Frequently Asked Questions

The IMLC is a voluntary agreement among U.S. states and territories that creates a voluntary, expedited pathway for physicians to obtain full, unrestricted licenses in multiple member states. Participating states still issue and regulate their own licenses, but the Compact reduces duplication and processing time. Around 80% of physicians meet the eligibility criteria. Since becoming operational in April 2017, the Compact has grown to include 40 states plus the District of Columbia and Guam.

Eligible practitioners first apply to participate in the Compact. Upon acceptance, they can then apply for expedited licensure in other Compact states.

Physicians apply through the IMLC website, select a State of Principal Licensure (SPL), and request licenses from the member states.

The IMLC does not offer discounts or waivers of licensing fees for military personnel or their families.

Military members or military spouses may qualify for state licensure fee waivers.

To qualify for this waiver you must be:

• A military veteran who has been honorably discharged or who will be honorably discharged within six months of submitting your application or;
• The spouse of a military veteran who has been honorably discharged or who will be honorably discharged within six months of submitting your application.

For a complete description of the IMLC expedited licensure process in Florida.

A physician’s SPL is the Compact member state where the practitioner holds a full, unrestricted license to practice medicine. This state is designated as the SPL by the IMLC for purposes of registration and participation in the Compact. Visit the IMLC website for additional information regarding SPL eligibility criteria.

Current Florida licensees must apply through the IMLC’s website to make Florida their SPL and to obtain a LOQ from the IMLC. Eligible licensed practitioners may apply through the IMLC website.

At any time during the 365-day period when a LOQ is valid, a physician can return to the IMLC website and select other Compact member states where the physician wants to seek licensure. The physician will be required to pay any necessary fees for each of the states chosen. The IMLC Commission then notifies each selected state that the physician is eligible for licensure.

An LOQ is a notification issued by a state of principal licensure that expresses an applicant’s eligibility or ineligibility for expedited licensure through the process set forth in the Compact. It is issued after the State of Principal Licensure (SPL) reviews the application, criminal background check, board certification, and other credentials.

The LOQ allows practitioners to obtain a license in other participating compact states. An LOQ is valid for 365 days from issue date.

The LOQ is valid for 365 days. If an LOQ expires before all desired licenses are obtained, a new application and fee are required.

Eligible practitioners may apply for an LOQ from their state of principal licensure directly on the IMLC website.

Applicants who do not meet eligibility requirements are notified and cannot participate in the IMLC. You may reapply in the future once you have revisited the eligibility requirements and determined you are eligible to participate.

Expedited applications are typically processed within 1-3 business days. 

The time to issue an LOQ varies depending on when all eligibility criteria have been met which may differ from the date that all required documents have been received. 

Applications submitted Monday-Wednesday are typically processed Friday of that week. 

Applications submitted Thursday-Sunday are typically processed Friday of the following week.  

For all information related to initiating a background screening in Florida, visit FLHealthSource.gov/Background-Screening.