What Physicians Need to Know
For physicians who practice telemedicine, work as locum tenens providers, or deliver care across state lines, obtaining medical licenses in multiple states can be complex and time-consuming. Each state medical board maintains its own application requirements, documentation standards, background checks, and processing timelines.
To help address these challenges, many states participate in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)—an agreement designed to streamline the process of obtaining medical licenses in multiple states for qualified physicians.
Understanding how the IMLC works and whether you qualify can significantly reduce administrative burden and help physicians expand their practice across state lines more efficiently.
What Is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) is an agreement among participating U.S. states that provides an expedited pathway for physicians to obtain medical licenses in multiple states.
It is important to understand that the Compact does not create a national medical license. Instead, it simplifies and accelerates the application process for physicians who meet the eligibility criteria established by the Compact.
Once eligibility is verified, physicians may request licenses from participating states through a streamlined system. Each participating state ultimately issues its own full and unrestricted medical license, and each license remains subject to that state's regulations, renewal requirements, and continuing education standards.
Why the IMLC Matters for Physicians
For physicians practicing telemedicine, working as locum tenens providers, or delivering care across multiple states, obtaining medical licenses in different jurisdictions can be administratively complex and time-intensive.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact helps simplify this process by providing an expedited pathway for qualified physicians to obtain licenses in participating states.
Instead of completing full and repetitive applications for every state medical board, eligible physicians can move through a streamlined system that reduces administrative duplication and accelerates the licensure process. For many physicians expanding telehealth services or multi-state practice, the IMLC has become an essential licensing pathway.
How the IMLC Licensing Process Works
The IMLC process follows a structured sequence of steps:
Determine Eligibility
Physicians must first confirm that they meet the eligibility requirements established by the Compact.
Select a State of Principal License (SPL)
Applicants designate a State of Principal License, which is responsible for verifying eligibility.
Eligibility Verification
The State of Principal License reviews the physician’s credentials and confirms that all Compact requirements are met.
Letter of Qualification (LOQ)
Once eligibility is confirmed, the physician receives a Letter of Qualification through the IMLC system.
Select Additional States
After receiving the LOQ, physicians may choose the participating states in which they wish to obtain licensure.
Issuance of State Licenses
Each selected state medical board reviews the request and issues a full and unrestricted license according to its regulatory standards.
Although the process is expedited, each license remains independent and must be maintained and renewed according to the regulations of the issuing state.
Benefits of the IMLC
For many physicians, the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact offers several important advantages.
Faster Multi-State Licensure
Physicians can obtain licenses in participating states significantly faster than through traditional pathways.
Reduced Administrative Burden
Credential verification and eligibility review occur through a centralized system, reducing repetitive documentation.
Support for Telemedicine
The Compact enables physicians to more easily provide telehealth services to patients across multiple states.
Greater Practice Flexibility
The IMLC supports physicians pursuing locum tenens assignments, remote care opportunities, or practice expansion.
Basic Eligibility
- Holding a full and unrestricted medical license in a participating state
- Having no disciplinary actions that would affect licensure eligibility
- Graduating from an accredited medical school
- Passing the USMLE or COMLEX examinations within the permitted number of attempts
- Maintaining board certification or meeting alternative Compact eligibility standards
Qualifying connection to SPL:
- Primary residence in the state
- At least 25% of medical practice occurring within the state
- Employment located in the state
- Federal income tax filing from that state
Important Limitations
- The Compact does not create a national medical license
- Each state license must still be renewed individually
- State licensing fees apply for every license issued
- Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements vary by state
- Physicians must remain compliant with the regulatory requirements of each individual state in which they hold licensure
How We Support the Process
Even with the streamlined Compact process, navigating multi-state licensure can involve significant administrative coordination.
- Determining IMLC eligibility
- Identifying the appropriate State of Principal License
- Preparing and submitting IMLC applications
- Coordinating required documentation and credential verification
- Tracking license issuance across participating states
- Monitoring renewal deadlines and compliance requirements
Our concierge licensing services are designed to simplify the process so physicians can focus on what matters most: patient care.
Let's Get Started
Ready to simplify your multi-state licensing? Reach out for a free consultation. We'll walk through your current licenses, upcoming needs, and how we can support your practice.