PSYCHIATRISTS AND PHYSICIANS
IMLC for psychiatrists: eligibility, fees, and state licenses
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact can help eligible psychiatrists obtain individual state medical licenses. Review the qualifying requirements, application steps, and costs before applying.
Written by Meghan Gilliland, LCSW, LICSW
Updated
CURRENT STATUS
An expedited licensing pathway.
- Operational for qualified physiciansPsychiatrists apply through the same physician pathway as other specialties.
- Separate state licensesEach state medical board issues its own license.
- A qualifying principal stateStart with a full, unrestricted license in an eligible State of Principal License.
HOW IT WORKS
What the IMLC does for psychiatrists
The IMLC is a voluntary route for physicians adding licenses in participating states. It can support telepsychiatry, relocation, and practices serving patients in several states.
The resulting licenses are issued by individual medical boards. Each license carries that state’s practice and renewal requirements.
The three parts of the process
- State of Principal License (SPL): the qualifying state that reviews your credentials.
- Letter of Qualification (LOQ): confirmation that you meet the compact’s requirements.
- State licenses: the licenses you request and receive after qualification.
This guide is for general education and planning. Confirm current requirements with the relevant licensing boards and official compact sources before applying or providing care.
ELIGIBILITY
Who can apply through the IMLC?
The pathway is for eligible physicians, including psychiatrists. Review the IMLCC’s full eligibility guidance before paying the nonrefundable application fee.
Qualifying medical license
Hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a participating state that can serve as your SPL. You must also meet one of the SPL connection requirements below.
Education and training
Meet the compact’s medical-school requirements and complete ACGME- or AOA-accredited graduate medical education. Verify the accreditation of training completed outside the United States.
Exams and board certification
Meet the accepted licensing-exam requirements, including the limit of three attempts per component. Initial eligibility also requires qualifying ABMS or AOABOS specialty certification.
License and professional history
Review the restrictions involving criminal history, license discipline, controlled-substance actions, and current investigations. The SPL verifies qualifications and conducts a criminal background check.
If you do not qualify for the IMLC, ask the destination medical board about its standard application pathway.
STATE OF PRINCIPAL LICENSE
Choosing your SPL
Your SPL must be a participating state where you already hold a full, unrestricted medical license. At least one qualifying connection must apply.
- Your primary residence is in that state.
- At least 25% of your medical practice occurs there.
- Your employer is located there.
- You use that state as your residence for U.S. federal income-tax purposes.
Keep your SPL license current. If your circumstances change, review the IMLCC redesignation process before choosing a new SPL.
STATE PARTICIPATION
Check the states you need
Use the official IMLC state map when choosing your SPL and destination states. Confirm that your licensing board can serve as an SPL and that the states you need are accepting compact applications.
For a state outside the pathway
Apply directly through that state’s medical board. A practice may use the IMLC for some state licenses and standard applications for others.
Review the issuing board’s instructions for your license type, including any additional information it requests after issuance.
APPLICATION COSTS
IMLC fees and renewals
Budget for compact processing and each state license. Check the IMLCC fee schedule and renewal instructions for current charges and board-specific steps.
| Transaction | Compact fee | Additional costs |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | $700 | The license fee for each state selected. |
| Additional license request during a valid LOQ | $100 per additional request | The fees for the additional state license or licenses requested. |
| License renewal through the compact | $25 per state-license renewal | That state’s renewal fee. |
The LOQ is valid for 365 days. An expired LOQ must be replaced before requesting additional licenses, but an active LOQ is not required to renew an existing compact-issued license. Follow the IMLCC renewal process and each board’s instructions.
APPLICATION PROCESS
How to apply for medical licenses through the IMLC
Confirm your eligibility and budget before starting the application.
- Select a qualifying SPL.Check the official map and your connection to the state. Keep your existing medical-license information available.
- Submit the compact application.Use the official IMLCC application and pay the initial fee. Follow the SPL’s instructions for fingerprints and credential review.
- Receive the Letter of Qualification.After the SPL confirms eligibility, use the LOQ to select the states where you want licenses and pay their licensing fees.
- Confirm each license and prepare your practice.Wait for the issuing board’s license, respond to any additional requests, and review prescribing and telehealth requirements. Record each renewal deadline.
TELEPSYCHIATRY
Using your licenses for online care
Confirm that you can practice where the patient is physically located at each visit and meet the requirements where you are practicing. Treating a patient who travels or moves may require you to obtain an additional state license.
Prescribing and follow-up
Review state prescribing authority, controlled-substance requirements, liability coverage, pharmacy access, and emergency arrangements.
Use the prescriber overview’s telehealth and controlled-medication guidance for the shared federal update.
COMMON QUESTIONS
IMLC FAQs for psychiatrists
Is the IMLC a multistate medical license?
No. The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is an expedited pathway to obtain separate state medical licenses. Physicians do not receive one national compact license through the IMLC.
Can psychiatrists use the IMLC for telepsychiatry?
Psychiatrists who qualify may use the IMLC to obtain individual state medical licenses more efficiently. They still need to follow the laws of each state where they are licensed and where the patient is located.
Is my SPL always the state where I live?
No. Residence is one of four qualifying connections. A qualifying practice, employer, or federal tax connection may also support your SPL selection. You still need the required unrestricted license in an eligible state.
How long is a Letter of Qualification valid?
An LOQ is valid for 365 days from issuance. It supports requests for additional state licenses during that period. Each license has its own expiration and renewal rules.
Does my LOQ need to be current to renew a license?
No. An active LOQ is not required for renewal. Follow the IMLCC renewal process, maintain the required SPL license, and meet the issuing state’s renewal requirements.
Can I apply directly to a medical board instead?
Yes. The compact is optional. Standard state applications remain relevant if you do not qualify, need a license outside the compact, or choose to apply directly.
FOR PSYCHIATRISTS
Make your practice locations easier to find.
List your current licensed states and medication-management services on Therapy Expanded. Connect with clients and referral partners seeking care across state lines.
SOURCE LINKS
Official IMLC resources
Eligibility and states
CONTINUE EXPLORING
Related Therapy Expanded guides
Compare licensing pathways and review shared prescribing considerations.
Check member states and preparations for compact privileges.
Understand RN, APRN, and prescribing requirements.
Find compact and portability guides for other professions.
Plan for care when your appointment location changes.