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As the world of healthcare continues to progress at light speed, migration of healthcare workers from one state to another has become common. Physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and other healthcare workers find themselves migrating for career growth and exploring more opportunities.
Amidst this comes the need to transfer a medical license to another state and unlike credentialing or licensing, the interstate medical license transfer process is not as simple as one might think. The complex nature of medical license transfer can be attributed to strict regulations in each state, with each state in the U.S operating under specific tailored guidelines by the medical licensing boards.
Fortunately, the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) oversees the interstate collaboration with the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) providing the right support. IMLC supports physicians seeking multi-state practice privileges, simplifying interstate licensing, and promoting physician mobility. While FSMB and IMLC back up the medical license transfer process, it cannot be utilized by all physicians and healthcare providers, often resulting in delays in practice setup.
However, physicians who do not qualify for IMLC are not entirely out of options; there are still ways through which they can proceed with the migration. And that is exactly what this blog will be about. From all the important details related to the interstate medical license transfer process, timelines, costs, common challenges, and how you can fast-track the process.
Whether you are looking for an interstate medical license transfer process independently or a professional service, this blog will help you figure out the best possible option.
Can You Transfer a Medical License to Another State?
Transferring your medical license to another state is possible, but it is not that easy. The common misconception that transferring your medical license is simply “transferring” to another state board is highly misleading.
Medical licenses are state-specific, and each state has an independent licensing authority for that issuing, renewing, and denying medical licenses to providers. So, if you are thinking of shifting to another state or beginning a new practice, you must apply through any of the following:
- License by Endorsement: This is best for when you permanently move to a new state or expand to a specific state. For physicians who are already licensed without any disciplinary violations and exemplary status, license by endorsement is a suitable option as they will not need to apply from scratch since the new state you are shifting to will accept the existing credentials, exam scores, and background verifications.
- Reciprocity: For physicians who will be practicing between two states can opt for reciprocity, as there will be a mutual recognition agreement already in place. The reciprocity agreement is maintained between two state medical boards, where the licenses in the previous states are honored. Although it requires minimal paperwork, it is less common than license by endorsement.
- IMLC Pathway: Healthcare providers seeking a quick license transfer can opt for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. The fastest way to get licensed in another state, IMLC has a standardized licensing process in place for physicians. The IMLC pathway for transferring medical licenses is fitting for telehealth, locum tenens, or multistate practices simultaneously.
Methods to Transfer a Medical License
With the complexities attached to medical license transferring, it is important to be aware of the different methods to transfer a medical license that streamline the state medical board license transfer.
License by Endorsement
One of the most common methods to transfer medical licenses to another state, license by endorsement or licensure by endorsement, is suitable for qualified, fully licensed physicians. When transferring through the license-by-endorsement method, instead of repeating the application process for a new state, your original medical license (in the previous state) is verified. When compared to the traditional application process, license-by-endorsement is much quicker.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, endorsed by the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB), simplifies the license transferring process for healthcare providers. Streamlined and expedited, this one requires physicians to hold full licensure in a Compact member state and meet the education, background, and practice criteria.
IMLCs can be a convenient choice for physicians practicing across multiple states, as they are significantly faster.
Traditional Application Process
If you are professionally migrating to a state that is not a member of the IMLC, you will be required to adopt the traditional application process. Unlike license-by-endorsement and IMLC, the traditional process is not inclusive, meaning; it must be done adhering to the state-specific application process, which varies from one state to another. Physicians will be required to submit a new application, undergo background and credential checks, and verifications through the National Practitioner Data Bank and the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) for international medical graduates.
Step-by-Step Process to Transfer a Medical License
Transferring a medical license across states under the state medical board license transfer process is a seven-step process. medic Physicians who want to apply for a medical license in another state must confirm state-specific eligibility, existing licensure, verifications, and board approvals.
Here is a step-by-step process to transfer a medical license that is easy to understand and help navigate the journey for physicians:
Step 1: Check Eligibility Requirements
To initiate an interstate medical license transfer process, the specific licensure requirements for each state must be reviewed. Check whether the destination state board has licensure by endorsement or other methods to transfer a medical license, which is usually available on the official websites. It may include specific USMLE/COMLEX exam requirements, license status, and verifications, malpractice history, among others.
Step 2: Verify Current License Status
Ensure your current license is active and exemplary, with no restrictions or pending disciplinary actions.
Step 3: Submit Application to New State Board
Once you complete the application online through the state board’s website, the next most important step is uploading the necessary documents and other important information.
Step 4: Primary Source Verification (PSV)
Here, you can opt for a service like the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) to carry out the primary source verification process. Aspects such as education, practice, and work history will be cross verified with your past educational and professional institutions.
Step 5: NPDB & Background Check
Through the National Practitioner Data Bank, the state board will review your disciplinary records and check for malpractice history and violations.
Step 6: Pay State Fees
The next step is paying the application, licensing, and background check fees. The state fees vary as per the state boards and are all non-refundable.
Step 7: Wait for Board Approval
The board can take up to 4 weeks (IMLC) to 6 weeks (traditional process) in reviewing the application. Once the process is complete and accepted, you will receive an approval notification from the board.
What Are the Required Documents for License Transfer?
Certain documents are important in the medical license transferring process, with the primary-source-verified application being the most important. While the requirements can vary state by state; the medical license transferring process requires submitting proof of existing licenses, education, and licensing exam scores.
The required documentation checklist:
- Medical school transcripts: Official school documents verifying your degree and graduation information
- USMLE/COMLEX scores: Exam score transcripts from the Federation of State Medical Boards or the American Medical Association
- ECFMG certificate (for IMGs): International graduates must provide proof of Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates certification
- Board certification: Proof of current certifications, as per the state board’s requirements
- Work history: Detailed work and training history should be submitted with a chronologically maintained report detailing residency, fellowship, and employment
- Malpractice claims history: Disclosing any disciplinary actions or malpractice claims, lawsuits, settlements from all the states where the practice were conducted
- NPDB self-query: Submit a National Practitioner Data Bank report of malpractice claims, adverse actions, or settlements, all of which undergo verifications to establish authenticity
How Long Does It Take to Transfer a Medical License?
In general, to transfer medical licenses to another state in the U.S, it takes 3 to 6 months for standard applications. However, the timeline is dependent on the specific medical license companies transfer requirements in each state and can differ accordingly.
So, how long does it take to transfer a medical license? Check out this table for an easier perception:
| License Type | Average Processing Time | Verdict |
| IMLC | 2–6 weeks | Fastest route if you meet eligibility |
| Endorsement (traditional) | 2–4 months | Varies by board responsiveness |
| Full reapplication (non-IMLC) | 3–6 months | Includes primary source verifications |
If the application is straightforward, that is, it does not have any complications, IMLC is the fastest way to get licensed in another state.
What is the Cost to Transfer a Medical License?
The total cost to transfer a medical license from one state to other ranges from $500 to $1000. This average costing is to highlight that the license transfer charges can differ between states, with respect to the medical board, the licensing pathway, and services. Using a professional medical licensing service can help you not just cut hours managing documents and running behind deadlines; it also helps prevent resubmissions that add to the total cost.
Here is the basic medical license transfering rates for your better understanding:
- State application fee: $250 – $600
- Credential verification: $75 – $200
- NPDB self-query: $5 – $10
- Background check: $50 – $100
- IMLC processing fee: $700 (approximate)
- Licensing service provider: $500 – $1000 (approximate)
What are the Common Challenges Physicians Face?
Coming across challenges during the medical license transfer process is not uncommon. However, these challenges can delay the entire process, extending the timeline from just weeks to months.
Look at some of the common challenges physicians face during the interstate medical license transfer process:
- Delays in primary source verification: When transferring a license from one state to another, your training, education, and employment credentials must be directly confirmed by the original institutions/sources. Delayed responses from schools or previous employers are among the most common challenges physicians face.
- NPDB issues and malpractice documentation: The state records and the National Practitioner Data Bank self-query should be matched; even a minor error or discrepancy can trigger reviews and resubmissions.
- Disciplinary history: Explanation letters and supporting documents must be submitted for unresolved disciplinary issues. Failure to report disciplinary history can result in denial or rejection.
- Expired CME: Expired Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits can halt the transfer process, as most state boards mandate 20-50 hours of CME in the past 2 years. All board certification updates should be submitted.
If you want a smooth interstate medical license transfer, make sure to review all documentation and requirements to reduce approval time. Choosing a professional licensing firm can significantly help you overcome challenges of this nature.
What are the Benefits of Using a Medical Licensing Service?
Turning to a professional licensing service to manage the transfer of your medical license can be a smart move. Why? Let us explain. The licensure process is not easy, and transferring a medical license from one state to another can be overwhelming. These licensing service providers, such as Credex Healthcare, act as the middlemen between you and the state boards, basically advocating for you and coordinating with the Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) and individual state boards.
7,000+ physicians choose Credex Healthcare. Here’s why:
- First-time approval success: Credex Healthcare has a 99% first-time approval streak; our team of experts helps eliminate 90% of rejection triggers, resulting in quicker approvals.
- Compliance tracking for multiple states: With a proven track record of successfully managing interstate applications, we help monitor board requirements, deadlines, and renewals across state borders.
- Attractive costing: With competitive pricing compared to DIY and other service providers, with no hidden charges.
- Zero administrative workload: Invest your time in patient care and practice, while the experts handle time-consuming documentation and follow-up.
- Fast-tracked process: With experts reviewing documents upfront, streamlining the process, and directly handling remarry source requests to previous schools, past employers, and the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), you save time on verification delays and re-submissions.
Schedule A Free Credex Healthcare Consultation Today
State-Specific Variations: What You Should Know
According to the latest updates, medical licensing in the U.S is primarily influenced by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC). With specialized telemedicine rules and state-specific regulations in place, there are significant differences in the physician license reciprocity and medical license endorsement process.
- IMLC States: Texas, Arizona, Michigan, Wisconsin, and most others offer expedited processing, estimating between 2–6 weeks, with stated shared verifications allowed.
- Non-IMLC States: California requires PGY-1 in-state; New York requires immigration status; Florida has strict malpractice standards; and the Alaska board requires comprehensive applications.
- Special Telemedicine Rules: States like Florida and Georgia issue expedited telehealth licenses; others, like California, limit out-of-state practice without full licensure.
FAQs
Is a medical license transfer automatic?
No medical license transfer is not an automatic process. You must specifically apply to the medical board.
What is license by endorsement?
License by endorsement or licensure by endorsement is a process where an existing medical license can help you qualify faster for a new one in another state. However, verification steps still apply based on the process.
How does IMLC work?
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) fast-tracks the license transferring process for qualified physicians. It allows physicians to apply for multiple state licenses through a single process.
Can I practice while my application is pending?
A: Generally, no. You cannot practice medicine while your application is pending. But if you are applying for licensure by endorsement, some states offer temporary permits.
Do I need to retake USMLE?
No. If your existing scores and credentials meet the new state’s minimum standards, you do not have to retake the USMLE or COMLEX.
How many states are in IMLC?
According to the latest 2026 update, 42 U.S. states, along with the District of Columbia and Guam, are members of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC).
What if I have a disciplinary history?
You can still apply for a medical license and license transfer if you have a disciplinary action. However, you must disclose all details to the state board.
Conclusion
To transfer a medical license to another state, you need proper documentation, planning, and above all – patience. With delays, errors, and rejections being common hurdles in medical licensing, whether through license by endorsement, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), or professional service providers, make sure you understand the process well before you apply.
So, if you are ready to fast-track your practice of expansion, act now. Contact Credex Healthcare, a top medical licensing specialist, for your medical licensing journey!
