Multi-state licensing doesn’t have to slow you down. Barton’s dedicated licensing team manages the process from first call to final issuance — so you can focus on finding the right assignment, not navigating state medical boards.
Physicians must hold an active, valid license from the medical board of every state in which they see patients — there's no such thing as a national license.
Each state sets its own application process, requirements, and timeline, which means locum tenens physicians face a fresh process every time they take on an assignment in a new state. The good news: Barton has guided physicians through this thousands of times across all 50 states, and your dedicated licensor manages the entire process from start to finish.
The moment a license is needed — for an active assignment or proactively — your dedicated licensor takes ownership. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
Your licensor calls you to walk through the specific requirements for your state, before a single form is touched. No surprises.
Barton pre-populates your application using information from your CV and profile. You review and sign — you don’t start from scratch.
Any in-person requirements like notary appointments, fingerprinting, and package pickups are handled by your licensor, so you're never left to coordinate them yourself.
Barton manages all follow-up with the state medical board — verifications, references, outstanding items — through to the license in hand.
Licensing fees for active assignments are covered — one less thing standing between you and your next opportunity.
Most physician licenses take three weeks to three months, depending on the state. Every state medical board has its own application process and timeline. Some states issue licenses quickly, while others take longer regardless of how complete your application is. Barton tracks current processing times and provides an up-to-date estimate when your licensing process begins.
If you're eligible for the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), you may get licensed much faster. According to the IMLC FY2025 Annual Report, 51% of physicians receive all requested state licenses within seven days of receiving their Letter of Qualification (LOQ).
The moment a license is needed — for an active assignment or proactively — your dedicated licensor takes ownership. Here’s what that looks like in practice:
| Registration | What it is | Who handles it |
|---|---|---|
| State License | Legal authority to practice medicine in the state — required first | Barton Associates |
|
CSR (Controlled Substance Registration) |
State-specific registration to prescribe controlled substances (e.g., Massachusetts CSR, Missouri Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs). Required in states that have one. | Barton secures for active assignments |
| DEA Registration | Federal registration to prescribe controlled substances. Required in addition to state CSR in most cases. | Barton secures for active assignments. Proactive DEA not available, as it requires a specific practice address. |
Important: the sequence is always state license first, then CSR, then DEA. None of these can be obtained out of order.
The IMLC is an agreement among 44 member jurisdictions — 42 states, DC, and Guam — offering eligible physicians an expedited pathway to licensure in multiple states, without having to start from scratch in each one. It's important to note that physicians still receive full, unrestricted individual state licenses through this process — the IMLC simply speeds up how you get there, rather than replacing the licenses themselves.
physicians currently use the
IMLC process
obtain their Letter of Qualification (LOQ) in 30 days or less
receive all requested compact state licenses within 7 days of LOQ issuance
of physicians find the process beneficial
of all new physician licenses in member states were issued through the IMLC in 2024
of IMLC physicians intend to use their licenses in rural or underserved areas
Source: IMLCC FY2025 Annual Report
To use the IMLC, a physician first obtains a Letter of Qualification (LOQ) from their State of Principal License (SPL) — the state where they hold their primary license and practice most. The LOQ confirms eligibility and unlocks the expedited pathway to compact state licenses.
Valid for one year — and renewable. The renewal process requires repeating certain steps, including fingerprinting.
Covers 44 jurisdictions — newest members are Arkansas (March 2025) and North Carolina (July 2025).
No IMLCC license exists — physicians receive full, unrestricted individual state licenses through the compact process.
Physicians who completed medical school outside the United States may have additional licensing requirements, including ECFMG certification and verification of their medical education. If you're an International Medical Graduate (IMG), your dedicated licensor will guide you through the process and provide a timeline based on your specific situation.
Physicians who are already licensed move faster. Instead of waiting until an opportunity opens, get licensed in the states where you want to work now.
Barton helps you identify high-demand states for your specialty and manages the licensing process from application to approval, so you're ready to submit on day one.
Yes. There is no national physician license. Every state requires its own application, fees, and approval through that state’s medical board. If you’re eligible for the IMLC, the compact can significantly expedite the process of obtaining licenses in multiple member states simultaneously.
Generally three weeks to three months, depending on the state. IMLC compact state licenses can arrive in as little as a few days post-LOQ for eligible physicians. Barton tracks real-time state processing data and will give you a current estimate when your request is initiated.
The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact is an agreement among 44 member jurisdictions that gives eligible physicians an expedited pathway to multi-state licensure. Eligibility is based on your State of Principal License (SPL) — the state where you hold your primary license and practice most. Barton will walk you through eligibility requirements and manage the LOQ application if you qualify.
Licensing fees for active assignments are covered — one less thing standing between you and your next opportunity. Barton also covers the LOQ fee for IMLC enrollment. For proactive licensing, talk to your licensing specialist about how fees are handled for your situation.
A Controlled Substance Registration (CSR) is a state-specific registration required to prescribe controlled substances in states that have one. It is obtained after your state license is issued and before your DEA registration. Barton secures both CSR and DEA for active assignments where required.
No. The sequence is always: state license first, then CSR (where required), then DEA. DEA registration also requires a specific practice address, which is why proactive DEA licensing is not available — the address must be confirmed before the application can proceed.
Physicians who completed their medical training outside the United States face additional verification requirements — including ECFMG certification and international credential verification. Talk to your licensor about your specific situation and timeline.
Proactive licensing means getting licensed in a state before a specific assignment exists. Physicians who are already licensed where the work is can be submitted for roles immediately — significantly shortening the path from interest to first shift. Barton can help identify where your specialty is in demand and get you licensed ahead of time.
One call with your dedicated licensor is all it takes to get started. Barton handles the rest.
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