Nurse Licensure Compact States (NLC): Multistate License Guide
How the Nurse Licensure Compact works, which jurisdictions participate, primary state of residence rules, and what travel and relocating nurses need to know about one multistate RN or LPN license.
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The NLC allows nurses in participating jurisdictions to hold one multistate license that authorizes practice in other compact states and territories — without applying for a separate license in each state. The official NURSECOMPACT site states that 43 jurisdictions are currently part of the NLC, including fully implemented, partial, and pending/enacted jurisdictions. Always verify status before applying, relocating, or accepting a travel assignment.
Your primary state of residence (PSOR) must be a compact member with full implementation before you can hold a multistate license from that home state. You can then practice in person or via telehealth in other fully implemented compact jurisdictions, subject to each state’s laws and scope rules.
Important: Compact status changes. Always verify current status on NurseCompact.com before relocating, applying by endorsement, or accepting a travel assignment.
How to get a multistate compact license
- Establish legal residency in a compact state.
- Apply for licensure (or endorsement) through that state’s board of nursing.
- Meet all requirements — education, NCLEX, background checks, continuing education.
- Declare compact multistate privilege when eligible; your license shows multistate authority.
If you move your PSOR to a non-compact state, your multistate privilege ends — you need a single-state license there and separate licenses for other non-compact states.
NLC status categories
Do not rely on a simple “compact vs non-compact” list. Jurisdictions fall into three categories based on official NLC implementation status at last review (July 2026).
Fully implemented compact jurisdictions
These jurisdictions issue multistate licenses to eligible residents and recognize compact privileges from other fully implemented members. Connecticut fully implemented on October 1, 2025; Pennsylvania on July 7, 2025.
Enacted / awaiting or partial implementation
These jurisdictions have enacted the compact or have partial implementation, but nurses should verify whether residents can apply for a multistate license and whether incoming travel nurses can practice with a compact license alone.
- Guam: Partial implementation — nurses holding a valid multistate license from another compact state may practice in Guam; Guam residents cannot yet obtain a multistate license. Verify current rules before accepting an assignment.
- Massachusetts: Enacted November 2024; implementation is ongoing. Multistate licenses are not yet available, and nurses with compact licenses from other states are not authorized to practice in Massachusetts until implementation is complete (Mass.gov).
- U.S. Virgin Islands: Enacted; awaiting full implementation. Confirm status on NurseCompact.com before planning relocation or travel work.
Non-compact jurisdictions
These jurisdictions are not currently part of the NLC for practical multistate-license purposes. Nurses need a separate state license for each:
Planning to work in California, New York, Oregon, or other non-compact jurisdictions? You must apply for licensure by endorsement or examination in each state — a compact multistate license alone is not enough.
📎 Official sources
❓ FAQ
Can I use a compact license for travel nursing?
Yes, if your PSOR is a compact state and your assignment is in another compact jurisdiction. Assignments in non-compact states require that state’s license.
Does the compact apply to LPNs?
Yes. The NLC covers both RNs and LPNs/LVNs in participating jurisdictions.
Is Connecticut in the NLC?
Yes. Connecticut fully implemented the NLC on October 1, 2025. Connecticut residents who meet requirements can obtain a multistate license, and incoming compact nurses can practice in Connecticut under compact rules.
Can I use a compact license in Massachusetts?
Not yet. Massachusetts has enacted the NLC but implementation is still in progress. Nurses with multistate licenses from other states are not authorized to practice in Massachusetts until implementation is complete.
What happens if I move to a non-compact state?
Your multistate privilege ends. You must obtain a single-state license in your new state of residence.
📎 Related guides
Disclaimer: NLC rules change. Verify compact status and licensure requirements with NURSECOMPACT and your state board of nursing.