Nursing Compact States 2026: The NLC Explained

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a multi-jurisdictional agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/VNs) to practice in their home state and other participating NLC states with a single multistate license. This system eliminates the need to obtain a separate license for each state, streamlining the process for travel nurses and those practicing telehealth. Both RNs and LPNs/VNs must pass their respective national exam; you can learn more about the differences in our NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN: Which One Should You Choose? guide.

The NLC was established to achieve several key objectives:

• Increase patient access to care, especially in underserved rural areas and across state lines.
• Support the growth of telehealth nursing by allowing nurses to provide remote care to patients in other compact states.
• Reduce regulatory burdens for nurses, employers, and state boards of nursing by simplifying the licensure process.
• Enable rapid deployment of nurses during natural disasters or other public health emergencies.

To obtain a multistate license, you must declare a compact state as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR). Your PSOR is the state where you legally reside, as proven by documents like your driver's license, voter registration, or federal income tax return. The Board of Nursing (BON) in your PSOR is the only authority that can issue your multistate license. If you live in a non-compact state, you can apply for a single-state license in a compact state, but it will only be valid for practice within that specific state's borders.

All applicants for a multistate license must meet a set of 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs). A critical requirement for new nurses is passing the national licensure exam. A comprehensive NCLEX Review Ultimate Guide is essential for this step. For recent graduates, the process begins after graduation; learn How to Pass the NCLEX Exam in 2026 — Complete Study Guide before applying for your initial license. Remember, a nurse can hold only one multistate license at a time, issued by their PSOR.

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The Complete List of Nursing Compact States (Updated 2024)

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a living agreement, with new states joining to streamline nursing practice across the country. This dynamic landscape means the list of nursing compact states is frequently updated. As of early 2024, the NLC includes 39 fully implemented member states, with several more jurisdictions poised to join. The lists below categorize each state and territory by its current NLC status, providing a clear guide for nurses nationwide.

Full NLC Members (Implemented)

These 39 states have fully enacted and implemented the NLC. If your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is on this list, you are eligible to apply for and hold a multistate nursing license, granting you the privilege to practice in all other compact states. The roster has grown recently, with Washington (July 2023), Pennsylvania (September 2023), and Rhode Island (January 2024) becoming the newest fully implemented members.

• 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
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Enacted Legislation (Awaiting Implementation)

The following jurisdictions have passed NLC legislation, and their boards of nursing are preparing for launch. Nurses residing in these locations should monitor their local BON for announcements regarding the official implementation date and the process for obtaining a multistate license.

• Guam (Implementation date to be determined)
• U.S. Virgin Islands (Implementation date to be determined)

Pending NLC Legislation

These states have active NLC bills introduced in their legislatures. While passage is not guaranteed, they represent the next potential wave of compact members. Nurses in these states should follow local legislative news for updates on a bill's progress.

• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• New York

Because the status of NLC legislation can change quickly, always confirm a state's current standing on the official NLC website or with the specific state's Board of Nursing before making any practice decisions.

Is a Multistate License Right for You? Pros and Cons

Deciding whether to obtain or maintain a multistate license is a significant career choice. The NLC applies to both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPNs/VNs)—learn the key differences in our NCLEX-RN vs NCLEX-PN: Which One Should You Choose? guide. While the compact offers unparalleled flexibility, this privilege comes with unique responsibilities. For nurses just starting their journey after learning How to Pass the NCLEX Exam in 2026 — Complete Study Guide, understanding these trade-offs is crucial for long-term career success.

A multistate license from one of the compact license states streamlines practice across borders, but it is not a "one-size-fits-all" solution. Carefully weigh the advantages against the professional obligations before you practice outside your home state.

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Advantages of a Multistate Nursing License

• Increased Career Mobility: A compact license is ideal for travel nurses, military spouses, or those living near a state border. You can accept assignments in any member state without the delay or expense of applying for a new license.
• Expanded Telehealth Opportunities: You can legally provide telehealth services and remote patient monitoring to patients located in any of the NLC states, a rapidly growing field in healthcare.
• Cost and Time Savings: Holding one multistate license eliminates the need to pay for, apply for, and renew multiple single-state licenses, saving you hundreds of dollars and significant administrative effort.
• Standardized Requirements: The NLC operates on Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs), ensuring all multistate licensees meet the same baseline standards. This begins with passing the NCLEX, for which our NCLEX Review Ultimate Guide is an essential resource for preparation.

Disadvantages and Responsibilities

• Knowledge of Multiple Laws: You are legally required to know and abide by the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) in every state where you practice. The laws for scope of practice, delegation, and continuing education can vary significantly between states.
• Primary State of Residence (PSOR) Rules: Your multistate license is tied to your declared PSOR. If you move to another compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement in your new home state within 60 days. If you move to a non-compact state, your multistate license is converted to a single-state license.
• Complex Disciplinary Actions: Any disciplinary action taken against your license by one state's Board of Nursing is reported to all NLC members through the NURSYS® database. An infraction in one state can result in the loss of your privilege to practice in all compact license states.

Pros vs. Cons: At a Glance

How to Apply for or Convert to a Multistate RN Compact States License

Obtaining or converting to a multistate nursing license is a straightforward process managed by your state's Board of Nursing (BON). The path differs slightly depending on whether you are a new graduate or an experienced nurse converting an existing single-state license. Follow these three steps to secure your compact license.

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility

Your eligibility for a multistate license is determined by your Primary State of Residence (PSOR). This is the state where you legally reside, vote, and file federal taxes. To apply for a multistate license, your declared PSOR must be one of the active rn compact states. If you live in a non-compact state, you are not eligible for a multistate license, even if you work in a compact state. You can verify your state's current NLC status on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website.

Step 2: Meet the 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs)

All applicants for a multistate license must meet 11 standardized requirements. These ULRs ensure that all nurses with a compact license meet the same minimum standards, regardless of their home state. You must attest that you meet the following criteria:

• Meet your home state's qualifications for licensure.
• Graduated from a board-approved nursing education program.
• Passed an English proficiency exam (if applicable).
• Passed the NCLEX-RN® or NCLEX-PN® Examination.
• Hold an active, unencumbered license (meaning no active disciplinary actions against it).
• Submit to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks.
• Have no state or federal felony convictions.
• Have no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing.
• Not be a current participant in an alternative-to-discipline program.
• Self-disclose any current participation in an alternative-to-discipline program.
• Have a valid U.S. Social Security number.

Step 3: Complete the Application Through Your BON

The final step is to submit your application directly to your home state's BON. The specific forms and fees will vary by state, so visit your BON's website for detailed instructions.

For Nurses with an Existing Single-State License: If you hold a single-state license in a state that has recently joined the NLC, you will typically need to complete an "Application to Upgrade to a Multistate License" or a similar form. This process often involves attesting to the ULRs and undergoing a new background check.

For New Graduates: When you apply for your initial license by examination in a compact state, you will typically apply for a multistate license by default, provided you meet all ULRs. Passing the NCLEX is a critical ULR and the final hurdle before your license is issued. After you pass, your BON will issue your multistate license, granting you immediate privilege to practice in all other compact states.

Navigating Practice Rules and Moving Between States

Your multistate license is tied to your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), which is where you vote, pay federal taxes, and hold a driver's license. When you permanently move, you must follow specific procedures to maintain your license and practice privileges.

• Moving to another compact state: You must apply for licensure by endorsement in your new home state. You can practice on your former state's license for a grace period (typically 30 to 90 days, check with the new state's BON) while your application is processed. Once the new multistate license is issued, your old one is inactivated.
• Moving to a non-compact state: Your multistate license converts to a single-state license, valid only in the state that issued it. You must apply for a license by endorsement in your new non-compact state before you can legally practice there.

Crucially, you are always accountable to the Nurse Practice Act (NPA) of the state where the patient is located at the time of care. This means you must stay current on the specific scope of practice and continuing education requirements for every state in which you practice, whether in-person or via telehealth. Practicing across different compact license states requires diligence in understanding and adhering to each state's unique regulations.