application and initial license fee is $362, paid by credit card through the online portal. All fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Verify current fees at the Colorado Medical Board website before applying, as they can change.
Can I use the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) for Colorado licensure?
Yes. Colorado is a member of the IMLC, which provides an expedited pathway to licensure for eligible physicians already licensed in another compact member state. Eligibility requires holding a full, unrestricted license in an IMLC member state of principal licensure. More information is available at imlcc.com.
What documents are required for a Colorado physician endorsement application?
Required documents include: FCVS profile, FSMB Uniform Application, primary source verification of all licenses, postgraduate training verification, three professional references, a notarized affidavit, a passport-style photograph, a completed Colorado Criminal History Disclosure form, and documentation of any disciplinary or malpractice history. All documents must be submitted directly from the primary source — applicant-submitted copies are not accepted.
What are Colorado’s CME requirements for physician license renewal?
Colorado requires 50 hours of Category I CME every 2 years. At least 25 of those hours must be specialty-related, and up to 10 hours may be in ethics. Physicians attest to completion at renewal. Licenses renew on a 2-year cycle, expiring at the end of the licensee’s birth month.
Is fingerprinting required for Colorado physician licensure?
Yes. Colorado requires electronic fingerprint submission for CBI and FBI background checks through the CABS program. Fingerprints must be submitted through an approved vendor — either IdentoGO or American Bioidentity/Colorado Fingerprinting. Do not submit fingerprints until ready to apply, as DPO must receive both background check results before issuing a license.
Does a Colorado physician need a DEA registration?
Yes, if prescribing controlled substances. A DEA registration listing a Colorado address must be in place before prescribing begins on an assignment. For locum tenens work, physicians can either obtain a separate Colorado DEA registration or transfer an existing registration to Colorado before the assignment starts. Transfers take up to five business days.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
IT‘S TIME TO START YOUR LIFE’S
NEXT CHAPTER
Rediscover your love for medicine, and redefine what service means. Reset your expectations for what life can offer, and reinvigorate yourself in this beautiful country of ours. Wilderness Medical Staffing wants to put you on the path to life’s next chapter today.
Wilderness Medical Staffing (WMS) is a team of experienced staffing experts. We provide locum tenens staffing of physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and CRNAs. We specialize in placing excellent, compassionate providers in rural clinics, hospitals, and communities across the continental Northwest and Alaska.
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