Counseling Compact States in 2026: Who's Live and Who's Next

One of the most common questions licensed professional counselors ask is simple: "Is my state in the Counseling Compact yet — and can I actually use it?" The answer has two parts, because there's a big difference between a state that has passed the Compact and a state that is live and issuing privileges.

States Live and Issuing Privileges (June 2026)

As of June 2026, counselors can apply for compact privileges in these states:

• Arizona
• Georgia
• Indiana — went live June 8, 2026
• Louisiana
• Minnesota
• Ohio

If you hold an active, unrestricted counseling license in one of these states and live there, you can apply for the privilege to practice in the other live states. Privileges are issued through CompactConnect at app.compactconnect.org.

States That Have Enacted but Aren't Live Yet

More than 30 additional states plus the District of Columbia have passed the Compact into law and are working through the technical and regulatory steps — secure data sharing, system testing, and rulemaking — needed to begin issuing privileges. These states are official members, but they are not yet operational, so you can't apply for privileges there yet.

New states reach "live" status on a rolling basis, which is why it pays to check your state's status regularly rather than assuming it hasn't changed.

How the Three Statuses Work

• Active / Live — privileges are being issued; you can apply now.
• Enacted (Member, not yet active) — signed into law, implementation in progress, not yet issuing.
• Legislation filed — a bill has been introduced but not yet passed.

What This Means for You

If your home state is live, the Compact can immediately expand where you're able to see clients — especially valuable for telehealth and for counselors near state borders. If your state has enacted but isn't live, the smart move is to get your documentation in order now so you're ready the day privileges open.

Renewal Timing Tip: Renew Your Home License First

Here's a fee-saving detail worth knowing before you apply. Your compact privilege expires on the same date as your home-state license at the time the privilege is issued — and it does not automatically update when you renew your home license later.

This means timing matters. If you apply for a privilege before renewing your home license, you'll get a privilege tied to a soon-expiring license. When your home license renews, the privilege doesn't renew with it — you'll need to pay again to get a fresh privilege tied to your new license term.

The fix is simple: if your home-state license renewal is coming up soon, renew it first, then apply for compact privileges. You'll lock in a longer expiration window and avoid paying twice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which states are live in the Counseling Compact right now?

As of June 2026, Arizona, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Minnesota, and Ohio are live and issuing compact privileges. Indiana became operational on June 8, 2026. More than 30 other states have enacted the Compact but are not yet issuing privileges.

My state passed the Compact but isn't 'live.' Can I use it?

Not yet. Enacting the Compact into law is different from being operational. Until your state completes implementation and begins issuing privileges, you cannot apply for compact privileges there, even though it is an official member.

How do I apply for a compact privilege?

If your home state is live, you apply through CompactConnect at app.compactconnect.org. You must hold an active, unrestricted license in a live home state and meet the Compact's eligibility requirements.

How often do new states go live?

States reach operational status on a rolling basis as they finish implementation. Because this changes regularly, check the official map at counselingcompact.gov/map or track your state in CompactReady.