Indiana Veterinary Licensing Explained: Odd Year Vet Renewals, Even Year RVT Renewals and the Self Study Limits

Indiana is one of the few states where veterinarians and technicians renew on different years and different dates: veterinarians on October 15 of odd numbered years, registered veterinary technicians on January 1 of even numbered years. Add a self study limit that confuses many licensees, and Indiana's rules are worth reading carefully.

Who regulates veterinary medicine in Indiana

The Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners licenses veterinarians and registers veterinary technicians, with administrative support from the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (PLA). The rules are in Title 888 of the Indiana Administrative Code, and the practice act is IC 25-38.1. Licenses are managed and verified through the state's online licensing system, mylicense.in.gov.

Indiana's technician credential is the registered veterinary technician (RVT). Purdue University, home of Indiana's veterinary college, describes the usual route: an AVMA accredited program and the VTNE. See our VTNE guide.

Two renewal calendars

The veterinarians' last renewal was October 15, 2025, and the next is October 15, 2027. Technicians' next renewal is January 1, 2028.

Continuing education

Under 888 IAC 1.1-10-1:

• Veterinarians: 40 clock hours in the area of veterinary medicine for each two year renewal.
• RVTs: 16 clock hours for each two year renewal.
• No CE is required for the year in which a license or registration is first issued. The Indiana VMA explains what that means in practice: a veterinarian first licensed in the first year of the cycle needed only 20 hours, and one licensed in the second year needed none.
• Hours cannot be carried over from one renewal period to the next.

Online CE versus self study

This is where Indiana confuses people. The Indiana VMA, quoting the board, explains the difference:

• "Online" is just a delivery method. There is no limit on online hours for veterinarians, as long as the course comes from a provider the board pre approves.
• "Self study" is about who approved the course, not how it is delivered. Courses from providers that are not pre approved count as self study, must include a written exam or post evaluation with a certificate, and are limited to 10 hours for veterinarians and 4 hours for RVTs per period.

So a RACE approved webinar is online CE with no limit; an unapproved online course with a quiz is self study and counts against the cap.

Audits

About 10% of veterinarians are randomly audited for CE each renewal. Notices go by email, so keep your email current with the board. Do not send certificates unless asked.

Controlled substance registrations

Indiana veterinarians who handle controlled substances hold an Indiana Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) in addition to a federal DEA registration. CSRs renew on the same October 15 date as veterinary licenses and are handled by the PLA. The Indiana VMA noted that the opioid prescribing CE requirement tied to CSR renewal ended when its statute expired on July 1, 2025.

Changes ahead

The Indiana VMA reported that the board is in rulemaking to modernize the practice act, including fees, fines and continuing education, with a special rulemaking meeting held on November 13, 2025. Check the board's current rules before your next renewal.

How to verify an Indiana license

Use the state's license search on mylicense.in.gov. Search by name or license number, confirm the type (veterinarian or RVT) and read the status and expiration. Remember the different calendars: a technician's registration expires on January 1, not October 15. See how to verify a veterinary license.

How Zuse helps

Zuse Hire shows Indiana practices the licensed veterinarians and RVTs nearby, checked against the state record. On Zuse Talent, Indiana veterinarians and technicians can claim their license and browse vet tech jobs and veterinarian jobs with pay shown.

Sources

• Indiana Administrative Code, 888 IAC 1.1-10-1, Continuing education requirements
• Indiana Veterinary Medical Association, Veterinary license renewal (2025)
• Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, What does it take to be a vet tech in Indiana?

Rules are being updated. Confirm the current requirements with the Indiana Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners.

FAQ

When do Indiana veterinary licenses expire?

Veterinarian licenses expire on October 15 of odd numbered years. Registered veterinary technician registrations expire on January 1 of even numbered years.

How much CE do Indiana veterinarians need?

Forty hours every two years, with no limit on online hours from pre approved providers and no more than 10 hours of self study.

How much CE do Indiana RVTs need?

Sixteen hours every two years, with no more than 4 hours of self study.

What is the difference between online CE and self study in Indiana?

Online is a delivery method. Self study means the course comes from a provider the board has not pre approved; it needs a test or evaluation and certificate, and is capped.

Do Indiana veterinarians need a separate controlled substance registration?

Yes. An Indiana Controlled Substance Registration, renewed on October 15 with the veterinary license, in addition to a DEA registration.