Is Washington in the Occupational Therapy compact?

Yes. Washington is one of 30 member jurisdictions in the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) (effective for the compact since 2021).

What if Washington doesn't recognize my license?

VAEIA 2022 / 50 U.S.C. § 4025a (effective Dec 23, 2024) requires Washington to recognize your valid out-of-state Occupational Therapist license when you relocate due to military orders. If a board pushes back, cite the statute and the DOJ Servicemembers Initiative guidance. The DoD also reimburses up to $1,000 per PCS for relicensing fees.

●InvestigationsHow EUCOM shelved a tax break for 9,000 troops in Poland — for five years.→

Occupational Therapy · WA

Can a Occupational Therapist transfer a license to Washington as a military spouse?

Data as of May 2026|Source: Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact) commission + DOJ Servicemembers Initiative

Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards

✓ Yes — compact transfer

Yes. Washington is a member of the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact), so a Occupational Therapist holding a multistate/compact license can practice in WA without re-applying. Compact provides clear portability — military spouses with OT licenses should join the compact for maximum flexibility.

Your occupational therapy licensing board in Washington

Washington State Department of Health, Occupational Therapy Practice Board

doh.wa.gov/licenses-permits-and-certificates/professions-new-renew-or-update/occupational-therapist-and-occupational-therapy-assistant ↗☎ 360-236-4700

Washington military-spouse provision

The Department of Health expedites processing of health professions credential applications for spouses and registered domestic partners of servicemembers transferring to or stationed in Washington, which covers the occupational therapist credential DOH issues through its Occupational Therapy Practice Board.

Official source ↗

About the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact (OT Compact)

For Occupational Therapists and OT Assistants. Privilege-based practice in member states.

Official compact site ↗

All Occupational Therapy member states

30 jurisdictions. Tap any to check that destination for this profession.

AL AZ AR CO DE GA IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MS MO NE NH NJ NC ND OH OK SC TN UT VA WA WV WI WY

All compacts for Washington →Occupational Therapy portability — all states →License portability checker →MyCAA: $4,000 for relicensing →