Physical Therapy License from Virginia to Alabama: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-08-07 · source: Alabama Board of Physical Therapy ↗
Yes — both Virginia and Alabama are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Virginia is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
Both Virginia and Alabama are active PT Compact members, so this is a privilege move, not a license move. If Virginia is your home state and primary residence and your license there is active, you do not apply to the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — you buy a Alabama compact privilege through the commission and practice on it, with your Virginia license staying in place. Two caveats worth planning around: Alabama may require its jurisprudence exam before the privilege issues, and the privilege lapses the moment your Virginia license does. If you are genuinely relocating to Alabama rather than working there temporarily, the privilege model doesn't fit — you would change your home state by endorsing into Alabama.
What changes, Virginia → Alabama
| Virginia (current) | Alabama (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| PT Compact status | PT Compact member — multistate license honored | PT Compact member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $140 (licensure-by-endorsement application fee for a physical therapist under 18VAC112-20-27 (most recently amended June 18, 2025); the PTA endorsement fee is $100. Active PT renewal is $135 biennially. The $50 compact privilege fee and the $75 direct access certification fee in the same section are separate charges. Criminal background check costs are not included.) | $100 (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) |
| Processing time | the Board publishes no processing timeframe; its FAQ states only that an application remains valid for one year before a new application and fee are required | the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications |
| Licensing authority | Virginia Board of Physical Therapy (Department of Health Professions) | Alabama Board of Physical Therapy |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alabama sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing.
- If you are moving your primary residence to Alabama: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Alabama Board of Physical Therapy when you move.
- Declare Alabama as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Alabama's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Alabama accept a Virginia physical therapy license?
Yes — both Virginia and Alabama are members of the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact (PT Compact). If Virginia is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NPTE moving from Virginia to Alabama?
No — the NPTE is taken once and your score transfers through the FSBPT. NPTE is not retaken; the passing score is sent to the Board via the FSBPT Score Transfer Service. Alabama also requires passing the Alabama Physical Therapy Jurisprudence Examination (AL JAM) with at least 80% correct..
What does the move cost?
If you are buying a Alabama compact privilege to work while living in Virginia: the commission's uniform fee plus Alabama's privilege fee. If you are relocating and taking a full Alabama license by endorsement: $100 (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.) (online application fee for a PT (same fee for endorsement or exam) per the Board fee schedule; annual PT renewal is $130; a fingerprint-based background-check fee applies separately. NOT the PT Compact privilege fee.).
How long will it take?
A compact privilege issues quickly once your eligibility and any Alabama jurisprudence exam are cleared — usually faster than a full license. A relocation endorsement runs the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications (the Board publishes no processing timeframe for endorsement applications).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-08-07.
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Licensing Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Alabama Board of Physical Therapy — Fee Schedule ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PT Compact — member states map ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- 18VAC112-20-27 - Fees (Virginia Board of Physical Therapy) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- 18VAC112-20-65 - Requirements for licensure by endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- Virginia Board of Physical Therapy - Licensure FAQ ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
- PT Compact - how to get privileges (state fee and jurisprudence table) ↗ (accessed 2026-08-07)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-08-07
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