Missouri Occupational Therapist Licensing Guide

Missouri OT License Overview

Missouri is an OT Compact member state and began accepting OT Compact applications on October 26, 2026. If your home state is another OT Compact state that is accepting applications, you can apply through the OT Compact for a privilege to practice in Missouri instead of a Missouri license; until the privilege is issued, you need a Missouri license.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in Missouri on an OT Compact privilege instead of a Missouri license, provided your home-state license is in another OT Compact state that is also issuing privileges. A compact privilege is something you apply for through the compact before you start; it is not automatic.

How to Get a Missouri OT License by Endorsement

How Occupational Therapists already licensed in another state apply in Missouri: Paper application (form MO 375-1095), typed or printed in black ink, with the application fee paid by check or money order. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $40 application fee.

1. Mail the completed reciprocity application (form MO 375-1095) to the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy
2. Have each state, territory or country where you hold or held a license send the verification of licensure form directly to the Missouri board (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (background check, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification: Source-state board-to-board verification (Verification of Licensure form must be completed by each prior state licensing agency and sent directly to the MO board). NBCOT is used to verify national certification/exam eligibility, not prior-state licensure. The two are distinct steps, not interchangeable. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: Fingerprint-based criminal background check is REQUIRED for all OT/OTA applications (mandatory since June 30, 2012); applicant submits fingerprints via the state vendor using a 4-digit board code. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy website for status updates on your application.

Missouri OT License Fees

Occupational Therapy Assistants: renewal is $20 (figures above are for Occupational Therapists).

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Missouri Temporary OT License

We have not found a temporary license option on the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

Missouri OT License Processing Time

Missouri Occupational Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Board processes applications sequentially; applications received after monthly board meeting cutoff must wait for next cycle (typically 3-4 week delay)
• Verification from NBCOT or source state can take 2-3 weeks if source board is slow or backlogged; Missouri board does not issue temporary permits during this wait
• State-specific jurisprudence requirement adds processing time if applicant must schedule and complete exam after application submission

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy's site. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.

Missouri OT Continuing Education

Missouri requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Occupational Therapist license renewal.

Missouri OT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $40 via Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy portal
• Renewal timing: Prior to June 30th of ODD numbered years.

Missouri Licensing Board and Resources

Missouri Board of Occupational Therapy

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (573) 751-0877

Email: [email protected]