What Does It Cost to Apply Through the IMLC?
Physicians exploring the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC) often ask: “How much does it actually cost?” While the compact streamlines the licensing process, it still involves multiple fees. In this article, we’ll break down every cost — so there are no surprises when you start your application.
What’s the IMLC Application Fee?
The IMLC application fee is $700. This is a one-time, non-refundable payment required when you submit your application through the IMLC portal. It covers credential verification, administrative processing, and coordination between your State of Principal License (SPL) and the IMLC Commission.
What About Fingerprinting and Background Check Costs?
Most SPLs require a fingerprint-based background check. Costs vary depending on how and where you get fingerprinted, but here’s a general estimate:
- Live Scan (in-state): $50–$75
- Ink card submission (out-of-state): $60–$100
Some states charge an additional processing fee for handling the criminal background results.
How Much Does Each State License Cost?
After receiving your Letter of Qualification (LOQ), you’ll need to pay for each individual state license. These fees vary widely. Here are examples from actual IMLC states:
- Colorado: $368
- Arizona: $500
- Alabama: $75
- Illinois: $500+
- Iowa: $450
Some states include mandatory jurisprudence exams or document handling fees. Always check current rates with each board before applying.
Are There Any Hidden Costs?
Not exactly “hidden,” but there are additional potential costs:
- Passport-style photo: $15
- Notarizations (if required): $10–$30
- Courier shipping (for fingerprint cards): $25–$40
If you're using a professional licensing service or concierge platform, add their service fee — typically between $500 and $1,500 depending on the level of support.
How Much Would 5-State Licensing Cost in Total?
Here’s an example cost breakdown for a physician pursuing licenses in 5 IMLC states:
- IMLC application fee: $700
- Fingerprinting: $75
- State licenses (avg $400 × 5): $2,000
- Miscellaneous: $50
Total: ~$2,825
This does not include optional concierge or legal support services.
Is IMLC Licensing Cheaper Than Applying Directly?
Not always — but it’s faster and less repetitive. Applying directly to 5 states could require:
- Five separate applications
- Five separate fingerprintings
- Five background checks
- Dozens of notarizations and verifications
The time and labor saved using the IMLC often outweighs any slight cost difference.
Are There Annual Renewal Fees?
Yes. Each state will charge you a renewal fee according to its own schedule and rules. These typically range from $100 to $400 per year. You must also track and report CME and any state-specific renewal requirements.
Can You Deduct These Expenses?
In many cases, yes. If you're an independent contractor or run your own practice, IMLC-related expenses may be tax-deductible as professional development or licensure costs. Always confirm with your accountant or tax advisor.
Final Thoughts
The IMLC isn’t free — but for most physicians, it’s a time-saving and scalable solution to the costly, redundant process of licensing state by state. The more licenses you need, the more valuable the IMLC becomes. Understanding the true costs upfront ensures you can budget accurately and take full advantage of multi-state mobility.