Put your current license and your intended destination side by side: profession, license level, issuing state and status. Then read the destination board’s rule for that exact combination. Use this guide to avoid choosing a pathway on the strength of a broad profession name or an old reciprocity list.
Start with the destination board’s wording
Search for the destination’s actual pathway, then check its scope. Write down whether the board discusses reciprocity, endorsement or an individual waiver. Do not treat those labels as interchangeable instructions or assume an application waives every requirement.
California real estate: No interstate reciprocity waives California licensing requirements.
Source and quotation
California has no reciprocity with any other state to allow a waiver of any of the requirements to obtain a license.Official source
Verified 2026-10-25
Check when the pathway changed
Read the effective date as carefully as the pathway name. Keep a copy of the current board instructions with your checklist. If you are following an older application or course recommendation, compare it with the destination’s current wording before paying.
Illinois real estate: Beginning January 1, 2026, out-of-state brokers and managing brokers use an endorsement process replacing the previous reciprocal process.
Source and quotation
Starting January 1, 2026, all Brokers and Managing Brokers seeking licensure from outside of Illinois will apply via an Endorsement Process which replaces a Reciprocal Process previously in place with specific states.Official source
Verified 2026-10-25
Match the license level and issuing state
For a listed agreement, check both ends of the match. Confirm that your license title and level appear in the pathway and read the reciprocal application requirements. A broad occupation label in our directory is a starting point for that check.
Texas electricians: Master agreements: AL, AR master, IA Class A master, LA state contractor, NE, NC master or unlimited contractor, OH and TN electrical contractor. Journeyman agreements: AL, AK, AR, ID, IA, NE, NM, OK, SD and WY. Consult the reciprocal application requirements.
Source and quotation
Master Electrician - Alabama, Arkansas (master electrician), Iowa (Class A master electrician), Louisiana (state contractor’s license), Nebraska, North Carolina (master electrician or unlimited electrical contractor), Ohio, and Tennessee (Electrical Contractor). Journeyman Electrician - Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Idaho, Iowa, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota and WyomingOfficial source
Verified 2026-10-24
Check alternatives without assuming an exemption
When the board does not offer reciprocity, look for its stated procedure for evaluating prior education or experience. Ask what evidence to submit and what remains to be completed. Compare fees and required hours only after identifying the route that fits your application.
New York real estate: No reciprocity with other states; out-of-state education may be submitted for an individual waiver.
Source and quotation
The Department of State does not currently have reciprocity with any other state. If you completed education outside of New York, please submit a written waiver request.Official source
Verified 2026-10-25