Active Military - Temporary License

Temporary licenses are available for the following professionals: physicians, acupuncturists, anesthesiologist assistants, licensed dietitians, genetic counselors, massage therapists, physician assistants, radiologist assistants and respiratory care professionals.

This application is for a temporary license or certificate to practice and is only available to an individual that is on active military duty in Ohio, or the spouse of an individual on active military duty in Ohio. The temporary license or certificate is valid for two years and is not eligible for renewal at the end of the two-year period.

Eligibility

• Must be on active military duty in Ohio or the spouse of an individual on active military duty in Ohio

• Must hold a valid license or certificate to practice issued by another state or jurisdiction

• Current license must be in good standing

Applicants must meet all eligibility requirements at the time an application is submitted. Applications submitted by individuals who do not meet eligibility requirements are subject to denial by the board. 

Criminal Offenses

Q: What must be disclosed on the application regarding arrest/criminal history?

A: If you have ever been arrested, charged, or convicted of a misdemeanor or a felony you must disclose the incident(s) on the application, regardless of whether the criminal records were subsequently sealed or expunged.  This includes serious traffic offenses such as reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, hit and run, evading a peace officer, failure to appear, and driving under suspension. Matters in which you were diverted, deferred, pardoned, or pled nolo contendere must also be disclosed.  If you are in doubt as to how to respond to the application questions, full and honest disclosure is recommended.

To verify your criminal history, the Board requires submission of fingerprints for a criminal records check completed by both the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Both entities maintain records, often beyond the time that courts keep them, and these records will be reported to the Board as a result of the criminal records check.

Failure to provide truthful responses to the questions on the application may result in disciplinary action up to, and including, permanent denial of your application.

Explanatory Statement Disqualifying Offense List 

Disqualifying Offense List 

Request FBI and Ohio BCI Background Record Checks

All applicants for licensure are required to complete an FBI and Ohio BCI criminal records check. The Ohio background check packet and instructions can be found on the board’s website at here. An application is not considered complete until the board has received the results of the criminal records checks.

The board strongly encourages prospective applicants to complete their background checks as soon as they know that they will be applying for Ohio licensure. There is no need to wait until an application is submitted to start the background check process. The board will retain the background check results for up to one year upon receiving them. Once an application has been submitted to the board, its status will be updated to reflect receipt of the results.

• Results MUST be sent directly from the vendor to the State Medical Board of Ohio; the board will not accept results from the applicant or a third party.

• All applicants for licensure are required to complete an FBI and Ohio BCI criminal records check. View instructions in the background check packet or by watching the instructional video. 

Complete and Submit the Ohio Licensure Application

• The Ohio licensure application must be submitted online through eLicense.ohio.gov. Be sure to select "Active Military Temporary" as the application type in the drop-down list.

• There is no cost to apply for this temporary license

• Click here to start the application

​Please note: the Medical Board is unable to confirm receipt of background checks or other supporting documents prior to an application being submitted. 

You may check the status of your application by logging into eLicense and navigating to your license application. Select the Options tab and the Review Status option. Any outstanding items will be listed in the ‘Comments’ section at the bottom of the page.