New Hampshire Physical Therapist Licensing Guide

New Hampshire PT License Overview

New Hampshire is a PT Compact member state that issues and accepts compact privileges. A PT or PTA licensed in another member state can practice in New Hampshire with a compact privilege instead of a New Hampshire license. Without a privilege, apply for a New Hampshire license; out-of-state professionals with an active license in good standing can get a one-time 120-day temporary license while the board decides the full application.

For travelers, this means you may be able to work in New Hampshire on a PT Compact privilege instead of a New Hampshire license, provided your home-state license is in another PT 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 New Hampshire PT License by Endorsement

New Hampshire uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for Physical Therapists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $121 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via FSBPT or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Pass state jurisprudence examination (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through FSBPT or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board website for status updates on your application.

New Hampshire PT License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

New Hampshire Temporary PT License

New Hampshire issues temporary physical therapy licenses valid for 120 days, allowing Physical Therapists to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.

Eligibility requirements:

• Hold an active license in good standing in another state
• You have not been issued a New Hampshire temporary license for this profession before (it cannot be renewed or reissued)

Issuance timeline:

• Online temporary license application submitted through the OPLC portal, using the A Temporary or Emergency License option for your profession, with the $40 fee

Denial risks:

• Your license in another state is not active and in good standing

Important for travelers: The temporary license lasts 120 days or until the board acts on your application for full licensure, whichever comes first.

New Hampshire PT License Processing Time

New Hampshire Physical Therapist endorsement applications typically take 4-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-4 weeks (assuming compact privilege applies or all steps complete before next board meeting).

Common sources of delay:

• Board meets monthly; applications submitted after the cutoff must wait 4-6 weeks for next meeting review cycle
• Jurisprudence exam completion is a blocking step that delays board review; applicants must pass before final approval
• Mail-based application submission (not online) creates postal delays and potential document loss; recommend certified mail to prevent re-submission cycles

We have not found an expedited processing option on the New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board'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.

New Hampshire PT Continuing Education

New Hampshire requires 24 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Physical Therapist license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

New Hampshire PT License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $121 via New Hampshire OPLC portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month in even years.
• Late penalty: your license expires, and if it has been expired less than 1 year, mail the paper Universal Application for License Renewal with the reinstatement fee, and after more than 1 year, reapply online

New Hampshire Licensing Board and Resources

New Hampshire Physical Therapy Governing Board

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (603) 271-2152

Email: [email protected]