Texas medical license for out-of-state physicians: paths, exam and first-renewal CME
Texas doesn't convert another state's license. You either apply for a full Texas license through the Texas Medical Board or, if you qualify, use the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact, which Texas joined in 2021. Both routes require the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam. For treating Texas patients by telehealth from another state, TMB points to the same two routes.
Key facts: getting a Texas medical license
- Full license fee
- $867 as of Sept. 1, 2025, including the Jurisprudence Exam fee, plus a $21 NPDB/HIPDB surcharge and a $7 Texas Physician Health Program surcharge (TMB full license page)
- Expedited handling
- (1) agreeing to practice in an underserved, HPSA or rural area; (2) HB 1504: licensed and actively practicing in another state for at least 5 years, with no discipline or open investigations; (3) active military, military spouses and veterans (TMB full license page)
- Lawful presence
- Documentation required at initial licensure and at renewal (TMB full license page)
- Licensing exam attempts
- TMB's answer: "Three, however, there are exceptions" (TMB full license page)
- Jurisprudence exam
- Required by statute: the applicant "has passed a Texas medical jurisprudence examination as determined by board rule" (Occ. Code ch. 155)
- IMLC
- HB 1616 signed June 7, 2021; Texas is the 33rd member state; Letter of Qualification from your State of Principal License (TMB IMLC page)
- State of Principal License
- At least one of: primary residence, at least 25% of your practice, your employer, or your federal tax residence (TMB IMLC page)
- After an IMLC license issues
- Within 90 days: pass the JP exam, prove lawful presence, register the license and pay the registration fee (TMB IMLC page)
Not affiliated with TMB or the IMLCC. Fees change; check TMB before you apply.
Does Texas have medical license reciprocity?
Not in the sense of converting another state's license. Out-of-state physicians apply for a full Texas license or, if eligible, a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. Under HB 1504, physicians licensed and actively practicing in another state for at least five years, with no discipline or open investigations, get expedited handling.
TMB mentions reciprocal licensure only on its path for military servicemembers and spouses, alongside Military Servicemember and Spouse Professional License Recognition (TMB: clinical work for Texas residents). Source for expedited handling: TMB full license page.
Is Texas an IMLC state?
Yes. Texas joined the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact when HB 1616 was signed on June 7, 2021, as the 33rd member state, and the Compact's member list shows Texas going live in March 2022. You get a Letter of Qualification from your State of Principal License, then pass the jurisprudence exam and register within 90 days.
Sources: TMB IMLC application page · IMLCC member list (Jan. 1, 2026).
What is the Texas Medical Jurisprudence Exam?
It's an exam every Texas medical license applicant must pass, including Compact applicants, on Texas licensing requirements and the other laws and rules that apply to physicians here. Its fee is included in the $867 full-license application fee. Compact licensees must pass it within 90 days of license issuance, along with registering the license.
Sources: TMB full license page · TMB IMLC page · Occ. Code ch. 155. We don't publish a passing score; check TMB.
Can I treat Texas patients by telemedicine from another state?
You'll need a Texas license. TMB's guide to clinical work for Texas residents, which covers out-of-state telehealth for Texas patients, points physicians to a full Texas license or a license through the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. We couldn't confirm TMB's older telemedicine-license page today, so ask TMB before relying on any other license type.
Source: TMB: clinical work for Texas residents (includes out-of-state telehealth).
What CME do I need after moving to Texas?
None for your first registration: TMB exempts new licensees from the hour requirement then, and an initial registration period under 24 months needs no CME before the first renewal. Topic rules start at licensure, though: opioid CME within a year if you see patients, human trafficking in the first period, and SB 31 for listed specialties.
| After you're licensed | What applies |
|---|---|
| Hour requirement | Exempt the first time you register; an initial period under 24 months needs no CME before the first renewal |
| Opioid CME | Within one year of licensure, if you provide direct patient care |
| Human trafficking | In your first renewal period, if you provide direct patient care (HHSC-approved course) |
| Life of the Mother Act | TMB's listed specialties take the free MyTMB course before renewal |
Full guide: CME for new physicians → · When a new license must be registered · Set up your free CE Broker account
Does my out-of-state CME count in Texas?
Yes, if it carries a designation Texas accepts. Formal credit includes AMA PRA Category 1 from ACCME-accredited or recognized state-society providers, AAFP, AOA Category 1-A and TMA-approved activities, wherever you took them. Texas topic rules need their own courses: human trafficking must be on HHSC's approved list, and SB 31 is TMB's own course.
Formal designations: formal vs informal. Topic guides: human trafficking · opioid · SB 31. DOs: Texas CME for DOs.
Out-of-state physicians: FAQ
Is Texas part of the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact?
Yes. Texas joined the IMLC in 2021 under HB 1616 as the 33rd member state, and the Compact's member list shows Texas going live in March 2022.
Can I treat Texas patients by telehealth from another state?
TMB's guide to clinical work for Texas residents, including out-of-state telehealth, points physicians to a full Texas license or a license through the Compact.
How much does a Texas medical license application cost?
As of September 1, 2025, the full license application fee is $867, including the jurisprudence exam fee, plus $21 and $7 surcharges.
Do new Texas licensees need CME for their first registration?
No. TMB exempts newly licensed physicians from the CME hour requirement the first time they register, but topic rules such as opioid CME within one year still apply.