Do IMLC Licenses Renew Automatically?
No. Each medical license obtained through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) must be renewed individually, directly through the issuing state’s medical board. The IMLC facilitates initial licensure, but it does not manage or automate renewals.
How Do You Know When to Renew?
Each state has its own license renewal cycle, which can range from annual to biennial. Your renewal date is based on the date your license was issued — not the date you received your LOQ or applied through the IMLC. You should receive notifications from each state board, but you’re ultimately responsible for tracking deadlines.
Where Do You Renew IMLC Licenses?
You renew directly with the state medical board, not through the IMLC portal. Most states offer online renewal portals where you can:
- Submit required CME attestations
- Update contact and practice information
- Pay the renewal fee
Some boards may require notarized forms or additional documentation, especially if your information has changed since your last submission.
What About CME Requirements?
Continuing Medical Education (CME) requirements vary by state. You must fulfill and report each state’s individual CME obligations. There’s no centralized system for CME tracking across IMLC licenses, so it’s essential to maintain detailed records of your educational credits.
Can You Use the IMLC to Renew Licenses?
No. The IMLC does not offer a renewal mechanism. Each license is treated as a standalone entity once issued. Renewals must follow each state’s procedures, timelines, and documentation standards.
Do Renewal Dates Align Across States?
Rarely. Because each license is governed independently, it’s common for physicians with multiple licenses to have several different renewal dates scattered across the year. This makes it essential to use a tracking system or calendar to avoid lapses.
What Happens If You Miss a Renewal?
If you fail to renew a license on time, the consequences may include:
- Late fees
- Temporary suspension of your license
- Mandatory reapplication or reinstatement processes
Practicing with an expired license can result in disciplinary action, which may impact your other active licenses — even in different states.
Best Practices for IMLC License Renewal
- Use a spreadsheet or software to track renewal dates
- Mark deadlines 60 days in advance to allow time for CME or documentation
- Subscribe to email alerts from each state medical board
- Renew as early as the portal allows
Some physicians also use licensing services to handle renewals, especially if managing 5+ licenses at once.
Are Renewal Fees the Same as Initial License Fees?
No. Renewal fees are often lower than initial application fees, typically ranging from $100 to $400 depending on the state. You’ll still need to pay them separately for each license you hold.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC simplifies your path to multistate licensure — but once you’re in, staying in is up to you. Each state license comes with its own rules, dates, and fees. With a little preparation and a solid tracking system, you can maintain compliance, avoid interruptions, and continue practicing seamlessly across state lines.