MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPY
Is there an LMFT compact? MFT license portability guide
LMFTs use state licensing and endorsement pathways to expand their practice. Review recent portability changes, application requirements, and telehealth rules for working across state lines.
Written by Meghan Gilliland, LCSW, LICSW
Updated
CURRENT STATUS
State-by-state licensure.
- No operational LMFT compactThere is currently no compact authorization pathway for LMFTs.
- Endorsement can simplify applicationsYour existing license may help you qualify for a license in another state.
- Access MFTs tracks changesAAMFT’s initiative works to improve state portability laws and rules.
HOW PORTABILITY WORKS
Current status of MFT license portability
AAMFT’s national effort focuses on improving licensure by endorsement. Its August 2026 update reports new laws in Kentucky, Tennessee, Minnesota, and Rhode Island, plus a regulatory change in Oklahoma.
These changes affect individual state applications. LMFTs still receive and maintain a separate license in each state where they use this pathway.
- Portability
- Using an existing license and qualifications to support licensure in another state.
- Licensure by endorsement
- A state application pathway for a therapist who is already licensed elsewhere. The board sets the requirements and issues the new license.
- Access MFTs
- AAMFT’s advocacy initiative to reduce barriers to endorsement. It does not issue licenses or practice privileges.
This guide is for general education and planning. Confirm current requirements with the licensing boards where you and your clients will be located.
LICENSE TYPES
Who can use MFT portability?
MFT license portability is most relevant to licensed marriage and family therapists who already hold a full, unrestricted LMFT license and want to become licensed in another state.
Relocating LMFTs
Apply for a license in the state where you plan to move. Review the endorsement process before setting a start date.
Providers adding telehealth states
An additional license can support ongoing care for clients who live, move, or spend time in another state.
Couples and family specialists
Plan for each state where partners or family members will join sessions, including when participants live in different states.
Associate, provisional, limited, and supervised-status MFTs may need a different application pathway. Check whether the destination state recognizes your license level and supervision arrangements.
STATE-BY-STATE UPDATES
Recent MFT portability changes
Use these updates to identify changes that may affect your application. Confirm the current form, eligibility rules, and processing steps with the destination-state board.
| State | What changed | Official update |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | A portability law was signed on April 10, 2026, to improve licensure by endorsement. | Kentucky law update |
| Tennessee | A law signed on April 16, 2026, updated MFT portability. Its MFT provisions took effect July 1, 2026. | Tennessee law update |
| Minnesota | Effective August 1, 2026, the new endorsement law requires a full license in good standing from another state, a jurisprudence exam, and the applicable fee. | Minnesota law update |
| Rhode Island | A law signed on June 22, 2026, removed the substantial-equivalence requirement and set a one-year full-licensure experience requirement. | Rhode Island law update |
| Oklahoma | A January 2026 update reports that the board approved staff review and approval of licensure applications between board meetings, reducing delays. | Oklahoma board-process update |
Find other portability-friendly states
The Access MFTs state map distinguishes states supported by its advocacy initiative from states that adopted similar policies independently. A map category describes the state’s portability approach; you still need approval of your own application.
Planned advocacy for 2027
Access MFTs has announced plans to work in Oregon and Wisconsin in 2027. These announcements describe future advocacy, not enacted changes to practice authorization. Follow the Access MFTs news feed for developments.
PRACTICE OPTIONS
How LMFTs obtain permission to practice
The available pathway depends on the state and the services you plan to provide. HHS’s licensing guidance describes the main options for working across state lines.
Another state license
Apply through endorsement or the state’s other out-of-state applicant process. A full license supports practice within that state’s scope and rules, with its own renewal obligations.
Telehealth registration
Some states offer a registration pathway for qualifying out-of-state providers. Check whether it includes LMFTs, what services it covers, and whether registration must be approved before care begins.
Temporary practice permission
Where available, a temporary pathway may allow limited services. Check the permitted purpose, time limit, notice requirements, and any restrictions on new clients.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
What to check before applying
AAMFT’s proposed portability model focuses on full, unrestricted licensure. Each state determines its own requirements, which may differ from the model.
Current license and history
States may look at whether the applicant’s current license is active, unrestricted, and in good standing. Encumbrances, disciplinary history, or prior license issues may affect eligibility.
Experience and qualifications
Check whether the state requires a minimum period of full licensure, recent clinical practice, particular education, or an accepted licensing exam. Arrange any requested license or exam-score verification.
Application and state exams
States may require an application, fees, background check, jurisprudence exam, ethics exam, documentation, or other steps that apply to all applicants.
Approval and timing
Confirm that you are using the current endorsement application and ask about processing times. Schedule services after the required license or other authorization has been issued.
ONLINE PRACTICE
MFT portability and telehealth
Check the requirements where you are physically located and where each client is physically located during the session. For couples and family therapy, participants may be joining from more than one state.
You generally need a license or another applicable authorization for each client’s state. Endorsement can help you obtain an additional license; telehealth registration or a temporary pathway may be available in some states.
Before the session
- Confirm each client’s current physical location, including during travel or a move.
- Check your authorization in each relevant state and any limits on the services you may provide.
- Follow applicable consent, privacy, recordkeeping, and emergency-planning requirements.
- Confirm that your liability coverage and payment arrangements cover the planned care.
See HHS behavioral health licensure guidance for the provider- and client-location requirements.
ONGOING REQUIREMENTS
Fees, renewals, and continuing education
There is no single national MFT portability fee. Costs and renewal requirements come from the state license or other authorization you apply for.
Budget for each state
- Application costs: the licensing fee and any required background check, exam, or credential-verification fees.
- Renewal dates: separate deadlines for each license or registration, including your original license.
- Continuing education: the destination state’s hours, topic requirements, and documentation rules.
FOR CLIENTS
Planning care across state lines
Tell your therapist where everyone will attend sessions. Ask about authorization before a move or a change in session location.
Moving to another state
Ask your LMFT whether they can continue care after your location changes. A therapist who can see you in your current state may not be authorized in your new state.
Partners in different states
Ask whether the LMFT can legally see both participants based on where each person will attend sessions.
Family members in different states
Share the physical location of every family member who will participate as a client. Your LMFT can check whether they can provide care in each location.
NEXT STEPS
How to add an MFT license in another state
Start with the state where you plan to practice. A complete application and current supporting records can help avoid delays.
- Choose the states you need.Identify where you and your clients will be located. Use the Access MFTs map to research portability changes and AMFTRB’s state board directory to locate the relevant board.
- Confirm the application pathway.Review endorsement eligibility, required experience, fees, exams, and documentation. Ask the board which current application fits your license and practice plans.
- Submit the required records.Arrange license verification, exam-score transfer, and any other requested documents. Keep your existing license active and in good standing during the process.
- Confirm approval before starting care.Verify that the license or other authorization has been issued. Review telehealth requirements and record renewal deadlines.
- Update your practice information.List the states where you are currently licensed or authorized on your website, directory profiles, and referral materials. Keep those listings current as your availability changes.
COMMON QUESTIONS
MFT license portability FAQs
Is there an LMFT compact?
As of September 23, 2026, there is no operational interstate compact for LMFTs. AAMFT’s Access MFTs initiative focuses on improving state licensure by endorsement.
What is MFT license portability?
MFT license portability refers to the ability to use an existing LMFT license and qualifications from one state to support licensure in another state, often through endorsement or a simplified application process.
Is portability the same as reciprocity?
States may use these terms differently. Check the specific endorsement or licensing process where you want to practice, including whether a new application and approval are required.
Does portability authorize online therapy across state lines?
Not automatically. LMFTs generally need to be licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized in the state where the client is physically located during the session. Portability may make it easier to obtain a license in another state, but the provider still needs the proper authorization.
Can associate or provisionally licensed MFTs use portability?
Portability-friendly models are generally focused on full LMFT licensure. Associate, provisional, or supervised-status licenses may have different rules, and those rules vary significantly by state.
What is a portability-friendly state?
It is a state whose rules make it easier for an LMFT licensed elsewhere to obtain a local license, often by reducing repeated review of education or supervision. Eligibility and application requirements still come from that state’s board.
Why is AAMFT pursuing portability instead of a compact?
Can I keep seeing my LMFT after moving to another state?
Possibly, but only if the LMFT is licensed, registered, or otherwise authorized in the state where the client will be located. Clients should ask this before moving or before continuing sessions from a new state.
How should LMFTs describe multi-state availability?
Clearly list the states where you are currently licensed or otherwise authorized, and identify the type of authorization when relevant. Update your website and profiles when a license, registration, or availability changes.
Where can LMFTs check portability updates?
LMFTs can review AAMFT’s MFT license portability resources, Access MFTs, the Access MFTs portability-friendly state map, and the licensing board for each state where they want to practice.
FOR MARRIAGE AND FAMILY THERAPISTS
Make your licensed states easier to find.
Connect with clients and referral partners who need providers available for cross-state care. List your current states and keep your profile up to date.
SOURCE LINKS
Official MFT portability resources
Portability and state changes
Applications and licensing boards
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Related Therapy Expanded resources
Compare compact pathways for other mental health professions.
Build visibility and referrals where you are authorized to work.
Connect with peers and referral partners across states.
Find providers whose current practice locations cover your needs.
Plan for care when your session location changes.