Occupational License Reciprocity Cost Calculator

Moving to a new state for work can come with an unexpected price tag: getting legally authorized to practice your profession again. Even when “reciprocity” exists, most boards still require an application, verification of your current license, background checks, and sometimes additional education or an exam. This calculator helps you estimate the full cost of a license transfer—not only the fees you pay to agencies, but also the value of your time and the potential income you may forgo while waiting for approval.

What this calculator includes

• Direct fees: application, background check/fingerprinting, exam fees, and exam prep expenses.
• Documentation costs: transcripts, license verification/certification, notarization or apostille, and other administrative expenses.
• Travel costs: if an interview, exam, or in-person appointment is required.
• Time cost: your estimated hours of exam preparation multiplied by your hourly rate.
• Potential lost income during processing: based on your weekly income, processing time, and how much you can work while you wait.

Reciprocity vs. endorsement vs. full relicensing (why costs vary)

Different professions and states use different terms, but these three pathways cover most situations:

• Reciprocity: a state recognizes another state’s license and offers a simplified path. Costs are often limited to an application, background check, and verification.
• Licensure by endorsement: the destination board evaluates your credentials and current license. You may still need extra steps (jurisprudence exam, state-specific course, continuing education, supervised hours, etc.).
• Full relicensing: you must meet the destination state’s full requirements, which can include retaking a major exam and/or completing additional training. This pathway tends to have the highest time and income impact.

Because boards update rules and fees, the most reliable use of this calculator is as a planning estimate for comparing offers, budgeting your move, and choosing a timeline.

Formulas used

The calculator groups your estimate into three buckets: direct cash costs, time cost, and potential lost income.

1) Direct cash costs

Direct Costs = application fee + background check + exam cost + documentation costs + travel + other costs

2) Time cost (exam preparation)

Time Cost = (exam prep hours) × (hourly rate)

3) Potential lost income during processing

If you can only work at a certain percentage of your normal capacity while your license is pending, the model estimates the income reduction:

Lost Income = (processing weeks) × (weekly income) × (1 − work capacity%)

Combined, the total is:

How to interpret your results

• Direct costs are the out-of-pocket dollars you likely pay regardless of your work situation.
• Time cost is an opportunity-cost estimate. If you would otherwise be working (or doing billable tasks), this highlights the economic impact of studying and admin work.
• Lost income is highly situation-dependent and often the largest driver. If you can keep working remotely, work under supervision, or delay your move until approval, this number can drop dramatically.

For decision-making, many professionals compare (a) the total transfer cost, (b) the expected pay change in the new role, and (c) the likely time-to-start. Even a higher salary may not “win” if the delay and re-licensing burden is substantial.

Worked example (healthcare)

Scenario: An RN is moving and expects a partial work interruption.

• Application fee: $240
• Background check: $150
• Exam required: No (reciprocity/endorsement path)
• Transcripts + verification + notarization: $75 + $150 + $50 = $275
• Travel: $0
• Other consultation: $0
• Processing time: 8 weeks
• Weekly income: $2,500
• Work capacity during processing: 75% (can work some shifts/roles but not full capacity)

Direct costs = 240 + 150 + 275 = $665

Time cost = $0 (no exam prep entered)

Lost income = 8 × 2,500 × (1 − 0.75) = 8 × 2,500 × 0.25 = $5,000

Total estimated cost = 665 + 0 + 5,000 = $5,665

This example shows why processing time and work capacity can outweigh the visible fees.

Worked example (non-healthcare)

Scenario: A licensed professional (e.g., electrician/contractor) moving states where an exam may be required.

• Application fee: $200
• Background check: $80
• Exam required: Yes
• Exam registration + prep materials: $600
• Exam prep hours: 60
• Hourly rate: $45
• Docs/notarization/travel/other: $150 total
• Processing time: 6 weeks
• Weekly income: $1,800
• Work capacity: 50%

Direct costs = 200 + 80 + 600 + 150 = $1,030

Time cost = 60 × 45 = $2,700

Lost income = 6 × 1,800 × (1 − 0.50) = 6 × 1,800 × 0.50 = $5,400

Total estimated cost = 1,030 + 2,700 + 5,400 = $9,130

Typical cost categories (quick comparison)

Assumptions & limitations

• State and board rules change: reciprocity/endorsement eligibility and fees can change without notice. Always verify with the destination licensing board.
• Not legal, tax, or financial advice: this is an estimation tool for planning and comparison.
• Processing time is uncertain: delays can occur due to missing documents, background check backlogs, exam scheduling windows, or board meeting cycles.
• Income impact is individualized: your “work capacity” input assumes your income scales roughly with capacity; salaried roles, remote work, or alternative employment can change outcomes.
• Some costs are not modeled: required courses, supervised practice hours, insurance changes, membership dues, equipment, or relocation costs are not included unless you enter them under “Other.”
• Compact licenses and special pathways: multi-state compacts (where applicable) may reduce steps, while discipline-specific rules may add steps (jurisprudence exams, state law courses, etc.).

Sources to consult (for verification)

• Your destination state’s licensing board website (fees, forms, processing times)
• Your current state’s licensing board (verification procedures)
• National/compact resources where applicable (e.g., profession-specific compacts and exam administrators)