Get Locum Tenens Licensing Fast With the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact

Expedited licenses. Expanded opportunities.

Wondering which states are eligible for IMLC licensing? Explore our IMLC states map below and get to know how the Compact impacts you.

What is the IMLC?

For Physicians

Who Qualifies?

How We Support You

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) opens new doors for physicians and healthcare organizations by making it faster and easier to obtain medical licenses across multiple states. Whether you’re a physician looking to expand your reach or a facility seeking faster access to locum tenens clinicians, the IMLC simplifies the process.

What States Are in the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?

Use our map to see where licenses can be expedited.

Currently, 40 states, the District of Columbia, and the Territory of Guam are accepting applications for expedited licensure. Check out our interactive IMLC states map to learn more about where you can practice as locum tenens with the IMLC.

Compact legislation introduced.
IMLC Member State serving as SPL processing applications and issuing licenses.
IMLC Member State non-SPL issuing licenses.
IMLC passed, implementation in process or delayed.
No status.

What is the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?

Simplifying the licensing process for clinicians.

The IMLC is an agreement between multiple U.S. states and territories, providing an expedited pathway for physicians to obtain licenses to practice in multiple states. Overseen by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission, the IMLC helps participating state boards streamline the licensing process while maintaining high standards of patient care.

It’s important to note that the IMLC doesn’t issue a universal license for physicians to practice in all participating states. Here’s how the process works.

Letter of Qualification (LOQ)

Physicians begin by applying through their designated State of Principal License (SPL). If they meet the qualifications, they are issued an LOQ, which indicates their eligibility to apply for licensure in other states.

Streamlined Information Sharing

The LOQ allows participating states to share and verify licensing information. This helps speed up the licensing process, reducing it from weeks or months to just a few days.

Quick Access to Care

Once approved, physicians can begin practicing in the newly licensed states without delays, ensuring healthcare facilities have the resources needed to care for their communities.

Questions regarding the current status and extent of these states’ and boards’ participation in the IMLC can be directed to the respective state boards.

What Does the IMLC Mean for Physicians?

Working as a locum tenens made easy.

At a high level, the IMLC means freedom. Once you’ve obtained your IMLC certification through your SPL, adding licenses for other member states takes just days — not weeks or months, which comes with several benefits.

More Opportunities

Easily work across state lines, including rural and underserved areas.

Increased Flexibility

Explore locum tenens assignments or telehealth roles that fit your lifestyle.

Career Growth

Gain valuable experience from learning and practicing in a range of healthcare settings.

Participate in the Compact with Jackson and Coker's support.

Reach out to us for help with joining the Compact, renewing your state licenses, or obtaining additional licensure from member states.

Who Qualifies for the IMLC?

Approximately 80% of U.S. physicians meet the IMLC’s criteria. See if you could be a fit.

You must first apply to the Compact in the member state you live and commonly practice in, known as the State of Principal License (SLP). To qualify, at least one of the following criteria must apply:

Your primary residence is in the SPL (State of Principal License).
At least 25% of your practice of medicine occurs in the SPL.
You are employed to practice medicine by a person, business, or organization located in the SPL.
You use the SPL as your state of residence for U.S. Federal Income Tax purposes.

You must:

Have graduated from an accredited medical school, or a school listed in the International Medical Education Directory or its equivalent.

Have successfully completed ACGME- or AOA-accredited graduate medical education.

Passed each component of the USMLE, COMLEX-USA, or equivalent in no more than three attempts for each component.

Hold a current specialty certification or time-unlimited certification by an ABMS or AOABOS board.

You must not:

Have any history of disciplinary actions toward their medical license.

Have any criminal history.

Have any history of controlled substance actions toward their medical license.

Currently be under investigation.

How Jackson and Coker Simplifies Licensing

Leave the details to us.

The locum tenens licensing process can be complex, but our dedicated licensing team is here to help. Because of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, we can streamline multi-state licensing, making it faster and easier for physicians to practice across state lines. We are committed to working directly with physicians and healthcare organizations to ease the administrative burden of the licensing process. Our team handles paperwork, tracks requirements for each state, and advises you on the next steps so you can focus on what matters most: providing care.

“At Jackson and Coker, we make every effort to reduce the time it takes for physicians to get licensed. The IMLC plays a major role in this, helping to streamline the process and get doctors to their next role faster, ensuring patients receive the care they need without delay."

Angel Dudley
Director of Accounts, Licensing

Take the next step with Jackson and Coker.

Contact us today to learn how the IMLC can simplify your job search. With our support, physicians can pursue multi-state licensure and unlock new opportunities — fast.