Maine Social Worker License by Reciprocity

Social Worker License

by Social Worker License Staff

Updated: March 7th, 2026

Last verified: March 7th, 2026

This guide was last reviewed against the official materials published by the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure, along with the applicable Maine Revised Statutes governing social workers (Title 32, Chapter 83) and the Maine Administrative Rules for social worker licensure (02-416 C.M.R. Chapter 13). These sources establish the state’s requirements for education, examination, supervision, and renewal for licenses such as LSX, LSW, LMSW, and LCSW.

Verification process: We review the board’s official licensing guidance and application instructions, confirm statutory requirements in the Maine Revised Statutes, and cross-check supervision, examination, and continuing education requirements against the administrative rules governing social worker licensure before updating this guide.

Maine does not use the term “reciprocity” for social work licensure. Instead, the Maine State Board of Social Worker Licensure offers licensure by endorsement for social workers who are already licensed in another jurisdiction.

To qualify, applicants generally must hold a current social work license issued by another state with requirements substantially similar to Maine’s standards. The Board typically reviews your education, examination history, and existing license status to confirm you meet Maine’s requirements for the equivalent license level.

Applicants submit an endorsement application through Maine’s licensing system and provide documentation such as license verification from the original state, proof of education, and any required exam records. Details and application materials are available on the Board’s Licensing & Forms page.