Everything you need to know about multistate nursing licenses
40
Compact States
11
Non-Compact States
1
License Needed
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between participating states that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs/VNs) to have one multistate license, enabling them to practice in their home state and other NLC states without obtaining additional licenses.
This compact is especially beneficial for travel nurses, telehealth nurses, nurses living near state borders, and nurses responding to emergencies or disasters across state lines.
Work in Multiple States
Practice nursing in any NLC state without applying for additional licenses
Reduced Costs
Save money on multiple license application fees and renewals
Faster Employment
Accept travel assignments quickly without waiting for new licenses
Telehealth Ready
Legally provide telehealth services to patients in compact states
Emergency Response
Respond to healthcare emergencies in other states immediately
Simplified Compliance
Maintain CE requirements for one state instead of many
To be eligible for a multistate license under the NLC, you must:
Hold an active RN or LPN/VN license
Have your primary state of residence in a compact state
Meet the uniform licensure requirements (ULRs)
Pass a federal and state criminal background check
Not be a participant in an alternative program
Have no restrictions on your license
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
Wyoming
These states require individual license applications:
Important Notes
• Your multistate license is only valid if your primary residence is in a compact state. If you move to a non-compact state, your multistate privilege is no longer valid.
• You must follow the nursing practice laws and regulations of the state where you are practicing, even with a multistate license.
• APRNs (Advanced Practice Registered Nurses) are not included in the current NLC. The APRN Compact is a separate agreement with different participating states.
• Always verify the most current list of compact states, as new states may join and implementation dates vary.
Use our comparison tool to see CEU requirements for multiple states side-by-side.
Compare States