Most Physicians and Health Care Professional really do not understand how the registration process with the DEA works. Because of this we have prepared an article that provides a clear explanation of the DEA Registration Process. The DEA Number cannot be issued until the Physician has been issued the Full Medical License in the State where he/she will be practicing medicine. In the event that the State where the Physician will be practicing requires that the Physician have a State Controlled Substance Number, then the DEA will require that this number be issued before the DEA number can be issued. Here is a list of State which require a Controlled Substance Number:

Once the Physician has one or both numbers then the application can be filed with the DEA. The DEA requires a processing time of 3 to 6 weeks for all applications. The application is submitted to the Central Processing Office in Washington D.C.  From there it is forwarded by the DEA to the Regional DEA office in the applicants jurisdiction. If no issues are present then the local office will mail the certificate directly to the Work Addres of the applicant.