Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact: What RNs Need to Know

For registered nurses, the ability to work across state lines can open the door to travel nursing, telehealth, temporary assignments, and new career opportunities. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) makes interstate nursing practice easier by allowing eligible nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in other participating NLC jurisdictions without obtaining additional nursing licenses.

As of 2026, 43 jurisdictions have enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact, although implementation status varies by jurisdiction.

Whether you are a travel nurse, telehealth RN, recent nursing graduate, or considering a permanent move, understanding how the NLC works can help you navigate multistate nursing practice with greater confidence.

What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an interstate agreement that allows eligible registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs) to hold one multistate license issued by their primary state of residence.

With a multistate license, a nurse can practice in other NLC jurisdictions without obtaining a separate nursing license in each state, provided the nurse maintains legal residency in their compact home state and complies with the laws of the state where they practice.

The NLC applies to RN and LPN/VN licensure. It does not provide multistate APRN licensure.

Benefits of a Compact Nursing License

1. Greater Career Mobility

A multistate license can make it easier for nurses to accept travel assignments, temporary positions, and other opportunities in participating states without repeatedly applying for separate licenses.

2. Easier Telehealth Practice

The NLC can be particularly valuable for telehealth nurses. A nurse must be licensed or have the privilege to practice in the state where the patient is located when care is provided. This applies to both in-person and telehealth nursing.

For example, an RN with a multistate license may provide telehealth services to a patient located in another NLC jurisdiction. However, a compact license does not authorize practice in a noncompact state simply because the nurse is physically located in a compact state.

3. Reduced Licensing Burden

Instead of maintaining multiple single-state licenses for work in several NLC jurisdictions, an eligible nurse can use one multistate license. This can reduce licensing costs, administrative work, and application requirements.

4. Faster Emergency Response

The NLC supports rapid deployment of nurses across state borders during disasters, public health emergencies, and other situations where additional healthcare professionals are needed.

Who Is Eligible for a Multistate Nursing License?

Living in a compact state does not automatically guarantee a multistate license. Nurses must meet the NLC's 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs).

Key requirements include having a primary state of residence in an NLC jurisdiction, graduating from an approved nursing program, passing the applicable NCLEX examination, and meeting criminal background check and licensing requirements.

Certain circumstances may prevent a nurse from receiving or retaining a multistate license. These can include qualifying felony convictions, unresolved disciplinary action in another state, or participation in an alternative-to-discipline program.

A valid U.S. Social Security number is also among the NLC's uniform requirements.

How to Apply for an NLC Multistate License

The application process generally involves:

1. Establish your primary state of residence: Your primary state of residence, or PSOR, is the state where you can establish legal residency. A driver's license, voter registration, and state information reported on your federal tax filing may help establish residency. Owning property in a state does not by itself establish your PSOR.
2. Apply through your state board of nursing: Follow your home state's application process for initial licensure or licensure by endorsement.
3. Complete required background checks: Fingerprint-based state and federal background checks may be required.
4. Meet the NLC's Uniform Licensure Requirements: Your board of nursing determines whether you qualify for a multistate license.
5. Verify your license: Nurses and employers can use Nursys and applicable state board resources to verify licensure and authorization to practice.

NLC States in 2026

The Nurse Licensure Compact has been enacted by 43 jurisdictions, with implementation status varying among jurisdictions.

Fully Implemented NLC States

The following states have fully implemented the NLC:

Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, 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, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

Other NLC Jurisdictions

Guam has partial implementation. Nurses holding an active multistate license from another NLC jurisdiction may practice in Guam, while Guam residents cannot yet obtain a multistate license until full implementation.

Massachusetts and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted the NLC and are working toward full implementation.

Jurisdictions Not Participating in the NLC

States that have not enacted the NLC include:

Alaska, California, Hawaii, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, and Oregon.

The District of Columbia is also not an NLC jurisdiction.

Because implementation and licensing rules can change, nurses should check the current NLC information and the applicable state board of nursing before accepting an interstate assignment.

What Happens If You Move to Another State?

Your primary state of residence is central to NLC eligibility.

If you permanently move from one compact state to another compact state, you must apply for licensure in your new primary state of residence within 60 days of relocating. You generally apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the required declaration of primary state of residence.

A nurse may continue practicing under the former active multistate license while the new multistate license is being processed, subject to applicable requirements. Once the new multistate license is issued, the former multistate license becomes inactive.

If you move to a noncompact state, you must follow that state's licensing requirements.

What Laws Apply When You Practice Under the NLC?

A multistate license does not mean that a nurse can ignore the laws of the state where they are practicing.

Nurses must comply with the nursing practice laws and regulations of the state where the patient is located. This is especially important for telehealth, where the nurse and patient may be in different states.

A remote state may also take action against a nurse's privilege to practice within that state. Disciplinary matters can therefore affect a nurse's ability to practice across state lines.

How to Manage Your Compact Nursing License

To keep your multistate nursing practice compliant:

• Keep your primary state of residence information current.
• Understand your home state's renewal and continuing education requirements.
• Follow the nursing laws of every state where you practice.
• Monitor license status and expiration dates through Nursys and state board resources.
• Check the NLC's current jurisdiction map before accepting interstate assignments.
• Notify the appropriate board when permanently changing your primary state of residence.

The Bottom Line

The Nurse Licensure Compact gives eligible RNs and LPNs/LVNs greater flexibility to practice across participating states and territories with one multistate license. It can simplify travel nursing, support interstate telehealth, reduce licensing administration, and help healthcare organizations respond to workforce needs and emergencies.

However, an NLC license is not a blanket authorization to practice everywhere. Your primary state of residence, NLC eligibility, the implementation status of the destination jurisdiction, and the laws governing the state where the patient is located all matter.

For nurses considering a new state, travel assignment, or telehealth opportunity, checking the latest NLC and state board requirements before practicing is an important step.

Need Help With Nursing Licensure?

DirectShifts supports nurses navigating state-specific licensing and credentialing requirements. Whether you are pursuing a multistate license, applying for licensure by endorsement, or managing licenses across multiple states, understanding the current requirements can help you move forward with confidence.

Explore our RN Licensing Services to get started today.