Transferring Your Social Work License: Guide to Licensure by Endorsement

So, you’re packing up and heading to a new state—but you’re also a licensed Social Worker, which means moving isn’t as simple as changing your address. Each state has its own licensure rules, and if you plan to keep practicing, you’ll need to transfer your Social Work license before you can legally get back to helping clients. That’s where the concept of licensure by endorsement comes into play. It sounds fancy, but really, it just means you’re asking a new state to recognize the license you already worked hard to earn.

Transferring your license can feel a bit like untangling a ball of wires—frustrating and confusing if you don’t know where to start. Every state has different hoops to jump through: some want additional coursework, others require background checks, and almost all expect you to submit a stack of documentation. It’s enough to make any professional’s head spin. But here’s the good news: with a clear guide (like this one), a little organization, and access to reliable continuing education, you can make the transition with confidence.

In this post, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about transferring your Social Work license—from what licensure by endorsement actually means, to what documents you’ll need, and how to stay up to date on continuing education requirements. Let’s make your move a lot less stressful—starting now.

Did you know? Agents of Change Continuing Education offers Unlimited Access to 150+ ASWB and NBCC-approved CE courses for one low annual fee to meet your state’s requirements for Continuing Education credits and level up your career.

We’ve helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs.

1) What Is Licensure by Endorsement?

2) Why Would You Need to Transfer Your License?

Transferring your Social Work license might not be something you ever expected to deal with, but life changes, and your career needs to keep up. Whether it’s a planned move, a new opportunity, or just a shift in your life circumstances, understanding the why behind transferring your license is just as important as knowing how to do it.

Licensure by endorsement exists for a reason: so you don’t have to sacrifice your career momentum just because you’re crossing state lines. Let’s explore some of the most common (and often overlooked) reasons Social Workers find themselves needing to transfer their license.

Relocation for Work or Family

This is probably the most common reason Social Workers consider transferring their license. Whether you’ve landed a new job in another state or need to move to support a partner’s career, your license needs to move with you.

You might be relocating due to:

A job offer at a hospital, school, or community agency in a different state
A partner or spouse getting transferred or promoted out of state
Family caregiving responsibilities (like supporting aging parents or raising kids closer to extended family)
Military relocation or government service

In these cases, time is often of the essence, and being able to transfer your license quickly helps you hit the ground running.

Expanding Your Practice

Sometimes, it’s not about moving physically—it’s about growing professionally. Social Workers who offer telehealth or plan to consult across state lines may need to be licensed in multiple states.

You might consider transferring your license or seeking additional licenses if you:

Want to offer virtual therapy or remote case management to clients in other states
Are consulting or supervising practitioners in another jurisdiction
Plan to teach or lead trainings that require licensure recognition in that state
Are preparing to open your own practice in a new region

In these scenarios, endorsement makes it easier to maintain your license across state boundaries without having to restart the entire application process each time.

Chasing Better Opportunities or Lifestyle Changes

Sometimes it’s not about the job—it’s about the life you want. Whether it’s a lower cost of living, a warmer climate, or better work-life balance, relocating for personal reasons is a valid (and common) reason to transfer your license.

This often includes:

Moving to a state with higher pay or better Social Work job market conditions
Seeking less burnout and more manageable caseloads
Wanting to live in a place that aligns more with your personal values or lifestyle goals
Transitioning from urban to rural practice—or vice versa

Wherever you go, your Social Work license should follow, and licensure by endorsement is the key to making that transition smooth.

State Licensing Laws Are Changing

Sometimes, you don’t even have to move—your state’s licensing laws might change under you. If your original state revises its Social Work license categories, supervision requirements, or reciprocity agreements, you may find yourself needing to seek a more flexible license in another jurisdiction.

This can happen if:

Your state discontinues your license type or merges it with another
You’re looking to practice at a higher level that your current state doesn’t offer
A neighboring state begins offering full reciprocity and you want to expand your practice base
You lose confidence in your current board’s support or infrastructure

In any of these cases, transferring your license can be a proactive way to protect your career.

Preparing for the Unexpected

Let’s be honest—life doesn’t always go as planned. Emergencies, sudden changes, or even just burnout can push you to seek a fresh start elsewhere. Having your license ready to transfer gives you options when you need them most.

Here’s why having your paperwork and CEUs in order before you move is smart:

You won’t miss out on income while waiting for licensure approval
You can accept job offers with confidence and a quick turnaround
You’ll avoid late fees, rushed paperwork, or missing documentation
You’ll be less stressed during an already stressful transition

Staying proactive with continuing education—through providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education, which offers over 150 state-compliant, ASWB- and NBCC-approved courses—ensures you’re always ready, no matter where life takes you.

Agents of Change has helped tens of thousands of Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals with Continuing Education, learn more here about Agents of Change and claim your 5 free CEUs!

3) Step-by-Step: Transferring Your Social Work License

Transferring your Social Work license doesn’t have to be a confusing mess. Yes, there are forms, requirements, and state-by-state differences—but with a bit of structure, the process becomes much easier to manage.

Whether you’re a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), or any other designation, this step-by-step guide will walk you through what to do, when to do it, and how to avoid common delays.

Step 1: Research Your New State’s Licensing Requirements

Before you do anything else, find out what your destination state expects. Even though licensure by endorsement is designed to simplify the process, every state defines eligibility a bit differently.

Key Things to Look For:

License types the state recognizes (e.g., LMSW, LCSW, LICSW, LSW)
Required degree level and type (BSW, MSW, etc.)
Supervised experience minimums (how many hours and what kind)
Accepted exam types (Clinical, Master’s, etc.)
Whether a jurisprudence or ethics exam is required
CEU expectations before and after transfer
Application fees and timelines

📝 Pro Tip: Create a comparison chart between your current state and your target state. This helps identify any gaps you’ll need to close.

Example Comparison Table:

Requirement	Current State (NY)	New State (TX)
License Type	LCSW	LCSW
Supervised Hours	3,000	3,000
Exam	ASWB Clinical	ASWB Clinical
Jurisprudence Exam	No	Yes (TX-specific)
Additional Coursework	None	Human Trafficking Training
Background Check	Yes	Yes

Step 2: Contact the State Licensing Board

Even after you’ve reviewed the website, it’s wise to contact the licensing board directly. Websites can be outdated or unclear, and you don’t want to miss something important.

Ask them about:

The exact process for licensure by endorsement
Forms required
Acceptable ways to submit documentation (mail, portal, email)
Expected timeline for review
Whether you can start working under temporary approval

Keep a log of who you spoke to and what they said—just in case you need to reference it later.

Step 3: Request Official Documentation

Most boards will require verification from third-party sources. That means you’ll need to initiate requests to have documents sent directly to the board reviewing your application.

Common Documents You’ll Need:

License Verification from your current state board
Official Transcripts from your BSW/MSW program (sent directly from the school)
Supervised Hours Documentation (including name, license number, and contact info of supervisors)
ASWB Exam Scores (can be requested through the ASWB website)
Criminal Background Check Results (some require fingerprinting)

📦 Helpful Tip: Some boards allow you to upload scanned PDFs via a secure portal—others want originals sent by mail. Double-check to avoid delays.

Step 4: Complete and Submit Your Application

Once you’ve gathered your documents, it’s time to actually apply. Application forms can usually be found on the state’s board website.

Here’s what you can expect to include:

Completed application form
Personal identification (driver’s license, SSN, etc.)
Payment for fees (ranges from $50–$300+)
Answers to background or disciplinary questions
Signed release forms for background check/fingerprint clearance
Uploads or mail-in forms with supporting documentation

🖥️ Digital vs. Paper: Many states offer online portals now, but not all. Make sure you’re following the most recent instructions.

Step 5: Take Any State-Specific Exams or Training

Several states require Social Workers transferring in to complete state-specific requirements, even if you’ve been practicing for years.

This may include:

Jurisprudence Exams (focused on local laws, ethics, and rules)
Mandated Reporter Training
Cultural Competency or Human Trafficking Coursework

If your new state requires additional coursework, you can often complete it online. Agents of Change Continuing Education offers many of these modules in flexible, self-paced formats, so you can meet these requirements without slowing down your license transfer.

Step 6: Follow Up and Track Your Application

Once submitted, don’t just wait in silence. Most states offer a tracking portal or at least provide updates via email.

Keep an eye on:

Confirmations that documents were received
Errors or missing items flagged by the board
Processing timelines (often 4–12 weeks)
Expiry of fingerprints or background check results

It’s a good idea to check in every two weeks unless the board tells you otherwise. Staying proactive can shave weeks off your timeline.

Step 7: Maintain Continuing Education Requirements

Once your license is transferred and active, don’t forget: you still need to keep it current. That means meeting the CEU requirements of your new state, which might differ from your old one.

Things to Check:

When your first CEU cycle starts (some reset upon license transfer)
The number of hours required annually or bi-annually
Whether live courses are required (some states mandate a portion be synchronous)
Accepted topics and ethics hours

Agents of Change Continuing Education is a great resource here, offering over 150 ASWB- and NBCC-approved CE courses, plus live events throughout the year. You can even search courses by your new state to ensure compliance.

Quick Recap Checklist

Before you hit submit, make sure you’ve:

✅ Researched your new state’s requirements
✅ Requested transcripts, verification, and exam scores
✅ Completed your application and paid fees
✅ Passed any state-specific exams or training
✅ Followed up with the licensing board
✅ Planned for your continuing education

4) What If My License Doesn’t Fully Transfer?

Here’s the truth: sometimes, even if you’re fully licensed and experienced, your new state might not see your credentials as an exact match. That doesn’t mean you’re out of luck—it just means there may be a few extra steps before you’re fully licensed in your new location. While licensure by endorsement streamlines the process, it doesn’t guarantee automatic approval. But don’t panic—this is manageable.

Let’s walk through what might happen if your license doesn’t fully transfer, and how to get back on track.

Understanding Why Your License Wasn’t Accepted “As-Is”

Licensing boards aren’t trying to make your life harder—they just have to follow their state statutes. If your application isn’t approved outright, it’s usually due to one or more of the following:

Missing supervised hours – Your original state required fewer hours than your new one.
Degree mismatch – You may have a BSW when the new state requires an MSW for your license level.
Exam discrepancy – You passed a lower-level ASWB exam than what’s required in the new state.
Gaps in practice – Some states require recent clinical experience within a set time frame.
Outdated or missing coursework – The state may mandate additional classes in topics like ethics, law, cultural competency, or child abuse reporting.
License type mismatch – The license levels don’t align perfectly between states (e.g., LCSW vs. LICSW).

What You Can Do About It

Once you receive notice that your license can’t be endorsed directly, you’ll usually get a list of what’s missing. Your job now is to fill those gaps—and yes, you can do it without starting over.

Steps to Move Forward:

Request a detailed explanation from the licensing board if you didn’t receive one.
Ask if any deficiencies can be waived based on your years of experience.
Enroll in required coursework or CEUs—these are often available online through trusted providers like Agents of Change Continuing Education.
Complete additional supervised hours—some states allow you to do this while practicing under a temporary or provisional license.
Retake the ASWB exam—only if absolutely required. This is rare but can happen if you previously took the Bachelor’s or Master’s exam and the new state requires the Clinical level.

Using Continuing Education to Close the Gaps

In many cases, continuing education is the key to getting your new license approved. Fortunately, you don’t have to go back to grad school. Most licensing boards accept state-approved CEUs to meet these specific deficiencies.

You might need CEUs in areas like:

State-specific laws and ethics
Suicide prevention
Domestic violence or trauma-informed care
Cultural competency
Child abuse identification and reporting
Human trafficking awareness

Agents of Change Continuing Education offers many of these topics in both self-paced and live formats, making it easy to satisfy what the board requires on your schedule.

Temporary or Provisional Licenses

Some states will allow you to work while you complete the missing requirements. This is often called a temporary, provisional, or restricted license, and it comes with certain limitations.

Common Restrictions May Include:

Limited to working under supervision
Cannot supervise others
Must complete all missing items within a defined period (often 6–12 months)
Must submit progress updates to the board

It’s a great option if you want to start working right away but still have boxes to check before full licensure.

Don’t Get Discouraged

It can be disheartening to hear that your license doesn’t fully transfer, especially after years in the field. But don’t let it derail you. Most boards want to get you licensed—they just have to follow their rules. If you take a proactive, organized approach, you’ll get there.

Keep in Mind:

You’re not starting from scratch—you’re building on what you already have.
Each small step (like a CEU or a few extra supervised hours) brings you closer.
You’re still a trained, capable Social Worker—this process doesn’t change that.
You’re not alone—many others face this hurdle and succeed.

5) FAQs – Transferring Your Social Work License

Q: Can I continue practicing while my licensure by endorsement application is being reviewed?

A: Short answer: Usually not—but it depends on the state.

Most states do not allow you to legally practice Social Work until your license transfer is fully approved. Practicing without an active license in that state—even if you’re licensed elsewhere—can result in disciplinary action or application denial. However, some states offer temporary or provisional licenses that let you work under certain conditions while your full application is pending.

To find out if this applies to you:

Contact the state licensing board and ask about temporary licensure options.
Confirm whether you’ll need supervision while practicing under a provisional license.
Always wait for written approval before accepting a client caseload.

Q: Do I need to retake the ASWB exam when transferring my license to another state?

A: Usually not—but sometimes, yes.

If you’ve already taken and passed the ASWB exam level required by the new state, you most likely won’t need to retake it. For example, if your new state requires the Clinical exam and you’ve already passed it, you’re covered. But if you only passed the Master’s level exam and the state requires Clinical for licensure at your desired level, they may ask you to test again.

Here’s how to avoid surprises:

Check the license type and exam level required in your new state.
Request that the ASWB send your exam scores directly to the new board.
Contact the licensing board to confirm whether they’ll accept your existing exam results.

If you do have to retake the exam, consider reviewing with prep support or CE courses—Agents of Change Continuing Education offers materials and live events that can help reinforce key content.

Q: What should I do if the state says I need additional coursework or CEUs to get licensed?

A: If your new licensing board says you’re missing coursework—like ethics, child welfare, or state-specific law training—don’t worry. This is common, and you don’t need to go back to school to meet the requirements.

Here’s what to do:

Ask the board for a written list of exactly what you’re missing.
Look for ASWB-approved continuing education providers that offer courses in those topics.
Complete the required CEUs and submit your completion certificates to the board.

A great resource is Agents of Change Continuing Education, which has 150+ online courses covering ethics, trauma, cultural competency, and more. You can filter by topic or by your state’s requirements, so you’re not guessing what qualifies. They also host live CE events, which some states require for licensure.

6) Conclusion

Transferring your Social Work license might seem overwhelming at first, but once you understand the steps and know where to find accurate information, it becomes a manageable—even empowering—process. Licensure by endorsement was designed to support professionals like you who’ve already put in the work, passed the exams, and gained real-world experience. It’s not about starting over—it’s about continuing your career without unnecessary interruptions, wherever life leads you.

Still, it’s important to approach the process with patience, organization, and a clear plan. Each state has its own rules, forms, and timelines, and being proactive can make all the difference. Whether you’re dealing with additional coursework, documentation requirements, or just the waiting game, remember: you’re not alone. Many Social Workers face this same challenge every year—and successfully overcome it.

————————————————————————————————————————————————

► Learn more about the Agents of Change Continuing Education here: https://agentsofchangetraining.com

About the Instructor, Meagan Mitchell: Meagan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and has been providing Continuing Education for Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals for more than 8 years. From all of this experience helping others, she created Agents of Change Continuing Education to help Social Workers, Counselors, and Mental Health Professionals stay up-to-date on the latest trends, research, and techniques.

#socialwork #socialworker #socialwork #socialworklicense #socialworklicensing #continuinged #continuingeducation #ce #socialworkce #freecesocialwork #lmsw #lcsw #counselor #NBCC #ASWB #ACE

Disclaimer: This content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical or clinical advice, diagnosis, or treatment