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Michiganlicense portability inCalifornia
Minimal Reciprocity — no shared compacts; relicense required

California

Shared Compacts
0
Universal Recognition
No
Nursing (NLC)
No
Portability
Difficult

License Portability Summary

California does not share any interstate compacts with Michigan. A full separate licensing process will be required for most professions. California's general portability rating is "difficult." Not a member of any major interstate compact; strictest licensing requirements in the nation.

Interstate Compact Memberships

California is not a member of any major interstate licensing compacts. All professions will require traditional state-by-state licensing.

Nursing — Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Neither Michigan nor California are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact. A separate state nursing license is required.

Teaching License Reciprocity

Teaching license portability from Michigan to California: NASDTEC member; requires additional CA-specific coursework in US Constitution and health education. Most states participate in the NASDTEC Interstate Agreement, but specific requirements vary by state and endorsement area.

Professional Engineer (PE) Comity

California supports PE license comity through NCEES. Licensed Professional Engineers from Michigan 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 California's requirements.

Military Spouse License Portability

Temporary license for military spouses; expedited application processing. 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

Legislation to join NLC introduced but not passed as of 2025.

Official State Licensing Board

For the most current licensing requirements and compact participation details, visit the official California licensing page at https://www.dca.ca.gov/. Requirements and compact memberships may change as new legislation is enacted.

California Licensing Board: https://www.dca.ca.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.