Minnesota Speech-Language Pathologist Licensing Guide

Minnesota SLP License Overview

Minnesota has joined the ASLP-IC, but the state is not yet issuing or honoring compact privileges. Until Minnesota begins processing privileges, travelers must obtain a Minnesota-specific license through the endorsement process before practicing here.

How to Get a Minnesota SLP License by Endorsement

Minnesota uses an online portal endorsement process for Speech-Language Pathologists already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $210.50 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application via Minnesota board portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via ASHA or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete any state-specific requirements (DHS criminal background check/CBC surcharge, etc.) (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review and license issuance

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

Background check: DHS Applicant Background Study (criminal background check) required since Oct. 1, 2018; MDH collects a $10.50 processing surcharge, DHS fees are additional. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Minnesota Department of Health (Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing) website for status updates on your application.

Minnesota SLP License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Minnesota Temporary SLP License

Minnesota issues temporary speech-language pathology licenses, allowing Speech-Language Pathologists 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:

• Complete endorsement application submitted to Minnesota board portal
• Evidence of active, unrestricted license in another state
• Submit a signed and dated affidavit stating that you are not the subject of a disciplinary action or past disciplinary action in this or another jurisdiction and are not disqualified on the basis of section 148.5195, subdivision 3

Issuance timeline:

• Complete application with required documentation received
• Prior state verification received or ASHA lookup confirms active license

Denial risks:

• You are the subject of a disciplinary action or past disciplinary action in Minnesota or another jurisdiction
• A violation of state or federal law that is a felony or misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or which relates directly or indirectly to the practice of speech-language pathology or audiology
• Incomplete or false statements on application

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires 90 days from issuance; if permanent license not approved by expiration, practitioner cannot continue without reapplication. On application, the temporary license can be renewed twice if you show good cause for not meeting the licensure requirements in the first period and you are not the subject of a disciplinary action or disqualified under section 148.5195, subdivision 3.

Minnesota SLP License Processing Time

Minnesota Speech-Language Pathologist endorsement applications typically take 4-6 weeks (temporary licenses within 1-2 weeks) to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 2-3 weeks with temporary license if all documents submitted complete and background check clears immediately.

Common sources of delay:

• MDH administrative review runs on a rolling basis (the board states it 'can take up to three weeks or longer'); there is no monthly board-meeting approval gate
• Missing or incomplete verification from prior state (ASHA or direct board) can add 2-3 weeks to timeline
• State-specific background check processing varies; fingerprint clearance delays can push issuance beyond 6 weeks

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Minnesota Department of Health'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.

Minnesota SLP Continuing Education

Minnesota requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for Speech-Language Pathologist license renewal.

Minnesota SLP License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $200 via the Minnesota Department of Health Licensing System (mn-mdh.portal.opengov.com)
• Renewal timing: Every 2 years based on date of initial issuance.
• Late penalty: $60 late fee charge

Minnesota Licensing Board and Resources

Minnesota Department of Health (Speech-Language Pathologist and Audiologist Licensing)

Board Website

Phone: 651-201-4200

Email: [email protected]