FAQs about new Reciprocity Rules in New Hampshire

The Office anticipates filing permanent rules establishing the criteria for endorsement applications in Fall 2023.  These rules will include additional professions.  Please check the Office’s webpage on rules for further updates.  OPLC Laws and Rules | NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification.  

If New Hampshire requires a license to practice a particular profession, you must first obtain a New Hampshire license prior to practicing that profession in this State.  HB 594 does not permit individuals to practice without a license in New Hampshire if one is otherwise required.  HB 594 does allow qualified individuals to obtain licensure by reciprocity.    

Licensing reciprocity is a state’s recognition of a license in another state as satisfying the minimum requirements to obtain a license in that state.  For example, an applicant who qualifies for licensure based on reciprocity does not need to submit transcripts to demonstrate completion of required education. Licensure by reciprocity offers a more streamlined path to licensure and is often faster than obtaining a license through traditional means.  

If you are licensed in another state with “substantially similar” requirements, you may be eligible to obtain a license in New Hampshire through reciprocity, once HB 594 becomes effective and the Office adopts administrative rules.  Please check your board’s reciprocity page for continued updates.

Please see your board’s reciprocity page for information as to the current qualifications for obtain a license through reciprocity, and how to apply for a license.  These qualifications may change once HB 594 becomes effective on August 27, 2023, and the Office adopts administrative rules to implement the bill.  Please check your board’s reciprocity page for continued updates.

Please see your board’s reciprocity page for information as to the current qualifications for obtain a license through reciprocity.  These qualifications may change once HB 594 goes into effect on August 27, 2023, and the Office adopts administrative rules to implement the bill.   Please check your board’s reciprocity page for continued updates.  

August 27, 2023.

The Office anticipates filing interim rules in late August, after HB 594 becomes effective.  The Office anticipates the rulemaking process to be finalized by the end of 2023.

All licensees who obtain a New Hampshire license through reciprocity shall complete all requirements to maintain their license, including continuing education if required by the applicable board.

Under HB 594, the Office is required to adopt rules setting forth the criteria to obtain a license, in consultation with the boards, councils, and commissions within the Office.  As part this effort, the Office will make determinations as to which jurisdictions contain substantially similar licensure requirements, for each license type within the Office.  When making such determinations, the Office plans to prioritize the following license types:

a.    Barber
b.    Body Art Practitioner
c.    Certified Pharmacy Technician
d.    Certified Recovery Support Worker
e.    Cosmetologist
f.     Esthetician
g.    Funeral Director & Embalmer
h.    Journeyman Electrician
i.     Licensed Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professional
j.     Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor
k.    Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker
l.     Licensed Nursing Assistant
m.   Manicurist
n.    Master Alcohol and Other Drug Use Professional
o.    Master Barber
p.    Master Electrician
q.    Pharmacist
r.     Physician Assistant
s.    Physician
t.     Psychologist
u.    Registered Pharmacy Technician
v.    Veterinarian

The Office selected the above professions after considering the current licensure requirements for reciprocity applicants, the availability of other means for reciprocity (such as licensure compacts), and the volume of applications received by the Office.  For further information and ongoing updates, please check your board for continued updates.