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LicenseReciprocity

Occupational Therapy License from Maryland to Ohio: Does It Transfer? (2026)

Last verified: 2026-09-27 · source: Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Occupational Therapy Section) ↗

Yes, for working in Ohio — both Maryland and Ohio are active members of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact). If Maryland is your primary state of residence and your Maryland license is active and unencumbered, you can buy a compact privilege to practice in Ohio without a second license. A privilege is not a license transfer: if you are moving your residence to Ohio, you will need a Ohio license once Ohio becomes your home state.

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Verdict

Compact privilege — work there without a second license

Because Maryland and Ohio are both issuing privileges, you may not need a Ohio license at all, provided Maryland stays your home. An OT or OTA living in Maryland with an active, unencumbered Maryland license can practice in Ohio on a compact privilege. That changes if you relocate: living in Ohio makes it your home state, and the privilege gives way to a Ohio license from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Occupational Therapy Section).

What changes, Maryland → Ohio

Side-by-side: Maryland vs Ohio (Occupational Therapy (OT/OTA)), verified 2026-09-27
Maryland (current)Ohio (destination)
OT Compact statusOT Compact member — compact privilege to practiceOT Compact member — compact privilege to practice
Application fee$200 (Application for initial licensure is $200 (COMAR 10.46.05.01B). It is non-refundable and includes a first temporary license. The fingerprinting vendor fee is extra; the Board does not state the amount. NOT the OT Compact privilege fee: Maryland's privilege costs $125 (COMAR 10.46.05.01M) plus the $75 Commission fee.)$100 (non-refundable endorsement application fee paid online through eLicense Ohio; + $22 BCI and $24 FBI background-check fees (plus any vendor fingerprinting fee); + $35 NBCOT Score Transfer if not already sent. NOT the OT Compact privilege fee (Ohio privilege: $25 state fee + $75 commission fee).)
Processing timeThe Board publishes no processing timeframe.the Board states only that an application is reviewed within five business days of submission (approval or a request for more documents); no end-to-end licensing timeframe is published, and FBI checks from ink-rolled cards can take up to three months
Licensing authorityMaryland State Board of Occupational Therapy PracticeOhio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Occupational Therapy Section)

The destination column is what you must satisfy — Ohio sets the rules for this move.

Step by step

  1. Confirm your home-state license is active and unencumbered and that your home state is your primary state of residence.
  2. To work in Ohio: purchase a OT Compact privilege for Ohio through the compact commission and complete any Ohio jurisprudence requirement.
  3. Keep your home-state license active — every privilege lapses with it.
  4. If you are moving your primary residence to Ohio: apply for a Ohio license with the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Occupational Therapy Section); a privilege does not follow you when your home state changes.

Official links

Related guides

Frequently asked questions

Can I use my Maryland occupational therapy license in Ohio?

Yes, for working in Ohio — both Maryland and Ohio are active members of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact). If Maryland is your primary state of residence and your Maryland license is active and unencumbered, you can buy a compact privilege to practice in Ohio without a second license. A privilege is not a license transfer: if you are moving your residence to Ohio, you will need a Ohio license once Ohio becomes your home state.

Do I retake the NBCOT exam moving from Maryland to Ohio?

No. The NBCOT certification exam is not retaken; the applicant has NBCOT send a Score Transfer to the Ohio OTPTAT Board or uploads an official NBCOT Verification of Certification. Ohio also requires the Ohio OT Jurisprudence Exam (taken online via myicourse, 90% minimum passing score).

Do I need a Ohio license or just a compact privilege?

A privilege is enough if you keep living in Maryland and your Maryland license stays active and unencumbered. If you move your residence to Ohio, you need a Ohio license from the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board (Occupational Therapy Section).

What does it cost?

A Ohio compact privilege costs the $75 commission fee plus Ohio's privilege fee. A Ohio license by endorsement, for a relocation: $100 (non-refundable endorsement application fee paid online through eLicense Ohio; + $22 BCI and $24 FBI background-check fees (plus any vendor fingerprinting fee); + $35 NBCOT Score Transfer if not already sent. NOT the OT Compact privilege fee (Ohio privilege: $25 state fee + $75 commission fee).).

How long does it take?

A privilege depends on your FBI background check through the Maryland board and any Ohio jurisprudence step. A Ohio license by endorsement: the Board states only that an application is reviewed within five business days of submission (approval or a request for more documents); no end-to-end licensing timeframe is published, and FBI checks from ink-rolled cards can take up to three months.

Sources

Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-09-27.

Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-09-27

How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]