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Mainelicense portability inRhode Island
Moderate Portability — shares 2–3 compacts with home

Rhode Island

Shared Compacts
3
Universal Recognition
No
Nursing (NLC)
Both members
Portability
Moderate

License Portability Summary

Rhode Island shares 3 interstate compacts with Maine: Nurse Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Counseling Compact. Some professions can transfer between these states through compact agreements, while others will require separate state licensing. Recently joined NLC; IMLC legislation passed but implementation pending.

Interstate Compact Memberships

Rhode Island is a member of 3 compacts: Nurse Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Counseling Compact. You share 3 of these with Maine: Nurse Licensure Compact, Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, Counseling Compact.

Nursing — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Both Maine and Rhode Island are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold a multistate nursing license from Maine, you can practice in Rhode Island without obtaining a separate license.

Teaching License Reciprocity

Teaching license portability from Maine to Rhode Island: NASDTEC member; reciprocal certification with endorsement review. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

Professional Engineer (PE) Comity

Rhode Island supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Maine can apply for licensure by comity, which is a streamlined process using your NCEES Record. This typically requires verifying your education, exam passage, and experience meet Rhode Island's requirements.

Military Spouse License Portability

Expedited processing for military spouses; temporary license available. Under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), updated December 2024, all states are now required to recognize valid professional licenses from other states for military personnel and their spouses.

Recent Legislative Changes

Joined NLC; IMLC implementation pending.

Official State Licensing Board

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official Rhode Island licensing page at https://health.ri.gov/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.

Rhode Island Licensing Board: https://health.ri.gov/
Law last updated: 2025Row last reviewed: May 9, 2026

Interstate compact memberships and universal-recognition laws are updated regularly — always confirm with the destination state's licensing board before relocating or practicing. Coverage varies by profession (nursing, psychology, PT, counseling, engineering, teaching, real estate). Data reflects laws in effect as of early 2026.