Universal Recognition

Occupational licensing affects nearly 1 in 5 American workers and can be a substantial barrier to interstate mobility. Workers do not lose their skills or experience when they cross state lines, but licensing laws often treat them like they do. Universal license recognition addresses this problem by requiring state licensing boards to recognize valid occupational licenses from other states. 

Under universal license recognition, a person must hold a license in good standing in another state. Applicants also cannot have any disciplinary action pending from the relevant board in the state where they received their license or a criminal record that would disqualify them from obtaining the license in the recognized state. Applicants may still be required to pay fees or take exams administered by the board in the recognized state. Universal recognition does not affect interstate compacts. 

Today, 28 states have enacted some form of universal license recognition.