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Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania Medical License Renewal, 2026

Biennial (2 years) renewal through the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State). MD licenses expire December 31 of even-numbered years; DO licenses expire October 31 of even-numbered years. Verified from the board's own pages, August 2026.

Renew at the PA board portal →
Quick Facts: Pennsylvania Medical License Renewal
Medical Board Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State)
Renewal Cycle Biennial (2 years)
CME Hours Required 100 hours
Renewal Fee $360 (MD unrestricted license, 2-year renewal, 49 Pa. Code 16.13); $450 (DO unrestricted license, 2-year renewal, 49 Pa. Code 25.231, rate effective for the Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026 biennium and thereafter). IMLC compact renewals add a $25.00 IMLC fee paid through imlcc.com.
Processing Time Not published
Renewal Due Dec 31 even yrs (MD) / Oct 31 even yrs (DO)
Late fee $5 for each month or part of a month past the renewal date

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i Deadlines, fees, and what happens if you are late

When it is due
Fixed dates in even-numbered years, and the two boards differ: MD licenses expire December 31 of every even-numbered year (except MD Training licenses); DO licenses expire October 31 of every even-numbered year. Current cycle ends 10/31/2026 (DO) and 12/31/2026 (MD). Renewal opens in PALS approximately 60 days before expiration.
Fee
$360 (MD unrestricted license, 2-year renewal, 49 Pa. Code 16.13); $450 (DO unrestricted license, 2-year renewal, 49 Pa. Code 25.231, rate effective for the Nov 1, 2024 to Oct 31, 2026 biennium and thereafter). IMLC compact renewals add a $25.00 IMLC fee paid through imlcc.com.
Late fee
$5 for each month or part of a month past the renewal date (BPOA late-renewal penalty; stated for MDs in 49 Pa. Code 16.15 and for DOs in the 25.231 fee schedule as "Penalty for late biennial renewal, per month or part of month: $5")
If you miss the deadline
No grace period. Failure to pay the biennial renewal fee on time "automatically causes the license... to be placed in an unregistered status," and practice is prohibited while unregistered (49 Pa. Code 16.15). Practicing after expiration incurs the $5/month penalty and can bring disciplinary action or criminal prosecution. Reactivation to active status requires paying current and back registration plus penalty fees, a notarized affidavit covering the non-practice period, a resume of activities, and at least 2 hours of approved child abuse recognition and reporting training. The 2026 BPOA compact renewal guide confirms that missing the deadline means the license expires and a reactivation application is required.
MD vs DO
This state runs separate MD and DO requirements. MD: 100 hours per 2-year cycle: at least 20 hours in Category 1, 12 hours of patient safety, 2 hours of child abuse recognition, 2 hours of pain management, 2 hours of organ and tissue donation. DO: 100 hours per 2-year cycle: at least 20 hours in Category 1, 12 hours of patient safety, 2 hours of child abuse recognition, 2 hours of pain management, 2 hours of organ and tissue donation.

1 Step-by-Step: Renewing Your Pennsylvania Medical License

Follow these steps to renew your medical license with the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State):

  1. Complete your CME for the cycle (100 hours) (see details below)
  2. Log in to the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine (Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, Department of State) renewal portal
  3. Complete the renewal application and answer the attestation questions
  4. Pay the renewal fee ($360 (MD unrestricted license, 2-year renewal, 49 Pa)
  5. Submit and save your confirmation

2 Pennsylvania CME Requirements

MD: 100 hours per 2-year cycle.

DO: 100 hours per 2-year cycle.

Tracking your CME across multiple states is one of the most time-consuming parts of credential management. CredentialDOMD automatically monitors your CME progress and alerts you when you're falling behind, so you never miss a requirement.

3 Common Pitfalls to Avoid

These are the mistakes Pennsylvania physicians most commonly make during renewal:

Track your Pennsylvania license, CME, and DEA in one place

The reminder email above covers this renewal. The app goes further: it watches your PA renewal window, counts your CME hours against the requirement, and tracks your DEA registration alongside your license. Built by a practicing neurosurgeon who uses it daily. Free during beta.

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4 Frequently Asked Questions

When does my Pennsylvania medical license expire? ▾
MD licenses expire December 31 of every even-numbered year (except MD Training licenses); DO licenses expire October 31 of every even-numbered year. The current cycle ends 10/31/2026 for DOs and 12/31/2026 for MDs.
How do I renew, and when can I start? ▾
Renewal is online only at www.pals.pa.gov; there are no paper renewal applications. Renewals open approximately 60 days before the expiration date, and PALS emails you when your renewal is available. The boards also mail notices 2 to 3 months before expiration.
How much does renewal cost? ▾
$360 for an unrestricted MD license and $450 for an unrestricted DO license, each covering the 2-year cycle. IMLC compact licensees pay an additional $25.00 IMLC renewal fee through imlcc.com.
What happens if I miss the deadline? ▾
The license automatically drops to unregistered status and you may not practice. Practicing past the date adds a $5 penalty per month or part of a month and exposes you to discipline or criminal prosecution. Returning requires a reactivation application with current and back fees, a notarized affidavit for the non-practice period, and 2 hours of child abuse recognition CE.
Do I upload my CME certificates with the renewal? ▾
No. You attest to completing the 100 hours; do not upload certificates. The Board audits after the renewal period and proof is only required if you are audited. The exception process for child abuse CE is stricter: the approved provider must report your completion electronically to the Board.
I hold my Pennsylvania license through the IMLC. Anything different? ▾
Yes, it is a two-step process: first submit the Pennsylvania renewal in PALS, then submit the compact renewal at imlcc.com (where the $360 or $450 state fee plus the $25 IMLC fee is paid). Renewing out of order can delay your renewal, and compact application status questions go to the IMLC, not the Board.

Medical License Renewal in Nearby States

CA California License Renewal TX Texas License Renewal FL Florida License Renewal NY New York License Renewal

✓ Where this comes from

From the board's own pages, August 2026. These are the primary sources we read:

Boards change fees and rules; always confirm on the board page before you pay. Report anything out of date to [email protected].

Take this guide with you

Get this guide by email: the Pennsylvania portal link, the renewal fee and deadline, and the full checklist. Free.