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Universal license recognition

Some states have laws that tell their boards to license new residents who already hold a license in another state. Here is how the boards we cover apply them.

Last checked

On this page
  1. What it means
  2. What the boards say, state by state
  3. Sources

What it means

A universal license recognition law is passed by a state legislature and applies across many occupations. It usually requires that you live in the state (or plan to), that you have held your license in good standing for a set time, that your old license covered the same work, and that you pass a background check. Boards apply the law to their own licenses and may still require a state law exam. The conditions differ by state and by license, so read the board's own words below and on the occupation page.

What the boards say, state by state

Boards in 19 states describe this route for at least one license we cover. A state that is not listed may still have such a law; we show only what the boards we checked publish for these licenses.

StateLicenses and what the board says
ArizonaCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): Arizona residents licensed for at least one year in another state at the same practice level, in good standing, may apply by universal recognition (A.R.S. 32-4302) through the reciprocity application.1
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN) - multistate license (Nurse Licensure Compact)): Arizona universal recognition (A.R.S. 32-4302): a person who establishes residence in Arizona (or is married to an active-duty service member), has held a license in good standing in another state for at least one year at the same practice level, and met that state's education/experience requirements, is issued a license.2
Plumber (C-37 Plumbing): A person who establishes Arizona residence and has held a license in the same discipline in another state for at least a year can be licensed under A.R.S. 32-4302, subject to its conditions.2
Electrician (C-11 Electrical): A person who establishes Arizona residence and has held a license in the same discipline in another state for at least a year can be licensed under A.R.S. 32-4302, subject to its conditions.2
Security guard (Armed Security Guard Employee Registration): Arizona's universal licensing recognition law (A.R.S. 32-4302) issues a license or certificate under Title 32 to new Arizona residents (and to accompanying military spouses without exam) who have held a license in good standing in another state for at least one year. DPS does not say on its pages how it applies this to guard registrations.2
Massage therapist (Licensed Massage Therapist): Universal recognition: licensed in another state or U.S. territory for at least one year, active and in good standing, and now an Arizona resident.3
General contractor (A General Engineering): A person who establishes Arizona residence and has held a license in the same discipline in another state for at least a year can be licensed under A.R.S. 32-4302, subject to its conditions.2
ArkansasCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): Automatic occupational licensure (Act 457 of 2023): licensed in good standing for at least one year in another state with similar scope (or three years' work where that state does not license), no disqualifying offense or pending complaint, and pass the Arkansas state law exam (may be waived).4
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN) - multistate license (Nurse Licensure Compact)): Arkansas automatic occupational licensure (Act 457 of 2023): licensing entities grant automatic licensure to qualifying individuals licensed in another state who establish residence in Arkansas.5
Plumber (Journeyman Plumber): Automatic occupational licensure (Act 457 of 2023): new Arkansas residents licensed in good standing for at least one year with a similar scope, or who worked at least three years in a state that does not license the occupation, may be licensed; a state-law exam may be required unless waived.6
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) (Certified Nursing Assistant (listed on the Certified Nursing Assistant/Employment Clearance Registry)): Automatic occupational licensure (Ark. Code 17-7-101 et seq.): one year in good standing with a similar out-of-state license, or 3 years' work in a state that does not license the occupation; no disqualifying offense or pending complaint. DHS may still require the exam.7
ConnecticutMassage therapist (Massage Therapist): Holder of a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction with at least 4 years of practice and all licenses in good standing may be licensed without transcripts, training verification or exam.8
IdahoPlumber (Plumbing Contractor (certificate of competency)): Idaho's universal licensure law: a person with a current, valid, unrestricted license in another state who shows competency (the board may require all or part of its exam) can be licensed, paying the standard fees and passing the same background checks.9
Real estate agent (Associate Broker): Idaho Code 67-9409 requires licensing authorities to have a universal licensure procedure for holders of a current, valid, unrestricted out-of-state license, at standard fees.9
IowaCosmetologist (Barbering and Cosmetology License (barber and cosmetologist)): Licensure by verification (Iowa Code 272C.12): licensed in at least one jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope of practice. Submit an attestation, the other state's scope-of-practice laws, a scope statement and any discipline/criminal records. Revoked or surrendered licenses are ineligible.10
Plumber (Journeyperson): Licensure by verification (Iowa Code 272C.12) for people who have moved to Iowa (or have military PCS orders): verification from the other jurisdiction plus proof of passing the Iowa licensing exam; a temporary license may be issued until the exam is passed.11
Electrician (Journeyman Electrician, Class A): Movers from a state that does not license the trade can count 3 years of full-time work in the last 4 years toward training requirements (Iowa residency or military PCS required); exams still apply.12
Massage therapist (Massage Therapist (licensed massage therapist, L.M.T.)): Licensure by verification (Iowa Code 272C.12) for those licensed in a state with a substantially similar scope who cannot meet endorsement: attestation, scope statement and laws of the other state; no exam.10
Real estate agent (Real Estate Broker): Licensure by verification: a license in another jurisdiction with a substantially similar scope, plus proof of passing the Iowa exam portion.13
KansasReal estate agent (Broker): Anyone with a valid license in another state who has established or intends to establish Kansas residency, and who does not qualify by endorsement or reciprocity, may qualify under the state's general recognition law.14
LouisianaCosmetologist (Certificate of registration as a registered cosmetologist): Welcome Home Act: a Louisiana resident with an active, good-standing license from another state held at least one year can apply even without the national exam; $60 non-refundable application fee; decision within 60 days; license valid only while you live in Louisiana.15
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN) single state license): Welcome Home Act Endorsement (WHAE): current, valid RN license in another state held at least one year, exam or education/training standards required there, good standing, no disqualifying criminal record or pending discipline, fees paid, and Louisiana residence proven. A WHAE license is valid only in Louisiana and cannot be converted to a multistate license.16
Plumber (Journeyman Plumber): Welcome Home Act (R.S. 37:51-59): plumbers licensed in another state who move to Louisiana can apply to the board with proof of the out-of-state license, work experience and Louisiana residency; the board reviews eligibility.17
Security guard (Instructor License (Classroom, Baton, Firearms; In-House/Outside)): Welcome Home Act endorsement is available for instructor licensing for Louisiana residents licensed elsewhere.18
Massage therapist (Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)): Welcome Home Act: Louisiana residents holding another state's massage license that has been active for one year and is in good standing may qualify; the license is valid only while resident in Louisiana and cannot be used for compact or reciprocity elsewhere. Decision within 60 days.19
MississippiCosmetologist (Cosmetology license (cosmetologist)): Military-trained applicants, military spouses and people who establish residence in Mississippi are licensed by reciprocity under the Universal Recognition of Occupational Licenses Act (Miss. Code Ann. 73-50-1 / 73-50-2). The board posts a Universal Application and a Military Application; UROLA applicants get a temporary work permit and then take the board exam.20
Plumber (Certificate of Responsibility — Plumbing (specialty classification under Mechanical)): Universal Recognition of Occupational Licensure Act (73-50-2): exam waiver via form UROL if qualifications are of similar scope and standard.21
Electrician (Certificate of Responsibility — Electrical (major classification)): Universal Recognition of Occupational Licensure Act (73-50-2): exam waiver via form UROL if qualifications are of similar scope and standard.21
Massage therapist (Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)): Universal recognition (Miss. Code § 73-50-2) for new Mississippi residents licensed at least 1 year in a state with similar scope, or with 3 years of work in an unlicensed state; must pass the MSBMT jurisprudence exam and fingerprint check; a 365-day Temporary Practice Permit is available.22
MissouriCosmetologist (Class CA - hairdressing and manicuring (cosmetologist operator license)): RSMo 324.009: anyone with a current license in another state, territory, D.C. or the military held for at least one year may apply for the same license and level in Missouri; the board must waive exam, education and experience requirements within six months if the other jurisdiction had minimum education requirements and verifies you met them. The board may require its Missouri state law test. Military and law-enforcement spouses: decision within 30 days.23
Massage therapist (Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)): RSMo 324.009: a license held at least one year in another jurisdiction lets the board waive exam, education and experience requirements (within six months; 30 days for military or law-enforcement spouses).23
Real estate agent (Broker (broker-type licenses: Individual Broker, Broker-Salesperson, Broker-Officer, Broker-Partner, Broker-Associate, PC Broker-Salesperson, Inactive Broker)): A person licensed for at least one year in another state, territory, D.C. or the military may apply in the same occupation and level; the board must waive exam, education and experience within six months if the other jurisdiction had minimum requirements the person met, but may require the Missouri state-law exam. Real estate is not among the occupations excluded by subsection 12.23
NebraskaCosmetologist (Cosmetologist license): Uniform Credentialing Act 38-129.02 (additional route): a current, valid credential from another state, territory or D.C. that has been valid at least one year, with documentation of education, any work experience, exam passage if the other state required it, and no unresolved discipline, earns the equivalent Nebraska credential on payment of the usual fees.24
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse – multistate (compact) license): Uniform Credentialing Act reciprocity: a credential current and valid in another state/territory/DC for at least one year, with documented education, exam passage and no unresolved discipline, can be issued the equivalent Nebraska credential — but a credential issued this way is not valid for interstate-compact purposes (single-state only).24
New HampshirePlumber (Journeyman Plumber): Licensure by endorsement (RSA 310:17) for journeyman plumbers holding an active license in good standing from a listed qualifying jurisdiction.25
Massage therapist (Massage Therapist): License by reciprocity under RSA 310:17 (HB 594, 2023): a licensee in good standing from a listed "qualifying jurisdiction" submits the universal initial application, the fee and a copy of the active license.25
Real estate agent (Associate Broker): 25
North DakotaCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): North Dakota's universal licensure law (N.D.C.C. 43-51.1-02) requires boards to license out-of-state licensees who actively used the license for two of the last three years, show competency as the board determines, have no discipline in the last ten years and no active investigation, and pay the fees, unless the board has a compact, license-transfer, interstate mobility or reciprocity agreement. The cosmetology board's own route is endorsement under 43-11-25.26
OhioNotary public (Notary Public): The Secretary of State must commission an applicant who holds a notary commission or license in another state, under Ohio's universal licensure law (ORC Chapter 4796).27
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN) — multistate license (MSL)): Ohio also grants RN licenses under ORC chapter 4796 (universal licensure) to applicants licensed in another state, or with qualifying work experience or certification in a state that does not license RNs.28
Plumber (Plumbing contractor (Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board state license)): Holders of a substantially similar out-of-state license qualify to take the Ohio exam by showing five building permits issued to them, a tax return with income under that license, and an Ohio-registered foreign company; the board secretary must approve within 30 days. The exam is still required.29
Certified nursing assistant (CNA) (Certified Medication Aide (CMA) certificate): Path B (ORC 4796.03): a substantially similar out-of-state medication aide license or government certification held at least one year, at least one of the last five years in practice, good standing, and the credential required education/training/experience or an exam. The issuing state and employer send verification directly to the Board.30
Electrician (Electrical contractor (Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board state license)): Holders of a substantially similar out-of-state license qualify to take the Ohio exam by showing five building permits issued to them, a tax return with income under that license, and an Ohio-registered foreign company; the board secretary must approve within 30 days. The exam is still required.29
Massage therapist (Massage Therapist (MT)): Under ORC ch. 4796 (and 4731.19(E)) the board licenses holders of a substantially similar out-of-state license held 1+ year and used 1 of the last 5 years; private-certification and work-experience routes exist for applicants from non-licensing states or the uniformed services.31
OklahomaRegistered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (R.N.) — single-state license (Oklahoma only)): Universal licensure by endorsement for nurses moving to and residing in Oklahoma who have held a license in good standing for at least one year; proof of Oklahoma residency required; $85.32
UtahCosmetologist (Chemical hair services permit): License by endorsement (Utah Code 58-1-302): DOPL licenses a person licensed in another US state, district or territory with a similar scope of practice, at least one year of practice under it and good standing. An exam passed in another jurisdiction that is substantially equivalent is accepted.33
Plumber (Apprentice Plumber): License by endorsement (Utah Code 58-1-302, adopted for plumbers by R156-55c-305): DOPL must license a person licensed in another US state/territory with a similar scope of practice, at least one year of practice under it and good standing; it may also license others whose education, exam and experience are substantially similar.34
Electrician (Apprentice Electrician): License by endorsement (Utah Code 58-1-302, adopted for electricians by R156-55b-305): DOPL must license a person licensed in another US state/territory with a similar scope of practice, at least one year of practice under it and good standing; it may also license others whose education, exam and experience are substantially similar.35
Security guard (Armed Private Security Officer): License by endorsement under Utah Code 58-1-302: DOPL licenses a person licensed in another US state, district or territory with a similar scope of practice, at least one year of experience under that license, and good standing.36
General contractor (B100 General Building Contractor): License by endorsement: DOPL must license someone licensed in another US state/territory with a similar scope of practice, at least one year of experience under it, and good standing; it may also license others whose training is substantially similar. Endorsement applicants skip the Business and Law exam and the pre-licensure courses.36
VermontCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): Fast Track Endorsement: actively licensed or certified in good standing in another jurisdiction for three or more years immediately before applying (3 V.S.A. § 136a).37
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN) — multistate (compact) license): Fast Track Endorsement (3 V.S.A. § 136a): nurses actively licensed in good standing in another U.S. jurisdiction for at least the three years immediately before applying qualify for expedited licensure; verification comes from the state where you have practiced for those three years. (Not available for APRNs.)38
Plumber (Journeyman Plumber): Universal endorsement: the Board shall license masters, journeymen and specialists licensed in good standing in another US jurisdiction for at least three years, whether or not that jurisdiction meets the reciprocity test (the Board may ask for stricter rules for a specific jurisdiction).39
Electrician (Journeyman Electrician): Universal license (endorsement): master and journeyman electricians licensed in good standing in another US jurisdiction for at least three years get a license without exam.40
VirginiaCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): Universal License Recognition application for holders of a current out-of-state license held at least 3 years; DPOR may require a Virginia law exam (§ 54.1-205).41
Plumber (Backflow Prevention Device Worker Certification): Universal License Recognition for certified/licensed out-of-state backflow workers ($150); uncertified applicants from unregulated states take the exam.42
Electrician (Journeyman Electrical (ELE)): Universal License Recognition: a current out-of-state license held at least one year and obtained by exam plus education/training/experience; or, from a state that does not license the trade, at least three years of work in it. DPOR may require a Virginia law exam (Code § 54.1-205).43
Real estate agent (Real Estate Broker): Universal license recognition (18VAC135-20-65) for brokers licensed in a neighbouring state or another state; pass the Virginia Real Estate Exam44
West VirginiaPlumber (Journeyman Plumber): Work experience from a state that does not license plumbers: at least two years in the trade, plus WV residency, may qualify for a license without exam at the Commissioner's discretion.45
Electrician (Journeyman Electrician): West Virginia residents licensed for at least one year in another state with similar requirements, in good standing and with no disqualifying record or pending complaint, are issued a license under universal recognition; people from states that do not license may qualify with two years’ work experience.46
Massage therapist (Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT)): Universal recognition: chapter 30 boards must license, without examination, people who move to West Virginia (or military spouses stationed here) and hold a good-standing license in another state at the same level, subject to the criteria in § 30-1-27(b).47
WyomingCosmetologist (Cosmetologist): Wyoming's universal-recognition law requires boards to license people who hold an active license in good standing from a state with substantially equivalent or stricter requirements; an exam requirement is waived after more than 10 years of licensure.48
Registered nurse (RN) (Registered Nurse (RN), multistate license (Nurse Licensure Compact)): Wyoming's general license-recognition law requires boards to license holders of an active license in good standing from a state with substantially equivalent or stricter requirements. For nurses, the Board's usual route is endorsement.48

Sources

Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.

  1. Licensed in another state moving to ArizonaArizona Barbering & Cosmetology BoardChecked November 7, 2026
  2. A.R.S. 32-4302Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  3. ApplicationsArizona State Board of Massage TherapyChecked November 7, 2026
  4. 17 CAR Part 54 (Cosmetology and Body Art rules), sections 54-101 to 54-207 and 54-401Arkansas Department of Health (Code of Arkansas Rules)Checked November 7, 2026
  5. Stricken language would be deleted from and underlined language would be added to present law.Arkansas General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  6. Rules Pertaining to Master, Journeyman, and Restricted Plumber Licenses (Plumbing Licensing Rules)Arkansas Department of HealthDated September 5, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  7. 20 CAR Part 403. Rules for the Arkansas Long-Term Care Facility Nursing Assistant Training ProgramArkansas Secretary of State, Code of Arkansas Rules (rules of the Department of Human Services, Office of Long-Term Care)Checked November 7, 2026
  8. Applicants Licensed In Another US State For At Least 4 YearsConnecticut Department of Public HealthChecked November 7, 2026
  9. legislature.idaho.govIdaho LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  10. 481 IAC ch. 501 Licensure by verification / work experience (10-28-2026 IAC)Iowa LegislatureDated September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  11. 481 IAC ch. 430 Plumbing and Mechanical Systems Board—Alternative Licensure PathwaysIowa Legislature (Iowa Administrative Code)Dated September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  12. 481 IAC ch. 401 Licensing requirements, procedures, and feesIowa Legislature (Iowa Administrative Code)Dated September 30, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  13. 481 IAC ch. 2005 Licensees of Other Jurisdictions and ReciprocityIowa Legislature (Iowa Administrative Code)Dated September 30, 2026Checked November 5, 2026
  14. K.S.A. 48-3406Kansas Office of Revisor of StatutesChecked November 5, 2026
  15. Welcome Home ActLouisiana State Board of CosmetologyChecked November 7, 2026
  16. Welcome Home ActLouisiana State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
  17. Welcome Home ActState Plumbing Board of LouisianaChecked November 7, 2026
  18. Welcome Home ActLouisiana State Board of Private Security ExaminersChecked November 7, 2026
  19. LABMT Professional ApplicationsLouisiana Board of Massage TherapyChecked November 8, 2026
  20. MSBCB Updated Statutes 4.1.2026 (Miss. Code Ann. Title 73 Ch. 7)Mississippi State Board of Cosmetology and BarberingDated April 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  21. MSBOC Commercial ApplicationMississippi State Board of ContractorsChecked November 7, 2026
  22. MSBMT Rules clean 2.27.2026Mississippi State Board of Massage TherapyDated February 27, 2026Checked November 8, 2026
  23. RSMo 324.009 Licensure of nonresidents (universal recognition)Missouri Revisor of StatutesChecked November 7, 2026
  24. Uniform Credentialing Act (compilation)Nebraska Department of Health and Human ServicesChecked November 7, 2026
  25. New Changes to Reciprocity in New HampshireNew Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and CertificationChecked November 7, 2026
  26. CHAPTER 43-51.1North Dakota Legislative Branch (North Dakota Century Code)Checked November 7, 2026
  27. Ohio Revised Code 147.01 Appointment and commission of notaries publicOhio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated April 3, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  28. ORC 4723.09 Licensure by examination or endorsementOhio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated December 29, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  29. Ohio Revised Code section 4740.06Ohio Legislative Service Commission (codes.ohio.gov)Dated December 29, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
  30. CMA - Certified Medication AidesOhio Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
  31. ReciprocityState Medical Board of OhioChecked November 8, 2026
  32. Universal licensing RN LPN US educatedOklahoma Board of NursingDated February 22, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  33. R156-11a Cosmetology and Associated Professions Licensing Act RuleUtah Office of Administrative Rules (Department of Commerce, Division of Professional Licensing rule)Dated March 24, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  34. Utah Admin. Code R156-55c Plumber Licensing Act RuleUtah Office of Administrative RulesDated January 15, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  35. R156-55b Electricians Licensing Act RuleUtah Office of Administrative Rules (Utah Administrative Code)Dated August 1, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
  36. Utah Code 58-1-302 License by endorsement (current version)Utah State LegislatureDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  37. Barber, Cosmetologist, Nail Technician, Esthetician Application InstructionsVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  38. Fast Track EndorsementVermont Secretary of State, Office of Professional RegulationChecked November 7, 2026
  39. 26 V.S.A. chapter 39 (Plumbers and Plumbing), full chapterVermont General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
  40. 26 V.S.A. Chapter 15: Electricians and Electrical Installations (full chapter)Vermont General Assembly (Vermont Statutes Online)Checked November 7, 2026
  41. Universal License Recognition Form (static PDF)Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for Barbers and CosmetologyDated September 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  42. Backflow / Elevator Mechanic / Certified Accessibility Mechanic ULR Application A501-2717-20ULRVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  43. Tradesman Universal License Recognition Application A501-2710ULRVirginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation, Board for ContractorsDated July 1, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
  44. 18VAC135-20 Virginia Real Estate Board Licensing RegulationsVirginia General Assembly (Virginia Administrative Code)Checked November 6, 2026
  45. W. Va. Code §21-17-4West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
  46. 103CSR5 Electrician Licensing Rules (eff. May 1, 2024)Office of the State Fire MarshalDated May 1, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
  47. W. Va. Code §30-1-27 (licensure based on licensure in another state)West Virginia LegislatureChecked November 6, 2026
  48. TITLE 33 - PROFESSIONS AND OCCUPATIONSWyoming Legislature (Wyoming Statutes)Checked November 7, 2026