Licence by endorsement and reciprocity

Holding a licence in one state does not automatically let you practise in another. The destination state's issuing board decides which pathway applies.

What is licensure by endorsement?

Endorsement is an application pathway that can recognise an existing licence and qualifications from another jurisdiction. The destination board may assess whether your education, examination and experience meet its standards. You usually apply for permission in the new state rather than literally transfer the old licence.

How does reciprocity differ?

Reciprocity generally describes an arrangement or legal rule recognising credentials from another jurisdiction. It may simplify an application, but recognition can be limited to particular states, professions or conditions. Boards may use endorsement and reciprocity differently, so neither term guarantees automatic approval or exemption from every requirement.

What might a board ask for?

Depending on the profession and state, an application may require some of the following. These are examples, not requirements inferred from this directory:

• Verification of your existing licence, its status and any disciplinary history, sometimes sent directly by the original board.
• Evidence of education, examination results, professional experience or recent practice.
• Background checks, continuing education, or an exam on the destination state's laws.
• An application, supporting documents and any fee set by the destination board.

A board may still require additional training or an exam, or decide you must use its standard application process. Ask whether any temporary permission is available and do not begin regulated work before you are authorised.

Interstate compacts

Some professions have interstate compacts: agreements enacted by participating states that create a defined pathway for cross-state practice. Depending on the compact, this may involve a multistate licence, a separate privilege to practise, or an expedited process for obtaining another state licence.

Compacts are profession-specific. Membership, eligibility, residency rules and implementation can change, and a state joining a compact does not necessarily mean its pathway is already operational. A compact does not provide unlimited permission to work in every state.

Check the relevant compact's official information and the destination board for current participation, eligibility, application steps and scope of practice. The CareerOneStop records used here do not establish compact eligibility or reciprocity arrangements.

Check before moving

• Find the occupation on the occupation list and review the destination state's records.
• Open the licence page and follow the reported issuing board's website or contact details.
• Ask which endorsement, reciprocity or compact pathway applies to your current licence and planned work.
• Confirm documents, fees, processing times, ongoing obligations and when you may legally start practising.

Not every state reports a complete list of licences. A missing record is not evidence that no licence is needed. For the basics, see what is an occupational licence? and licence vs certification.