Script UnlockScriptUnlock™
    HomeHow It WorksPet OwnersPricingAboutContact
    Sign InSign Up
    Home / Pharmacy rules by state / Controlled prescription transfers

    Transferring controlled prescriptions: every state

    Checked against federal rules and each state’s rules: October 2026

    Short answer

    Under federal law, the remaining refills of a Schedule III, IV or V prescription can be transferred between pharmacies once, or as often as refills allow between pharmacies that share a real-time online database. Since 2023, an unfilled electronic prescription for a Schedule II to V medicine can also be transferred once for its first fill. Schedule II prescriptions have no refills to transfer. States can add stricter rules, and the table shows what each state allows.

    The federal rules

    • Schedule III, IV and V refills can be transferred between pharmacies once. The transfer is communicated directly between two licensed pharmacists, and both pharmacies record it so the prescription cannot be filled twice. Pharmacies that share a real-time online database, typically within one chain, can transfer refills as often as the prescription allows.
    • Unfilled electronic prescriptions for Schedule II to V medicines can be transferred once to another pharmacy for the first fill, at the patient’s request, under a DEA rule in force since August 2023.
    • Schedule II prescriptions, such as most ADHD stimulants and strong opioids, cannot be refilled, so each fill needs a new prescription. A Schedule II prescription can be partially filled at the patient’s or prescriber’s request.

    States can add stricter requirements, such as limits on refills within a period or on which staff may handle transfers, and some schedule medicines the federal government does not, such as gabapentin.

    What each state allows

    Each row quotes that state’s pharmacy rules guide, which cites the state’s own sources. Follow the link for the full rules, including non-controlled transfers and refill limits.

    • Alabama
      Alabama schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Alabama Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Alaska
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Arizona
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Arkansas
      Arkansas has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • California
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once, under the federal rule in force since 2023.
    • Colorado
      Colorado has moved to require electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Connecticut
      Connecticut requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically, with exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Delaware
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Florida
      Florida pharmacies may transfer a Schedule II prescription electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Georgia
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Hawaii
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Idaho
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Illinois
      Schedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Indiana
      Indiana requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be electronic, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Iowa
      Iowa requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Kansas
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Kentucky
      Kentucky has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. Kentucky schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to KASPER, the state monitoring program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    • Louisiana
      Louisiana has moved to require electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Maine
      Maine has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Maryland
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Massachusetts
      Massachusetts has required prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2020, with exceptions for situations such as veterinary prescriptions and prescriber waivers, so most patients no longer carry paper. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Michigan
      Michigan has required prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2021, with exceptions for situations such as veterinary prescriptions, emergencies and prescriber waivers, so most patients no longer carry paper. Michigan schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, which means gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug, including reporting to the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS), which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    • Minnesota
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Mississippi
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Missouri
      Missouri has moved towards electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Montana
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Nebraska
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Nevada
      Nevada has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • New Hampshire
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • New Jersey
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • New Mexico
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • New York
      New York has required almost all prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2016, with limited exceptions such as veterinary prescriptions and certain hardships. Schedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • North Carolina
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • North Dakota
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. North Dakota schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, run by the Board of Pharmacy.
    • Ohio
      Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled; Schedule III to V may be refilled up to five times within six months, and a Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Oklahoma
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Oregon
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Pennsylvania
      Schedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Rhode Island
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • South Carolina
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • South Dakota
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Tennessee
      Tennessee requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be electronic, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. Tennessee schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    • Texas
      Schedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled; a Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Utah
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Vermont
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Virginia
      Virginia schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Washington
      Washington has moved towards electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the commission for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Washington, D.C.
      Check DC Health for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • West Virginia
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. West Virginia schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Controlled Substances Monitoring Program, run by the Board of Pharmacy, which prescribers must check before prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines in most situations.
    • Wisconsin
      A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    • Wyoming
      Check the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    Controlled-substance prescription transfer rules by state, October 2026
    StateControlled prescriptions: transfers and refills
    AlabamaAlabama schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Alabama Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    AlaskaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    ArizonaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    ArkansasArkansas has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    CaliforniaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once, under the federal rule in force since 2023.
    ColoradoColorado has moved to require electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    ConnecticutConnecticut requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically, with exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    DelawareCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    FloridaFlorida pharmacies may transfer a Schedule II prescription electronically once under the federal rule.
    GeorgiaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    HawaiiCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    IdahoCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    IllinoisSchedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    IndianaIndiana requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be electronic, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    IowaIowa requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    KansasCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    KentuckyKentucky has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. Kentucky schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to KASPER, the state monitoring program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    LouisianaLouisiana has moved to require electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MaineMaine has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MarylandA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MassachusettsMassachusetts has required prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2020, with exceptions for situations such as veterinary prescriptions and prescriber waivers, so most patients no longer carry paper. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MichiganMichigan has required prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2021, with exceptions for situations such as veterinary prescriptions, emergencies and prescriber waivers, so most patients no longer carry paper. Michigan schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, which means gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug, including reporting to the Michigan Automated Prescription System (MAPS), which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    MinnesotaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MississippiCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MissouriMissouri has moved towards electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    MontanaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    NebraskaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    NevadaNevada has moved to require controlled-substance prescriptions to be sent electronically; check the board for the current scope and exceptions. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    New HampshireCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    New JerseyA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    New MexicoCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    New YorkNew York has required almost all prescriptions, controlled and non-controlled, to be transmitted electronically since 2016, with limited exceptions such as veterinary prescriptions and certain hardships. Schedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    North CarolinaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    North DakotaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. North Dakota schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, run by the Board of Pharmacy.
    OhioSchedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled; Schedule III to V may be refilled up to five times within six months, and a Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    OklahomaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    OregonA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    PennsylvaniaSchedule II prescriptions may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    Rhode IslandCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    South CarolinaA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    South DakotaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    TennesseeTennessee requires controlled-substance prescriptions to be electronic, with exceptions, but not non-controlled prescriptions. Tennessee schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Controlled Substance Monitoring Database, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances.
    TexasSchedule II prescriptions cannot be refilled; a Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    UtahA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    VermontCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    VirginiaVirginia schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Prescription Monitoring Program, which prescribers must check before prescribing most controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    WashingtonWashington has moved towards electronic prescribing of controlled substances; check the commission for the current scope. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    Washington, D.C.Check DC Health for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    West VirginiaCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. West Virginia schedules gabapentin as a Schedule V controlled substance, so gabapentin prescriptions carry the refill, transfer and reporting rules of a controlled drug and are reported to the Controlled Substances Monitoring Program, run by the Board of Pharmacy, which prescribers must check before prescribing opioids and benzodiazepines in most situations.
    WisconsinA Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.
    WyomingCheck the board for the current electronic-prescribing requirements for controlled substances. A Schedule II prescription may be transferred electronically once under the federal rule.

    What this means in practice

    Because a Schedule III to V prescription can usually move only once, choose the pharmacy you plan to stay with before transferring, and keep in mind that a second move will need a new prescription. For Schedule II medicines, the simplest route to a different pharmacy is almost always a new electronic prescription from your prescriber, sent straight to the pharmacy you want. If your pharmacy is closing, its controlled prescriptions are usually moved with its other files; ask which pharmacy has them before you need a refill.

    If you are comparing prices, remember that the receiving pharmacy needs a valid prescription it can fill. Our guide to transferring a prescription walks through the steps, timing and when a new prescription is faster.

    Controlled medicines for pets

    A vet’s prescription for a controlled medicine, such as tramadol or phenobarbital, or gabapentin in states that schedule it, is filled and transferred under the same rules as a prescription for a person. See gabapentin rules in every state and which pet medicines a pharmacy can fill.

    Frequently asked questions

    Can I transfer my Adderall or other Schedule II prescription?

    Schedule II prescriptions have no refills, so there is nothing to transfer after a fill. Since 2023, an electronic Schedule II prescription that has not been filled yet can be transferred once to another pharmacy for its first fill. Otherwise, ask your prescriber to send a new prescription to the new pharmacy.

    Can I transfer refills of Xanax, tramadol or another Schedule IV medicine?

    Yes, once, under federal law: the remaining refills can move to another pharmacy one time. Pharmacies that share a real-time online database, usually within one chain, can transfer them as often as refills allow. Some states add their own limits.

    Why did the pharmacy say my prescription cannot be transferred?

    Common reasons are that it has already been transferred once, it is a filled Schedule II prescription, it has no refills left or has expired, or a state rule applies. A new prescription sent to the pharmacy you want is usually the quickest fix.

    Does this apply to gabapentin?

    Only in states that schedule gabapentin as a controlled substance. Elsewhere it transfers like any other prescription.

    Do the same rules apply to my pet’s controlled medicines?

    Yes. A vet’s prescription for tramadol, phenobarbital or, in some states, gabapentin is filled and transferred under the same controlled-substance rules.

    Sources

    • eCFR, 21 CFR 1306.25, transfers of Schedule III to V prescription information
    • eCFR, 21 CFR Part 1306, controlled substance prescriptions
    • DEA Diversion Control Division
    • Each state’s guide, linked in the table, lists that state’s board of pharmacy and controlled-substance sources.
    State-licensed pharmacies only
    You pay the pharmacy directly
    Free for patients
    View EU Compliance →
    Script UnlockScriptUnlock™

    Upload your prescription and licensed, verified pharmacies each quote their own cash price. You pay the pharmacy directly.

    support@scriptunlock.com

    For Patients & Pet Owners

    • How It Works
    • Upload Prescription
    • Patient & Pet FAQ
    • Resource Hub
    • Support

    Pet Owners

    • Pet Medications
    • Pet Rx Savings
    • For veterinarians
    • Pet prescriptions
    • Pet medications
    • Pharmacy rules by state
    • Explainers
    • Medicine comparisons

    For Pharmacies

    • Benefits
    • How quoting works
    • Independent pharmacies
    • Compounding pharmacies
    • Setting cash prices
    • Join As Pharmacy
    • Pricing Plans
    • Pharmacy FAQ
    • Pharmacy Hub

    Resources

    • TrumpRx explained
    • GLP-1 Medications
    • Cash Pay Guide
    • Medication Prices
    • Drug classes

    Legal

    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
    • Compliance Center
    • EU Compliance
    • Your Privacy Rights
    • Security
    • Licensing Info
    • Pharmacy Verification
    • Press

    Popular Medications

    • Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy)
    • Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)
    • Atorvastatin
    • Metformin

    Cost Guides

    • TrumpRx explained
    • Levothyroxine
    • Lisinopril
    • No Insurance

    By Condition

    • Type 2 Diabetes
    • Obesity
    • Blood Pressure
    • Depression

    Guides

    • Cash pay guide
    • Cash pay vs insurance
    • What is a PBM?
    • Patient assistance programs

    Drug Classes

    • GLP-1 Agonists
    • Statins
    • SSRIs
    • ACE Inhibitors

    Trust & Safety

    • Data Privacy
    • Upload Security
    • HIPAA Info

    Script Unlock is a prescription price comparison marketplace, not a healthcare provider. We do not diagnose conditions, recommend treatments, prescribe medications, or provide medical advice. All healthcare decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or pharmacist. Pharmacy services are provided by independently licensed pharmacies. Script Unlock is NOT insurance.

    © 2026 Script Unlock LLC. All rights reserved.

    Privacy Policy•Terms of Service•All medications•Contact