On June 28, Governor Sununu signed 
HB 594-FN, relative to the licensure of out-of-state applicants to boards or commissions organized under the office of professional licensure and certification.
This bill (which was recommended by a legislative study committee) requires the Office of Professional Licensure (OPLC) to expand the portability of state licensure for all professions.
The new law includes professional engineers, geologists, land surveyors, foresters, landscape architects and soil and wetland scientists.
In the near future, when someone applies for a license in NH and is already licensed and the license is substantially similar to NH’s, then they will have an expedited process. The OPLC in consultation with the individual licensing boards will decide whether the other state’s requirements are substantially similar to NH.
Qualified individuals seeking licensure in New Hampshire through endorsement— also known as reciprocity—will no longer need to submit transcripts, examination results, evidence of experience, letters of reference, and other documentation typically required to obtain a license.
Please note:
- A person does not need to reside in NH to take advantage of this new process.
- This will not impact individuals currently licensed in NH.
- This new law does not mean that other states will automatically recognize a NH license because that will depend on the state and its laws.
HB 594 will become effective on August 27, 2023, and requires the OPLC to adopt administrative rules to implement the bill. The Office intends to file interim rules in late August and will prioritize these professions (none are A/E related).
The Office selected the above professions after considering the current licensure requirements for endorsement applicants, the availability of other means for reciprocity (such as licensure compacts), and the volume of applications received by the Office.
ACEC-NH will continue to provide further updates as they become available.