Kentucky Pharmacist License
Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
IdentoGO (IDEMIA)
Temp License
Not available
See board
What You'll Need
- Certificate of Graduation — Official document from your School of Pharmacy with the University's seal verifying your degree.
- Verification of Intern Hours — Certification of 1,500 intern hours submitted by your school or the Board of Pharmacy where hours were earned.
- Certificate of Moral Character — A reference completed by a colleague, friend, or relative attesting to your character.
- Background Check Results — Fingerprint-based criminal history report processed through IdentoGO.
How to Apply
-
Create a Licensure Gateway Profile ▾Register for an account on the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy Licensure Gateway to manage your application and profile.
-
Register for NAPLEX and MPJE ▾Apply for the NAPLEX and Kentucky MPJE through the NABP website. Ensure your school sends an official transcript to NABP to receive your Authorization to Test (ATT).
Register via NABP -
Submit Initial Application ▾Log in to the Licensure Gateway, select 'Pharmacist Initial Application', and complete the online form.
-
Pay Application Fees ▾Pay the $175 fee (includes $150 application fee and $25 NPDB query fee) through the Licensure Gateway portal.
-
Complete Criminal Background Check ▾Pre-enroll with IdentoGO using Service Code 27GJX1. Schedule an appointment for Livescan fingerprinting.
Schedule Fingerprinting -
Verify Education and Intern Hours ▾Request your School of Pharmacy to submit the Certificate of Graduation and Verification of Intern Hours directly to the Board.
-
Pass Examinations ▾Take and pass both the NAPLEX and the Kentucky MPJE. Scores are typically reported to the Board daily by NABP.
Total Fee
$250
Processing Time
4 to 6 Weeks
Fingerprints
Required
Temp License
Not available
Transfer License
Requirements ▾
Pharmacists licensed in another state can often apply via license transfer (reciprocity) through the NABP, though most states still require passing their specific MPJE.
Steps
-
Pass the Kentucky MPJE ▾Kentucky requires applicants for license transfer to pass the MPJE before submitting the official transfer application.
MPJE Registration -
Submit NABP License Transfer Application ▾Complete the Electronic Licensure Transfer Program (e-LTP) application through NABP.
-
Register on KY Licensure Gateway ▾Create a profile on the Kentucky Board's portal to pay state-specific fees and track status.
-
Pay Reciprocity Fee ▾Pay the $275 fee ($250 application + $25 NPDB query) via the Licensure Gateway.
-
Complete Background Check ▾Submit fingerprints via IdentoGO using Service Code 27GJX1.
IdentoGO Portal
Total Fee
$150
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Compact
No
Board
Kentucky Board of Pharmacy
Keeping Your License Active
Kentucky Pharmacist licenses renew Every 2 years. Contact the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.
Visit board siteFees
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Application | $250 |
| Endorsement application | $250 |
| Fingerprint check | $35-$50 (varies by state) |
| Temporary permit | See board |
| Renewal | 150.0 |
Slow Downs
Transcript Processing Peaks
▾
During May and June, high volumes of graduates cause delays in transcript evaluation by NABP and the Board.
Fingerprint Rejections
▾
Poor quality fingerprint scans can lead to rejections. Using Livescan instead of Cardscan is recommended to minimize this risk.
Incomplete School Certifications
▾
Applications cannot be finalized until the Board receives the official Certificate of Graduation and Intern Hours directly from the school.
Questions
What are the annual CE requirements for Kentucky pharmacists?
▾
Pharmacists must complete 15 contact hours annually between March 1 and February 28. For 2023-2028, at least 1 hour must be related to the opioid epidemic or opioid use disorder.
When does my Kentucky pharmacist license expire?
▾
All pharmacist licenses expire annually on February 28.
How much is the pharmacist license renewal fee?
▾
The annual renewal fee for an active pharmacist license is $105.
Are new graduates exempt from CE in their first year?
▾
Yes, pharmacists newly licensed by examination are exempt from CE requirements for their initial year of licensure.
Can I apply for an inactive license?
▾
Yes, if you do not practice in Kentucky or any other jurisdiction, you may apply for an inactive license for a $10 annual fee.