Credentialing & Licensing

Interstate Medical Licensure Compact states list and guide for 2024

October 28, 2024
Graphic depiction of IMLC states with a photo of a physician overlaid

Last updated Oct. 29, 2024 — New Jersey has implemented the compact and Florida's implementation is in process.

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) makes the process for obtaining a medical license in 40 U.S. states and one territory simpler if you already hold your primary license in one of the participating states. The IMLC creates another pathway for licensure and does not otherwise change a state's existing Medical Practice Act. The IMLC also adopts a uniform and stringent standard for licensure and affirms that the practice of medicine occurs where the patient is located at the time of the physician-patient encounter. Upon licensure via the IMLC, the physician will be under the jurisdiction of the medical board in the state where the patient is located.

States currently accepting applications for expedited licensure

There are currently 40 states and one territory accepting applications for expedited licensure:

  • Alabama

  • Arizona

  • Colorado

  • Connecticut*

  • Delaware

  • District of Columbia

  • Georgia

  • Guam

  • Idaho

  • Illinois

  • Indiana

  • Iowa

  • Kansas

  • Kentucky

  • Louisiana

  • Maine

  • Maryland

  • Michigan

  • Minnesota

  • Mississippi

  • Missouri

  • Montana

  • Nebraska

  • Nevada

  • New Hampshire

  • New Jersey

  • North Dakota

  • Ohio

  • Oklahoma

  • South Dakota

  • Tennessee

  • Texas

  • Utah

  • Vermont*

  • Washington

  • West Virginia

  • Wisconsin

  • Wyoming

Map of US with 2024's list of IMLC member states

*Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Vermont are not considered “States of Principle Licensure.” This means you cannot enter into the compact through a CT, PA, or VT license. However, you can get a license issued for these states through the compact once you have entered into the compact via another State of Principle Licensure.

Don't go it alone: 4 reasons to use a staffing agency to look for your next physician job

Future state board participation:

The following states and districts have passed legislation to be part of the compact, but implementation has been delayed or is in progress. Questions regarding the current status and extent of these states’ and boards’ participation in the IMLC should be directed to the respective state boards:

  • Florida

  • Hawaii

  • Rhode Island

The following states have introduced legislation to join the compact:

  • Massachusetts

  • North Carolina

  • New York

IMLC quick facts

  • Average number of licenses obtained: 3

  • Approval rate for applicants: 90%

  • Average wait time for license: 19 days

  • Percent of licenses available within a week: 51%

Qualification for Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)

To determine if you qualify to participate in this program, review the requirements on the IMLC's qualification page or check out the video below.

Where to go for help

For more instructional videos on how the IMLC works, view CompHealth's IMLC video playlist on YouTube or click on the links below:

For more information about the compact, visit the IMLCC’s website at https://imlcc.org.

If you're interested in assistance in obtaining licensure through the compact, please reach out to your CompHealth representative or call our licensing department at 800.328.3065.

Looking for a new job or your next locum tenens assignment in another state? Check out our physician job openings, many of which are in IMLC member states.

Recommended Articles

October 31st, 2023
October 31st, 2023
locum-physician-in-office
Working Locum Tenens How does locum tenens pay and salary work for physicians?
Answers to commonly asked questions about locum tenens pay and salary for physicians.
Answers to commonly asked questions about locum tenens pay and salary for physicians.
June 29th, 2023
June 29th, 2023
Physician on computer applying for NPI number
Credentialing & Licensing How to apply for a National Provider Identifier number
The NPI is a unique, government-issued, standard identification number for individual providers and healthcare organizations.
The NPI is a unique, government-issued, standard identification number for individual providers and healthcare organizations.
June 16th, 2021
June 16th, 2021
Physician on a laptop applying for a state medical license
Credentialing & Licensing How to get a state medical license
Getting a state medical license can be complicated. This helpful guide will help make obtaining your medical license faster and easier.
Getting a state medical license can be complicated. This helpful guide will help make obtaining your medical license faster and easier.

About the Author

Chad Saley

Chad Saley

See all articles from this author