Nurse Licensure Compact by state
38 compact states, 2 pending and 11 that are not in the compact. Who it covers, how it works and what to do when you move.
What the Nurse Licensure Compact is
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states. A nurse with a multistate license from a compact home state can practice in the other compact states without applying for a new license in each one. It exists to make it easier to staff hospitals across state lines, for travel assignments, telehealth and moves.
As of October 15, 2026, 38 states are compact states, 2 have enacted the law but not implemented it, and 11 are not in the compact.
Who it covers
- Registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical or vocational nurses (LPN/LVN) are covered.
- Other professions, such as respiratory therapists, physical therapists, pharmacists, imaging technologists and laboratory scientists, are licensed state by state and are not covered by the nurse compact.
- Advanced practice nurses are licensed under separate rules. Ask the board of nursing what applies to your role.
How the multistate license works
- Your primary state of residence (PSOR) is the state where you legally live. If it is a compact state, you apply to its board for a multistate license.
- The board checks your eligibility. Compact licensure requires, among other things, a background check, so expect fingerprinting.
- With the multistate license you can practice in other compact states and you follow the nurse practice act of the state where the patient is.
- A multistate license is held in one state at a time. You do not hold licenses from several compact states at once.
If you move to another state
Moving to another compact state
When you change your primary state of residence to another compact state, you apply for a license in the new home state. Ask the new board how long you may keep practicing on your former license while the application is processed, because the compact rules set a time limit.
Moving to or from a non-compact state
A non-compact state licenses you by endorsement: you apply to its board, verify your existing licenses and complete its checks. Processing takes weeks and varies by board, so start before you commit to a start date.
Moving to a pending state
A pending state has enacted the compact but is not yet working through it. Treat it like a non-compact state until the board says otherwise.
What it means for travel nurses
If your home state is a compact state and your license is multistate, you can take assignments in other compact states without a new license, which shortens the time between accepting and starting. Assignments in non-compact states still need a license by endorsement in that state, which is why recruiters ask about your license first.
- Check the license status of every target state before you accept dates.
- Ask whether the facility needs credentialing or certifications on top of the license.
- If you change your primary state of residence during an assignment, tell your recruiter early. Your home state decides which license you hold.
States by compact status
- Compact state
- Enacted, not yet implemented
- Not a compact state
Compact states (38)
- 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
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Enacted, not yet implemented (2)
Not in the compact (11)
Mistakes that cost start dates
- Assuming a license from a compact state works when your home state is not a compact state.
- Moving your home state and keeping the old license past the allowed time.
- Waiting for an assignment offer before starting verification. Verification and background checks take time.
- Forgetting that other professions have their own license rules.
- Not asking the facility what else it requires, such as BLS, ACLS or a specialty certification.
Before you rely on this
Compact status changes as states implement the law. This guide reflects our records as of October 15, 2026. Confirm your eligibility with your state board of nursing or at nursecompact.org before you accept a role. This is general information, not legal advice.
Common questions
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
An agreement between states that lets an RN or LPN/LVN with a multistate license from a compact home state practice in the other compact states without a new license.
Which states are in the compact?
38 states as of October 15, 2026: 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, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Do I need a new license every time I take an assignment?
Not in a compact state if you hold a multistate license from your compact home state. In a non-compact state you need a license by endorsement from that state.
What if I move to a different compact state?
Apply for a license in your new home state. Ask the board how long you may keep practicing on your former license while it processes.
Does the compact cover nurse practitioners and other professions?
The compact covers RNs and LPN/LVNs. Advanced practice and other professions are licensed under separate rules.
How long does it take to get a license by endorsement?
Processing time varies by board, and verification and background checks add to it. Plan on several weeks and start before you accept a start date.
Where do I verify my license?
Many boards use Nursys for license verification. Your board of nursing is the final authority.
Is a pending state the same as a compact state?
No. A pending state enacted the compact but has not implemented it, so treat it like a non-compact state until the board says otherwise.
Moving states? See what RNs get paid near you.
Tell us your role and city. Within 24 hours you get an email with three things, by employer name. It costs you nothing, because employers pay us.
- 1Pay for your role at other hospitals
The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
- 2What they are offering now
The pay range and median across current postings, and how many were posted this month.
- 3Roles open for you right now
Every current opening near you with pay, shift and start date. Reply with one click.
Get your free pay report
Tell us who you are and what you do. We email the report within 24 hours on business days.
Your RN pay reportyour city · pay published by hospitals, collected October 15, 2026
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- Veterans Health AdministrationSan Antonio, TX · 5 postings$62.40/ hr$36–$87
- Military Treatment Facilities under DHAFort Hood, TX · 3 postings$55.88/ hr$47–$67
- BrightSpring Health ServicesIRVING, TX · 4 postings$50.00/ hr$44–$55
- Select MedicalDallas, TX · 3 postings$46.19/ hr$32–$53
Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published.
2What they are offering now
124 RN postings with published pay in Texas, 105 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 124 RN roles
- Registered Nurse (Critical Care) - Education Debt Reduction Program AuthorizedPermanent$86k–$174k/ year
- Nurse (Clinical/Ambulatory)Permanent$107k–$139k/ year
+ 122 more in your report. Each one has pay, shift and start date.