How to get a state medical license: A comprehensive guide
September 24, 2025
Getting a state medical license may seem daunting, but it’s increasingly essential. With more physicians seeking multi-state licensure for locums, telemedicine, or career flexibility, understanding the process can open doors—whether you're just starting out or expanding your practice.
Where to start in the licensing process
Getting licensed can feel like a big task, but these steps will help you get started and stay on track:
1. Fill out and send in the application to the state board in which you’re seeking a license. There are varying requirements from state to state, but their application will spell out exactly what documentation is required.
2. Start contacting all your primary verification sources, such as your medical school, to get your exam scores, state licenses, medical school verification, and postgraduate training verification.
3. Submit all documents to the board for the review process. In some instances, the state’s medical board may require the medical school to send the documentation to them directly, or they’ll send you the documentation to submit with your application.
4. If you took the USMLE, you’ll most likely need to request that they send your exam transcript scores directly to the medical board.
When to begin the licensing process
State licensing boards can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to months to approve a new medical license, so it’s best to begin the process while in residency or a few months before you start your new position—particularly if you already have a job lined up. Be mindful of the fact that most medical boards experience delays of up to two weeks during residency season (typically April to July).
Some boards will allow doctors to apply for a license while they’re still in residency, but won’t issue the license until they graduate and receive notification from the medical school that they’re in good standing.
Medical license documentation requirements
Most state medical boards will require the following documentation:
Current CV
Medical school verification
Documentation of USMLE exam completion
Diplomas
Post-graduate training verifications (if applicable)
References
Fingerprint cards
Summary of derogatory information
Note: State medical boards conduct extensive background checks and will uncover any derogatory action, so it’s important to be forthright. You can access the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) to confirm any derogatory information on your record.
Streamlining licensing with the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS)
Navigating multiple state licenses can be time-consuming, especially when each board requires verification of your education, training, and credentials. One way to simplify this process is by using the Federation Credentials Verification Service (FCVS), a centralized repository for verified core credentials.
Dr. Laura Bruse, an orthopedic surgeon who has completed more than 50 locum tenens assignments, shares her recommendation for staying organized.
Establishing a repository of verified core credentials with the FCVS is a good way to streamline the process of obtaining other state licenses.
“This allows you to maintain all your professional educational certificates in one easily accessible location," she says.
Storing your credentials with FCVS means that many state boards can access the information directly, reducing the need to repeatedly request records from schools or training programs. While there is a fee to use FCVS, it can save significant time and administrative effort—particularly if you plan to practice in multiple states or take locum tenens assignments.
What to know about primary source verification
State boards typically require proof of education, transcripts, exam scores, and documentation of training directly from the original source rather than the applicant. While not every medical board has this requirement, it’s wise to be prepared. Once you’ve completed and submitted your application, reach out to your primary sources right away to request the documentation the medical board requires.
How long it typically takes to get a medical license
The time it takes to receive a permanent medical license can vary widely depending on the state—anywhere from just a few days to several months. For example, Michigan can typically issue a license in as little as three weeks, while in Alaska, the process can take up to 30 weeks.
Before you begin, it’s helpful to research the expected processing times in each state where you may want to practice. The Federation of State Medical Boards (FSMB) is an excellent starting point, as it provides information on state licensing requirements and links to each state’s medical board website, where you can find the most up-to-date details on processing times and documentation requirements.
How to determine the status of your application
Some state boards have an online portal where they update the application status so you can see what’s been received and what hasn’t. However, in most states, checking the status will require a phone call to the state’s medical board.
How to avoid licensing delays
Completing a medical license application can be time-consuming, and getting it right the first time will save you headaches later. Watch out for these three common pitfalls that can slow the process—and take steps to avoid them.
Incomplete forms
Be sure to complete every form fully and don’t leave any required fields blank. If a required section of the form does not apply, enter “N/A” or “not applicable.”
Guessing on dates
Many boards flag date discrepancies, so if verification dates don’t match the application, physicians must amend it or request a confirmation letter—delaying approval.
Not fully disclosing disciplinary actions
As noted above, state boards will access the NPDB to uncover all disciplinary actions, so it’s always best practice to be up front to avoid delays.
One of the best ways to expedite the licensing process is to stay organized and keep all your documentation current. Take the time to complete every section of your application carefully and accurately, and store your paperwork in a secure, easily accessible place. If possible, create a digital file to ‘warehouse’ everything—making it simple to find and share when needed.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
Do you have a license in one state but are considering taking a job in another? Or are you interested in working locum tenens in other states? There are ways to make obtaining additional state licenses smoother and faster.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) may help expedite the process, depending on your State of Principal License (SPL) and which state you want to practice in. Currently, 42 U.S. states, plus Washington D.C. and Guam have joined the compact.
Dr. Gary Drizin, a pulmonologist from Pennsylvania, retired from his practice of 38 years in 2020. He decided to pursue locum tenens—and the balance of work and free time it offered—as a transition from full-time practice. Dr. Drizin currently holds licenses in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico, and Michigan, thanks to the compact.
I had a Pennsylvania license and thought it would be useful to have a Colorado license because of my residence in Vail. When I heard that it was a compact state, I decided to do the additional requirements to get the compact license.
“I’m currently in Saginaw, Michigan, and I got the job with the help of my Colorado compact license. In a week, I was able to get my Michigan license and health system privileges, so within a few weeks of that job becoming available, I was at work in Saginaw,” he says.
To obtain your licenses through the IMLC, you must hold a full, unrestricted medical license in a state that is a member of the Compact and a SPL.
Additionally, at least one of the below requirements must apply:
Your primary residence is in the SPL
At least 25% of your practice of medicine occurs in the SPL
Your employer is located in the SPL
You use the SLP as your state of residence for U.S. federal income tax purposes
An important consideration is that once you’ve verified your SPL, the letter of qualification to enroll within the additional compact states is only valid for one year. This means there are application renewal fees every year.
CompHealth has dedicated licensing experts who will help you fill out your applications and navigate the process. Plus, if you work as a locums with us, we’ll cover all the costs and paperwork associated with obtaining participating states’ licenses.
“One thing I think is remarkably great about CompHealth is the support you get,” says Dr. Drizin.
It takes a lot of work on my part getting these applications for the licensing and credentialing completed, but I can’t imagine having done it without assistance from CompHealth.
Federal medical licensure: VA and IHS opportunities
Physicians interested in working for federal health programs like the Veterans Affairs (VA) or Indian Health Service (IHS) often benefit from more flexible licensing requirements. Unlike most state-based roles, federal facilities allow you to practice with a valid medical license from any U.S. state, so there's no need to apply for a new one when crossing state lines.
For example, if you want to work in a VA hospital in Alaska and you live in Florida, your Florida license will work. Just make sure it does not expire before starting the first assignment. Check the expiration date on your license and renew it well before the assignment begins.
The benefit of multiple medical licenses
Having multiple licenses makes more locum tenens opportunities available for physicians. Not only do choices expand, so do the options for the type of work, the duration of assignments, and the flexibility of the schedule. All of these can lead to greater physician satisfaction and quality of life.
In addition, having a license in one or more states makes becoming licensed in another state easier through a process called license by endorsement. This means a streamlined application for individuals licensed in a state that has comparable licensing requirements of the state desired.
How an agency can help navigate the licensing process
With nearly 50 years of industry experience, CompHealth has built strong relationships with medical boards across the country and knows the licensing process inside and out. Our team focuses on making sure every submission is complete and accurate, helping you avoid delays. If you’re considering locum tenens work with us—full- or part-time—you’ll have access to our complimentary licensing services to make the process as smooth as possible.
Preparation, accuracy, and education are key
Although there are many steps involved in getting a medical license, knowing in advance what’s needed and ensuring you maintain your records fully and accurately will make the process go more smoothly. Having an experienced partner like CompHealth in your corner can make the process even easier.
“Opportunities to practice medicine in new parts of the country as a locum tenens physician can be exciting,” says Dr. Bruse. “Stay organized, and with the help of your locum tenens company, getting licensed and credentialed for your new job can be easy and efficient.”
For questions related to getting your medical license, give us a call at 800.453.3030 or view today’s physician job openings to get started.