SOCIAL WORK LICENSURE
Social Work Compact: status, states, and eligibility
Learn where the Social Work Licensure Compact stands, which states have passed legislation, and what it could mean for your practice and online care.
Written by Meghan Gilliland, LCSW, LICSW
Updated
CURRENT STATUS
Licenses are not yet available.
- Implementation is underwayThe compact is activated, but social workers cannot yet receive a multistate license.
- 35 states have enacted legislationSome legislation requires changes before participation.
- Use your current authorizationContinue practicing under existing state licenses or another lawful pathway.
IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE
When will Social Work Compact licenses be available?
The compact reached activation in April 2024. The Commission is now putting the rules and shared data system in place so states can issue multistate licenses.
- Applications are not open
- The official compact website still reports that multistate licenses are not being issued.
- Data system completion is estimated for spring 2027
- The Commission’s July 2026 update gives this development estimate. It is not a confirmed date for applications to open.
- New rules address fees and moves
- The Commission adopted rules on fees and home-state changes in September 2026. See the eligibility and fee details below.
This guide is for general education. Before making practice decisions, verify current requirements with the Compact Commission and the relevant state licensing boards.
HOW IT WORKS
What is the Social Work Licensure Compact?
The Social Work Licensure Compact is an interstate occupational licensure compact for regulated social workers. Its purpose is to make interstate practice easier while preserving state authority over social work licensure, scope of practice, discipline, and public protection.
The compact is intended to create an additional pathway for eligible social workers to practice in compact member states without completing a full separate licensure process in every compact state where they want to serve clients.
The compact does not create a national social work license. It also does not eliminate state regulation. Social workers using the compact will still need to meet eligibility requirements, follow the laws and rules of the state where the client is located, and maintain appropriate authorization to practice.
LICENSE CATEGORIES
Who is the compact for?
The compact covers three categories of regulated social work. Your home-state board will determine which category your license qualifies for.
Bachelor’s category
Requires an eligible bachelor’s degree in social work or higher and the applicable competency requirements.
Master’s category
Requires an eligible master’s degree in social work or higher and the applicable competency requirements.
Clinical category
Requires an eligible master’s degree in social work or higher, the applicable competency requirements, and qualifying supervised clinical practice.
License titles such as LCSW, LICSW, LMSW, and LSW vary by state. A title alone does not establish compact eligibility. Check which categories your home state will issue and whether your license meets the requirements below.
ENACTED LEGISLATION
Which states have passed the Social Work Compact?
The Commission reported enactment in 35 states in its July 7, 2026 update. This list tracks legislation; it does not mean multistate licenses are available in these states.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Georgia
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico*
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina*
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
*New Mexico and South Carolina: ASWB’s implementation update identifies material differences in their legislation that may require correction before they can participate. The official map distinguishes these states from other enacted states.
Official lists may update at different times. Confirm your state’s participation and readiness with the Commission and your licensing board.
LICENSING PATHWAYS
A multistate license and individual state licenses
Once applications open, an eligible social worker will apply through their home state. A multistate license will provide authorization in other member states within the approved category.
Individual state licenses
- Apply separately in each state.
- Follow each state’s renewal and continuing education requirements.
- Available now if you meet the state’s requirements.
- Remain an option for states outside the compact.
A compact multistate license
- Apply through your compact home state once applications open.
- Meet the compact’s eligibility rules and home-state renewal requirements.
- Practice in member states under the approved license category.
- Follow the laws and scope of practice where the client is located.
The compact does not authorize practice in nonmember states or expand your clinical scope. It is an additional licensing pathway for eligible social workers.
ELIGIBILITY AND FEES
What will social workers need to qualify?
Review your license, residence, education, and exam history with your home-state board. The compact legislation and adopted rules govern eligibility.
Home state and license status
Your home state is generally your primary residence, not a state where you simply hold another license. It must participate in the compact.
Your license must be active and unencumbered, and authorize independent practice in the applicable category. A provisional or supervised license does not automatically qualify.
Education and clinical supervision
Meet the education requirements for your category. Clinical applicants must also meet the supervised practice requirement: at least 3,000 postgraduate clinical hours, two years of full-time postgraduate supervised clinical practice, or an equivalency recognized by Commission rule.
Exams and legacy provisions
The qualifying exam rule (PDF) recognizes ASWB examinations by category. Advanced Generalist exam holders need home-state review of their license and scope.
Some social workers licensed before their home state required the qualifying exam may qualify under legacy provisions. Ask your board whether these provisions apply to your history.
Background checks and ongoing requirements
Complete the required fingerprint-based state and federal background checks, pay applicable fees, and meet home-state continuing competence requirements. Maintain your license in good standing and comply with required reporting of license actions.
How much will a multistate license cost?
The September 2026 fee rule (PDF) sets a $20 Commission administrative fee per multistate license transaction, remitted by the member state. States set their own fees, so $20 is not the total applicant cost. Check your board’s fee schedule when applications become available.
What if you move to another state?
The home-state change rule (PDF) sets a process for reissuing a multistate license after a move between member states. Required applications are due within 30 calendar days of establishing your new home state. Review the rule with both boards before moving; separate provisions apply to military families and moves to nonmember states.
ONLINE CARE
What does the compact mean for telehealth?
Clients move, travel, attend college away from home, and split time between states. A multistate license could make it easier to continue care across participating states.
The client’s session location still matters.
Social workers must have the required authorization for the state where the client is physically located during care. Confirm that location before each appointment and follow the applicable state’s telehealth and practice rules.
Until compact licenses are issued, use individual state licenses or another pathway that the relevant board permits. HHS guidance on licensing across state lines explains these options.
FOR CLIENTS
Ask about coverage before you move or travel.
If you plan to see a social worker online from another state, confirm that they can provide care where you will be during the session.
- Are you currently licensed or otherwise authorized in the state where I will be?
- Can we continue sessions if I move, travel, or attend college out of state?
- What should we arrange if you cannot provide care in that location?
PREPARE YOUR PRACTICE
What social workers can do now
Use the implementation period to organize your credentials and strengthen your existing multi-state practice.
- Keep your licenses accurate and visible.List the states where you are currently authorized on your website, directory profiles, provider bio, and referral materials.
- Review your home-state eligibility.Check your state’s participation, your license category, and the education, exam, and supervision records your board may need.
- Describe your current authority clearly.You can say you are following compact updates. Reserve claims of practicing under a compact multistate license until you have received one.
- Plan around the clients you serve.Consider where clients move or travel, where you receive inquiries, and where your specialty could meet a need.
- Build referral relationships.Connect with providers in relevant states and maintain referral options for clients you cannot currently serve.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Social Work Compact FAQs
Is the Social Work Licensure Compact live yet?
The compact is activated, but multistate licenses are not yet available. The latest published estimate places data system completion in spring 2027. Application timing still requires official confirmation.
Can LCSWs and LICSWs use the Social Work Compact?
The compact includes a clinical category. Independently licensed clinical social workers may qualify when applications open, subject to home-state participation and the compact’s education, supervision, competency, and license requirements.
Does the compact let social workers practice in every state?
No. A multistate license will apply to compact member states within its approved category. Practice in a nonmember state requires authorization through that state.
What states are in the Social Work Compact?
The Commission reported 35 states with enacted legislation in July 2026. New Mexico and South Carolina have legislation with material changes that may affect participation. See the state list and legislative note and confirm current status on the official map.
Will the compact help with online therapy across state lines?
Once licenses are available, the compact may make it easier for eligible social workers to serve clients in other member states. The laws and scope of practice where the client is located will still apply.
Will social workers still need separate state licenses?
For now, use individual state licenses or other lawful authorization. After launch, a qualifying multistate license can cover participating states; separate authorization will still be needed for nonmember states.
How much will a Social Work Compact license cost?
The adopted fee rule establishes a $20 Commission administrative fee per transaction, paid to the Commission by the member state. States set their own fees, so your total cost will depend on your home state’s published charges.
How should social workers prepare for the compact?
Keep your home-state license in good standing, review the requirements with your board, organize your credential records, and follow official implementation updates. Keep your public profiles clear about where you can practice today.
Can I call myself a Social Work Compact provider now?
Multistate licenses are not being issued yet. Describe the state licenses and authorizations you actually hold. You can explain that you are following compact implementation without implying you already have compact authority.
What should clients ask before seeing a social worker online from another state?
Clients should ask whether the social worker is licensed or otherwise authorized in the state where the client will be located during the session. Clients who move, travel, attend college out of state, or split time between states should ask this before booking or continuing care.
FOR SOCIAL WORKERS
Already licensed in more than one state?
Make your current coverage easy for clients and referral partners to find. Explore resources for multi-state practice and connect with other providers.
SOURCE LINKS
Official resources
Rules and eligibility
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 licenses cover your locations.
Plan for care when your session location changes.