Reciprocity Law and Legal Definition
Reciprocity is a term subject to different meanings. It may refer to the mutual recognition of privileges between states, nations, businesses or individuals. Reciprocity is also used to refer to recognition of the license of an attorney from another state without the necessity of taking the local state's bar examination. Reciprocity is also used in other professions. A licensing authority may enter into formal reciprocal licensing agreements with licensing boards of several states whereby those censed by these other state boards may obtain a license without written examinations.
For example, in some states, experienced peace officers from other states and some branches of the federal government may be eligible for reciprocity. Reciprocity applicants are usually required to provide proof of out-of-state certification and other applicable documentation of current professional accreditation.
