The Postgraduate Training License (PTL) is now required by the California Medical Board for all physician trainees, including osteopathic physicians. Application for the PTL begins when training at a Board-approved training program is confirmed (i.e. after the Match), completed COMLEX Level 1 and 2, and received comformation of acceptance into an AOA or ACGME-accredited California training program.  The PTL must be obtained within 180 days of enrollment—i.e. during internship.  Housestaff will continue training with the PTL until successful completion of 24 months of training, after which they must apply for the full California medical license.  These regulations started in 2020.

Osteopathic Medical Board Website

Getting your Postgraduate Training License as a DO:

• Information from the Osteopathic Medical Board of California can be found at this website: Osteopathic Postgraduate Training License – Osteopathic Medical Board of California
• Documents required to apply include:
  • Complete application for Osteopathic Physician’s and Surgeon’s Certificate
  • Copy of medical school diploma
  • COMLEX Level 1, 2 CE and PE
  • Certified transcripts
  • Fingerprint clearance
  • Form completed and submitted by residency program confirming acceptance into residency program
  • Non-refundable processing fee
• Cost is $625 in 2025
• Please see this document for a checklist of documents: Osteopathic Postgraduate Training License (Application Information) (Checklist)

Transition from a Postgraduate Training License to a Physician’s and Surgeon’s License

• You need your license during your PGY-2 year before your PTL expires.  Without a license, you cannot practice medicine, therefore cannot get paid.
• The Medical Board of California recommends that you apply for licensure 6-9 months prior to you needing of your license. Therefore the earlier in your PGY-2 year, the better.
• Please read the checklist for further information on what documents you will need. The majority of them will be completed through the PTL process.  

You can check online to see if you have been issued a license number.

FINALLY, keep all of your receipts because your license fees may be tax-deductible. Please speak to the program coordinator to determine if the fees can be re-imbursed.