License reciprocity by career
Most people searching for reciprocity are really asking one question: does my licence transfer, and how? The answer depends far less on the state pair than on the credential. Some occupations share a formal interstate compact, some use a national mobility standard, one is federal, and the rest are decided state by state with no national mechanism at all.
Pick your occupation below to see the mechanism that actually governs it, the body that administers it, the jurisdictions where it is active, and the rules that most often trip people up — followed by the state-by-state table. Every mechanism record cites its official source and a retrieval date, because compact membership changes.
Interstate compacts — the licence itself travels
These occupations share a formal interstate compact. Depending on the compact you either hold one multistate licence or buy a privilege to practise in each member state. Membership is the thing that changes, so always confirm on the governing body's site.
National mobility standards
No compact, but a national body publishes a standard, a record or a shared examination that most boards accept. You still apply in each state; the standard removes the duplicated paperwork and usually the repeat exam.
Federal credentials — no transfer question
Issued under federal law and valid nationwide. The only action on moving is transferring the credential to your new state of residence.
State-by-state — no compact exists
There is no national mechanism. Transfer is decided board by board through endorsement or licensure by comity, and a board may refuse if your training hours fall short of its own. Start with both boards before you pay anything.
Check a specific move
Mechanism records cover 30 of 30 occupations. Compact membership, implementation status and mobility rules change; each record carries the date it was retrieved and links to the governing body's own publication. Verify before you rely on any transfer path (retrieved 2026-09-13).