Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact: What RNs Need to Know

In an era where flexibility and mobility are essential for healthcare professionals, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) stands out as a transformative agreement. It allows registered nurses (RNs) to practice in multiple states with one license, eliminating the red tape that often accompanies interstate work. Whether you’re a travel nurse, telehealth provider, or planning a move, understanding the NLC is crucial.

This comprehensive guide will explain everything RNs need to know about the Nurse Licensure Compact—including eligibility, benefits, how to apply, and how it impacts your career in 2025.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

The NLC is an agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to hold one license and practice in multiple compact states. This initiative by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) streamlines nursing licensure across state lines.

As of 2025, more than 41 states and U.S. territories, including the U.S. Virgin Islands, are part of the compact. Nurses residing in an NLC member state can legally practice in any other NLC state without obtaining separate licenses.

Benefits of the NLC for Registered Nurses

1. Multi-State Flexibility

If you live in an NLC state and hold a compact license, you can practice—physically or via telehealth—in any other compact state without additional paperwork.

2. Ideal for Travel and Telehealth Nursing

Travel nursing has surged in popularity, and telehealth is reshaping how healthcare is delivered. With an NLC license, you can take assignments across state borders or provide virtual care from home.

3. Cost and Time Efficiency

Avoid repetitive background checks, fingerprinting, and fees for multiple licenses. Instead of applying for and maintaining licenses in multiple states, you only manage one.

4. Workforce Mobility in Emergencies

During public health emergencies or natural disasters, nurses with compact licenses can respond quickly across states.

5. Simplifies Job Applications

Many employers prefer or require compact licensure, especially if their patient base crosses state borders.

Eligibility Requirements for a Compact RN License

To qualify for an NLC license, nurses must meet the following:

• Primary Residency in an NLC state.
• Graduation from a board-approved nursing program.
• Passing NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam.
• No Active Disciplinary Actions on your license.
• Background Check with fingerprinting.
• Social Security Number (some states require this for verification).

Note: Nurses residing in non-compact states cannot obtain a multi-state license, even if licensed in an NLC state. They’ll receive a single-state license only.

How to Apply for a Compact RN License

Step 1: Confirm Primary Residency

Your primary state of legal residence must be a compact state. This is verified through:

• Driver’s license
• Federal income tax return
• Voter registration

Step 2: Apply with Your State Board

If you’re a first-time applicant:

• Complete the RN license application through your state board.
• Pass the NCLEX-RN.
• Undergo a criminal background check and fingerprinting.
• Request a compact license if you meet eligibility.

If you already hold a license and are moving:

• Notify your current board.
• Apply for licensure by endorsement in your new compact state.
• Once processed, your old state license becomes inactive.

Step 3: Check Nursys

Use Nursys to track your license status and verify your multi-state license. Employers use this platform for verification.

States Currently Participating in the NLC (as of 2025)

As of May 2025, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) includes 41 U.S. states and territories that allow registered nurses (RNs) to hold a multistate license, enabling them to practice across participating states without obtaining additional licenses.

Fully Implemented NLC States

These states have fully operational NLC processes, allowing nurses with a multistate license to practice without additional licensure:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Idaho
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Partially Implemented

• Guam: Nurses with active, unencumbered multistate licenses from other compact states can practice in Guam. However, nurses residing in Guam cannot obtain a multistate license until full implementation is achieved.
• Pennsylvania: As of September 5, 2023, nurses holding an active multistate license from another compact state can practice in Pennsylvania. However, Pennsylvania residents cannot yet apply for a multistate license until full implementation is complete, with a tentative full implementation date hopefully coming in 2025.

Enacted but Awaiting Implementation

• Connecticut: Legislation was signed into law on May 30, 2024, with an effective date of October 1, 2025. The state is currently in the process of implementation, which can take 1 to 2 years.
• Massachusetts: Governor Healey signed the NLC into law on November 20, 2024. The state is now working towards implementation, with the process expected to take 1 to 2 years.
• U.S. Virgin Islands: The NLC was enacted on December 6, 2021, but is awaiting implementation pending the establishment of necessary processes, including criminal background checks.

Not Participating (as of May 2025)

The following states and territories are not part of the NLC and have no pending legislation:

• Alaska
• California
• District of Columbia
• Hawaii
• Illinois
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Nevada
• New York
• Oregon

For more detailed information and updates, you can visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN)

FAQs About the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

1. Can I get a compact nursing license if I live in a non-compact state?

No, if your primary residence is in a non-compact state, you are only eligible for a single-state license, even if you apply in an NLC state. To qualify for a multi-state license, your legal residence must be in an NLC member state.

2. Is a compact nursing license good for travel nurses and telehealth?

Yes, the NLC is ideal for travel nurses and telehealth RNs. A compact license allows you to take assignments in different states or provide virtual care without applying for additional licenses—making it a top choice for mobile nursing careers in 2025.

3. What happens to my compact license if I move to another state?

If you move to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement in your new state. Once approved, your old multistate license becomes inactive, and your new license becomes your active compact license.

4. What happens if I get disciplined in one compact state?

If disciplinary action is taken against you in any NLC state, it can affect your ability to practice in all other compact states. That’s why it’s crucial to stay compliant with the nursing laws in every state where you practice.

Challenges and Limitations of the NLC

• State Participation: Not every state is in the compact, so you may still need additional licenses depending on your location.
• Compliance: Nurses must follow the practice laws of the state where the patient is located—not necessarily where the nurse is located.
• Discipline & Revocation: If disciplinary action is taken in one compact state, it can impact your license across all compact states.

Tips for Managing Your Compact License

• Keep your primary state of residence updated.
• Maintain accurate continuing education records based on your home state’s requirements.
• Use Nursys e-Notify for alerts on license expiration and disciplinary actions. DirectShifts also offers license renewal alerts and added support for your nursing career.

The Nurse Licensure Compact represents a major step forward in empowering nurses to move freely, respond to needs quickly, and pursue career opportunities without being bogged down by bureaucratic licensing procedures. Whether you’re a seasoned RN or just starting out, understanding the NLC can unlock multi-state opportunities, especially in high-demand sectors like telehealth, travel nursing, and rural healthcare.

DirectShifts Licensing Services

Need help applying for your compact license or managing your credentials across multiple states?

DirectShifts offers expert support for registered nurses navigating state-specific licensure, including compact license applications and endorsement support. We make the paperwork easy, so you can focus on patient care.

Explore our RN Licensing Services to get started today.