Optometrists wishing to obtain a license to practice optometry in North Dakota must submit, in writing, a letter to the Secretary of the Board asking for an application form. No other form of request will be honored. Applicants for optometry licenses must:

• Be of legal age
• Have attended high school for four years or have the equivalent of such an education.
• Be a graduate of an optometry school or college accredited by the council on optometric education of the American Optometric Association.
• Have passed all three parts of the National Board of Examiners in Optometry tests
• Have passed the North Dakota Jurisprudence Examination, issued by the NBEO.
• Have properly and completely filled out all of the necessary application documents as established by the Secretary of the Board, including payment of all application and license fees.

• Certified copies of all NBEO scores
• Certified copies of all optometry transcripts, including proof of graduation
• A certified birth certificate
• Two letters of recommendation
• A check made out to the North Dakota State Board of Optometry in the amount of $175.00. This fee includes an application fee of 125.00, a certificate fee of 25.00, and an administrative fee of 25.00.

• Having practiced optometry in another state for a minumum of five years, and has presented to the Board a certified copy issued to him by that state where the requirements for license are equivalent to those of North Dakota, and where like privileges are accorded to holders of licenses issued in this state.
• Having properly and completely filled out all of the necessary application documents as established by the Secretary of the Board, including payment of all application and license fees.
• Having passed the North Dakota Jurisprudence test issued by the ND State Board of Optometry.

License Verification

Under the Open records Act, written verification of an optometrist's current license status may be provided by the Board. The Board charges an administration fee of $25.00, which must be submitted prior to verification. Information included in the verification may include name, license number, license status, and dates of license or renewal dates. To obtain verification, please forward a written request along with the $25.00 administration fee to the Secretary of the Board. This site is updated on a weekly basis, so licenses may be verified by using the Certified Optometrist Directory on this web site.

Rules and Regulations

North Dakota laws covering optometrists are found in the North Dakota Century Code, Chapter 43-13. Copies of these laws together with the current Rules and Regulations adopted by the North Dakota State Board of Optometry, are available in pamphlet form as published by the North Dakota Board of Optometry. To obtain copies, forward a written request and a check for $25.00 per copy to the Secretary of the Board.

Additional Information

Computer printout lists as well as pressure sensitive mailing labels are also available from the Board. These lists would include name, mailing addresses, license numbers, date of birth, and/or renewal dates. To obtain lists or labels, submit your request in writing to the Secretary of the Board. Fees must be paid in advance. The Board charges an administrative fee of $25.00 for mailing lists, and $50.00 for each set of pressure sensitive mailing labels. Enclose a check payable to the North Dakota State Board of Optometry with your request. Make sure your request is specific as to which type of information you need.