What Is a Letter of Qualification (LOQ)?
The Letter of Qualification (LOQ) is the IMLC-issued document that confirms you meet all eligibility criteria. Once issued, it allows you to request licenses from other IMLC member states without submitting new applications.
Does the LOQ Expire?
Yes. Your LOQ is valid for exactly 365 days from the date it is issued. After that point, you must reapply through your State of Principal License (SPL) and go through the verification process again — including another background check.
What Happens When an LOQ Expires?
- You can no longer request new licenses through the IMLC
- All licenses already issued through the IMLC remain valid — nothing gets canceled
- Renewal of those licenses still happens state by state
- You must submit a brand-new IMLC application to obtain new licenses
There is no way to extend or reactivate an expired LOQ.
Should You Wait Until the LOQ Expires to Reapply?
Only if you’re done applying to all the states you currently need. If you're planning to expand to new states in the near future, it's best to request those licenses before the LOQ expires to avoid repeating the application and fingerprinting process.
How to Maximize Your LOQ
- Make a list of all states you’re considering practicing in
- Request those licenses within your 365-day window
- Bundle requests if possible to reduce administrative overhead
- Use licensing support tools or a spreadsheet to track deadlines
Consider timing your license expansion efforts around the LOQ calendar.
Can You Have Multiple LOQs?
No. You can only have one active LOQ at a time. If your LOQ expires, you must submit a new application and receive a new LOQ — which resets the 365-day timer. You cannot have overlapping or concurrent LOQs.
How to Reapply After Expiration
If your LOQ has expired, you’ll need to:
- Submit a new application through your SPL
- Pay the $700 application fee again
- Complete a new fingerprint/background check
- Wait for re-verification before requesting new licenses
The IMLC does not offer a grace period or renewal discount.
Final Thoughts
Your LOQ is your licensing launchpad — but it has an expiration date. Make the most of that 365-day window by planning strategically, requesting licenses in batches, and monitoring the deadline. If you let it lapse, you don’t lose what you’ve already earned — but you do have to start over to get more.