Mississippi is a member of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, a faster way for qualified physicians to become licensed in several states at once. The Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure takes part as a member licensing board.
Jump to: About the Compact | Mississippi's Role | Eligibility | Benefits | How to Apply | Renewing Your License | Contact
About the Compact
The Compact lets a qualified physician get licensed in multiple states through one streamlined process, instead of a separate full application for each state. You submit one application, receive a Letter of Qualification, and use it to obtain a license in any member state. Each state still issues its own license.
The Compact is run by the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission. As of early 2026 it includes 43 states and 2 U.S. territories.
Mississippi's Role in the Compact
Mississippi is a full member state. If you are licensed here, you can use the Compact to get licensed in other member states. If you are licensed elsewhere, you can use it to get a Mississippi license.
Mississippi can be your State of Principal License if it is:
- Your primary state of residence
- Where at least 25% of your practice occurs
- Your employer's location, or
- Your state of residence for federal income tax
When Mississippi is your principal license state, the Board issues your Letter of Qualification.
Eligibility
About 80% of U.S. physicians qualify. To be eligible, you must have:
- A full, unrestricted license in your principal-license member state
- A degree from an accredited or internationally listed medical school
- An ACGME- or AOA-accredited residency
- A passing USMLE or COMLEX-USA score, in no more than three attempts per component
- Current ABMS or AOABOS board certification
- No disciplinary, criminal, controlled-substance, or investigative history
Canadian medical graduates generally do not qualify unless their residency is ACGME- or AOA-accredited.
Benefits
The Compact is built for physicians who practice across state lines, including telehealth, multi-state systems, and military or underserved care:
- Fast licensure, often within days of qualifying
- One application that covers every member state
- No separate full application for each state
- Add more states anytime (a $100 handling fee plus each state's fees)
- Change your principal license state at no cost
- Renew all your Compact licenses in one place
How to Apply
Apply through the Compact Commission's online portal:
- Confirm your eligibility
- Create an account and complete the application
- Choose your State of Principal License
- Submit your application and supporting documents
- Submit fingerprints for a background check (within 60 days)
- Pay the licensure fee for each state you want
- Receive your licenses, often within days
Your Letter of Qualification stays valid for 365 days. After that, you apply for a new one.
Renewing Your Mississippi License Through the Compact
Renewing through the Compact takes two steps. You are not renewed until you finish both.
Step 1: Renew and pay in the Compact's online portal
Complete your renewal and pay your fee in the Compact's online portal. The Compact then notifies the Board that Step 1 is done.
Step 2: Complete your renewal in MELS
Your renewal then opens in MELS, the Board's online gateway. Allow up to 24 hours for it to appear, then log in and answer the renewal questions. There is no payment at this step. If it has not appeared within 24 hours, contact the Board.
Until you finish Step 2 in MELS, you are not renewed, in Mississippi or in the Compact. The Mississippi renewal period runs May 1 through June 30 each year. A license not renewed by June 30 lapses.
Contact
For application status, eligibility, or multi-state licensing, contact the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact Commission directly: 303-997-9842 (Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 8 PM Eastern).
For your existing Mississippi license, renewals, or Board requirements, contact the Mississippi State Board of Medical Licensure.
