Are IMLC Licenses Different from Traditional Licenses?
Once a license is issued through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC), it becomes a standard license governed by the rules of that individual state. That means you must renew it just like any other medical license — with no shortcuts or automatic reminders from the IMLC.
What Happens If You Miss the Renewal Deadline?
- Your license is no longer valid — even if you were practicing legally the day before
- You may have to stop seeing patients in that state immediately
- Some states allow short grace periods, but others do not
- You may face penalties or need to complete a reinstatement application
Practicing with an expired license can lead to disciplinary action or fines.
Do You Have to Go Through the IMLC Again?
No. License renewal happens directly through the state board. The IMLC only facilitates initial licensure — it plays no role in renewals. Once you have the license, you manage it like any other state license.
Can You Reinstate an Expired License?
In most cases, yes — but the process varies by state:
- Some states: Allow late renewals with a penalty fee
- Others: Require a full reinstatement application
- Some: May ask for updated CME, background check, or new references
If your license has been expired for more than a year, you may be treated as a new applicant.
How to Avoid Expiration
- Use a tracking tool for all licenses and their renewal dates
- Set alerts 90, 60, and 30 days before each deadline
- Confirm that CME is completed and documented for each board’s unique requirements
- Make renewals a monthly administrative task or delegate it to a compliance assistant
Once you hold 5+ licenses, it’s easy to lose track — don’t let that happen.
What If You Still Hold an Active LOQ?
An active LOQ doesn’t protect you from license expiration. If your existing license lapses, you must fix it through the state board. You can still use the LOQ to apply to additional states (within its 365-day window), but expired licenses need individual attention.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC gets you in the door — but staying inside is your responsibility. Treat every state license like a contract: track it, renew it on time, and stay compliant. Your reputation, your patient access, and your liability depend on it.