A New Era for Licensed Estheticians in Virginia

ASCP is thrilled to share major news for estheticians in Virginia. Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law House Bill 1247, making Virginia the second state to enact the Esthetics Licensure Compact (Compact). 

The Compact is designed to modernize how estheticians work across state lines. Today, moving your practice to a new state often means navigating confusing, slow, and expensive license reciprocity processes. Once the Compact is fully implemented, it will create a multistate licensing system, making relocation within participating states easier so you can focus on the career you want to build.

What the Compact Means for Your Career

Here’s how the Compact is expected to benefit estheticians once enough states join:

• Work in multiple states without applying for a new license in each state. Ideal for estheticians living in border communities, traveling estheticians, and anyone expanding clientele. (You still need to notify the state board where you plan to practice.)
   
• Less paperwork and admin delays will lead to reduced licensing barriers.
   
• More career options, from editorial and event work to seasonal opportunities.
   
• Streamlined information sharing across states, supporting professional standards and reducing fraud in the profession.

What Happens Next?

Now that Virginia has enacted the Compact—joining Alabama—at least five additional states must pass the Compact bill before multistate licenses can be issued. Once seven states are on board, a Compact Commission will form, rules will be written, and the multistate licensing system can launch. The more states that join, the more valuable the Compact becomes for working estheticians. 

ASCP is tracking every step of the process and will keep you informed as more states pass Compact legislation.

Before you go: The Compact’s multistate license will be optional. You can keep your current single-state license if that works best for you. If you choose to participate once the Compact is active, the multistate license will allow practice only in states that enact the Compact.