Do You Need a Naturopathic Doctor License? State-by-State Guide
Naturopathic doctors practice a form of alternative medicine using natural remedies and holistic approaches. State regulation varies widely — some states grant naturopathic doctors full prescriptive authority, while others do not recognize or regulate the profession at all.
Quick Answer
24 of 51 states require a state-level naturopathic doctor license or certification.
State-by-State Naturopathic Doctor License Requirements
The table below shows whether each state requires a state-level naturopathic doctor license, the regulation level (where available), and a link to the relevant licensing authority.
| State | License Required | Regulation Level | Board Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Alaska | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arizona | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Arkansas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| California | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Colorado | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Connecticut | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Delaware | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| District of Columbia | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Florida | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Georgia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Hawaii | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Idaho | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Illinois | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Indiana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Iowa | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Kansas | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Kentucky | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Louisiana | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Maine | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Maryland | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Massachusetts | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Michigan | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Minnesota | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Mississippi | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Missouri | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Montana | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Nebraska | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Nevada | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| New Hampshire | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New Jersey | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| New Mexico | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| New York | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| North Carolina | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| North Dakota | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Ohio | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Oklahoma | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Oregon | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Pennsylvania | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Rhode Island | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| South Carolina | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| South Dakota | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Tennessee | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Texas | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Utah | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Vermont | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Virginia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Washington | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| West Virginia | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
| Wisconsin | ✓ Required | — | Visit Board |
| Wyoming | ✗ Not Required | — | — |
What If My State Doesn't Require a License?
Even if your state does not mandate a state-level naturopathic doctor license, you may still need to meet local requirements. Many cities and counties impose their own licensing, registration, or permit requirements. Additionally, voluntary certification from professional organizations can enhance your credibility and job prospects. Always check with your local government and relevant professional associations.
How to Get Licensed
If your state requires a naturopathic doctor license, requirements typically include completing an approved education or training program, passing an exam, and submitting an application with applicable fees. Specific requirements vary by state — visit your state's licensing board website (linked in the table above) for detailed information on the application process.
Requirements change — always verify with your state's licensing authority.
Check Your State's Requirements
See the full licensing requirements for your state, including fees, education hours, and exams.