With the growing number of counselors working outside of school settings, licensure of mental health counselors has become an important issue. A main problem facing counselors is the lack of a clear identity. Licensure would lead to increased professionalism and identification. Licensure is authorized by the state legislature, regulating the practice of the profession. Although model legislation has been developed, enactment of laws has been hampered by vested interest groups. To date, five states have passed counselor licensure acts, 20 states have drafted bills, and 40 states have licensure committees. The advantages of licensure include consumer protection, professional identity, and competency. The disadvantages include the perpetuation of professional snobbery and limitations in professional membership. Counselors' attitudes toward licensure seem to be overwhelmingly supportive, as determined by a survey in Oregon, in which 85% of the counselors felt licensure was important. Educational requirements supported by counselors include a Master's degree or higher, supervision requirements, and continuing education. School counselors strongly support licensure and the development of a national registry of school counselors. (BL)