Nurse Licensure Compact
What each state we cover says about the Nurse Licensure Compact, in its own words, and what that means if you plan to work across state lines.
On this page
What the NLC does
An interstate compact is a law that each member state passes in the same words. Under it, a registered nurse licensed in one member state can work in the others without a separate full license in each, once the compact is running. Each state below describes its own membership in its own words; the dates and conditions matter, because a state can enact the compact years before its residents can use it.
States that describe their NLC membership
We cover registered nurses in 49 states and DC. In 37 of them, the board or the state's law describes the compact as follows. A state missing from this table may still be a member: we list only what the boards we checked publish.
| State | Route | What the state says |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Interstate compact privilege | Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state: a nurse holding a valid multistate license from another compact state may practice in Alabama without an Alabama license unless Alabama is the primary state of residence.1 |
| Arizona | Multistate license (interstate compact) | An Arizona multistate license lets an Arizona-resident nurse practice physically or electronically in all Nurse Licensure Compact party states without additional licenses.2 |
| Arkansas | Multistate license (interstate compact) | An Arkansas multistate license lets a nurse whose primary state of residence is Arkansas practice physically, electronically or telephonically in all NLC states.3 |
| Colorado | Interstate compact privilege | Colorado has been in the Nurse Licensure Compact since January 19, 2018: nurses with a multistate license from their compact home state can practice in Colorado without a Colorado license.4 |
| Connecticut | Interstate compact privilege | Connecticut implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025: a multistate license issued by another party (home) state is recognized as authorizing RN practice in Connecticut.5 |
| Delaware | Interstate compact privilege | Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state: a multistate license from another NLC home state is recognized for practice in Delaware. A nurse who moves to Delaware must get a Delaware multistate license on declaring residency (within 60 days).6 |
| Florida | Multistate license (interstate compact) | A Florida multistate license (Florida as primary state of residence) lets the nurse practice in all NLC party states; on moving to another compact state the nurse must apply there within 60 days and the Florida multistate license is then deactivated.7 |
| Georgia | Multistate license (interstate compact) | The Georgia multistate license lets a Georgia-resident nurse practice in other NLC party states; it must be held in the primary state of residence, so a nurse who moves applies in the new home state and tells the Georgia board.8 |
| Idaho | Interstate compact privilege | Idaho has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact: a multistate RN license issued by another party (home) state authorizes practice in Idaho without an Idaho license.9 |
| Iowa | Interstate compact privilege | Iowa is a Nurse Licensure Compact member: nurses holding an active multistate license from another party state need no Iowa license (they are subject to Iowa law and board jurisdiction).10 |
| Kansas | Interstate compact privilege | Kansas implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 1, 2019: a multistate license issued by another NLC home state authorizes practice in Kansas.11 |
| Kentucky | Interstate compact privilege | Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state (KRS 314.475): a multistate license from another NLC home state authorizes practice in Kentucky. A nurse moving to Kentucky as primary residence must apply by endorsement within 60 days (NLC rule 402(2), effective Jan. 2, 2024).12 |
| Louisiana | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Louisiana is an NLC member. A Louisiana multistate license (Louisiana as primary state of residence) authorizes practice in any compact state, but not in non-compact states; a nurse may hold only one active multistate license, and LSBN inactivates its MSL if the nurse obtains one in another compact state.13 |
| Maine | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Maine is an NLC member: a Maine multistate license lets the nurse practice physically or virtually in other NLC states. A nurse may hold a multistate license from only one home state; on moving to another party state the nurse must apply there within 60 days (rule effective Jan. 2, 2024).14 |
| Maryland | Interstate compact privilege | Maryland is an NLC party state (first to join, 1999; enhanced NLC since January 19, 2018). A nurse holding a multistate license from another party state may practice in Maryland on that privilege; after moving to Maryland, apply by endorsement and keep working on the compact license until the Maryland license is issued. No Maryland CHRC is required to practice on a compact license.15 |
| Massachusetts | No compact privilege | No compact privilege yet: Massachusetts enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact in November 2024, but it is not in effect until implementation is complete (targeted May 2027). Multistate licenses from other states do not authorize practice in Massachusetts until then; apply by reciprocity.16 |
| Mississippi | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Mississippi is a Nurse Licensure Compact state: Mississippi residents meeting the Uniform Licensure Requirements receive a multistate license; others may get a single-state license. Nurses with another compact state's multistate license who move to Mississippi may keep practicing on it while their Mississippi application is reviewed.17 |
| Missouri | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Missouri is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (RSMo 335.360 et seq.). RNs who live in Missouri and meet the uniform licensure requirements automatically receive a multistate license; nurses holding another compact state's multistate license may practice in Missouri under the compact.18 |
| Montana | Interstate compact privilege | Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact state (member since 2015; enhanced NLC implemented January 19, 2018): a multistate RN license from another compact home state authorizes practice in Montana.19 |
| Nebraska | Interstate compact privilege | Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact state (enhanced NLC implemented January 19, 2018): a multistate RN license from another compact home state authorizes practice in Nebraska.20 |
| New Hampshire | Interstate compact privilege | New Hampshire is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state (RSA 326-B:46): a multistate license issued by another compact home state lets the nurse practice in New Hampshire without an NH license.21 |
| New Jersey | Interstate compact privilege | New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact member (implemented November 15, 2021 per the NLC map). Nurses with an active, unencumbered multistate license from another compact state may practice in New Jersey on that privilege.22 |
| New Mexico | Interstate compact privilege | New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state (NLC implemented January 19, 2018). Nurses holding a multistate license from their home party state may practice in New Mexico on the multistate privilege without a New Mexico license.23 |
| North Carolina | Interstate compact privilege | North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state (G.S. 90 Art. 9G): an RN holding a multistate license from another party (home) state may practice in North Carolina under the multistate privilege, subject to NC practice law. On moving to NC, the nurse must apply for an NC license. A North Carolina multistate license likewise allows practice in all other party states.24 |
| North Dakota | Interstate compact privilege | North Dakota has been an NLC party state since January 1, 2004 (enhanced NLC from January 19, 2018). Nurses who live in another NLC state and hold an active multistate license there can work in North Dakota on that license with no ND license.25 |
| Oklahoma | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Oklahoma has been a Nurse Licensure Compact state since the eNLC was implemented on January 19, 2018. An Oklahoma multistate license lets you practice in other NLC states; a nurse moving here from another compact state must apply for an Oklahoma multistate license within 60 days.26 |
| Pennsylvania | Interstate compact privilege | Pennsylvania fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on July 7, 2025: nurses with a multistate license from another compact home state may practice in PA without a PA license; PA residents may apply for a PA multistate license.27 |
| Rhode Island | Interstate compact privilege | Rhode Island rejoined the Nurse Licensure Compact effective January 2024 (NLC map: implemented January 8, 2024); nurses holding an active multistate license from their compact home state may practice in RI; RI-resident nurses get the RI multistate license.28 |
| South Dakota | Interstate compact privilege | South Dakota belongs to the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse who lives in another NLC state and holds a multistate license there can practice in South Dakota without a South Dakota license. A multistate license holder who moves to another NLC state must apply for a license there within 60 days.29 |
| Tennessee | Interstate compact privilege | Tennessee is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state: nurses with a multistate license from another compact state may practice in Tennessee on that license. Since January 2, 2024 a multistate licensee who moves to another party state must apply there within 60 days (NLC rule 402(2)). Tennessee issues multistate licenses to applicants whose primary state of residence is Tennessee (a Tennessee driver's license is required for multistate eligibility).30 |
| Texas | Interstate compact privilege | Texas is a Nurse Licensure Compact party state (Tex. Occ. Code ch. 304; eNLC implemented in Texas January 19, 2018): an RN with a multistate license from another party (home) state may practice in Texas without a Texas license. A nurse who moves to Texas must apply for a Texas license; under NLC rule 402(2) a multistate licensee has 60 days after moving to apply. A Texas multistate license likewise lets you practice in all other party states.31 |
| Utah | Interstate compact privilege | Utah is a party state to the revised Nurse Licensure Compact (Utah Code ch. 58-31e). Nurses whose home state is another compact state may practice in Utah on their multistate license; after moving to Utah they may keep practicing on it while the Utah application is processed, for up to 90 days.32 |
| Vermont | Interstate compact privilege | Vermont has been an NLC party state since February 1, 2022 (Act 64 of 2021). A nurse whose primary state of residence is another compact state and who holds an active multistate license there may practice in Vermont with no Vermont license. A multistate licensee who moves to Vermont must apply for a Vermont multistate license within 60 days (since January 2, 2024).33 |
| Virginia | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Virginia is an NLC (enhanced compact) state: a Virginia multistate license lets a Virginia resident practice in every compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from another compact home state practice in Virginia on that license; if they move to Virginia they apply for a Virginia license.34 |
| Washington | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Washington residents meeting the uniform requirements can hold a Washington MSL, valid in Washington and other NLC states; Washington single-state licensees upgrade by MSL application ($65).35 |
| West Virginia | Multistate license (interstate compact) | West Virginia has belonged to the Nurse Licensure Compact since the eNLC took effect on January 19, 2018. A WV multistate license lets you practice in person or by telehealth in all compact states. A nurse moving here from another compact state may work on the old home-state multistate license for up to 60 days while applying for a WV multistate license by endorsement.36 |
| Wisconsin | Multistate license (interstate compact) | Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact state (eNLC implemented January 19, 2018; Wis. Stat. 441.51). A Wisconsin multistate license requires Wisconsin as your primary state of residence and the NLC uniform requirements, including FBI fingerprints.37 |
Before you rely on the compact
- Check your home state: a compact license is usually issued by the state where you live, and only if that state has joined.
- Check the state where you want to work: it must be a member and must have started accepting compact licenses or privileges.
- If either state is not ready, apply for a license in the new state the usual way; each state page lists its other transfer routes.
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- Nurse Licensure CompactAlabama Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Apply for a LicenseArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactArkansas State Board of Nursing (Arkansas Department of Health)Checked November 7, 2026
- Colorado Nurse Licensure CompactColorado Division of Professions and Occupations - State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- How do I convert my state nursing license to a multistate license (MSL)?Connecticut Department of Public HealthDated September 30, 2025Checked November 7, 2026
- 24 Del. C. ch. 19A (Nurse Multistate Licensure Compact)Delaware General Assembly (Delaware Code Online)Checked November 7, 2026
- Fla. Stat. 464.0095 (2026)Florida Legislature (Online Sunshine)Checked November 7, 2026
- Nursing Renewal InformationGeorgia Secretary of State, Georgia Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Idaho Code § 54-1418 Nurse licensure compactIdaho Legislature (Idaho Code)Checked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactIowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and LicensingChecked November 7, 2026
- KSBN NLC press release July 1 2019Kansas State Board of NursingDated July 1, 2019Checked November 7, 2026
- KBN nlc pageKentucky Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Instructions for Initial RN Licensure by ExaminationLouisiana State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- RN Exam Licensure Requirements 6.2026Maine State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactMaryland Board of NursingDated April 16, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)Board of Registration in Nursing (Massachusetts Department of Public Health)Checked November 7, 2026
- Licensure By EndorsementMississippi Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- LPN and RN Online Initial License Application ChecklistMissouri State Board of Nursing (Division of Professional Registration)Checked November 7, 2026
- Board of Nursing (home)Montana Department of Labor & Industry, Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- NLC Map PDFNurse Licensure Compact (NCSBN-administered)Dated September 6, 2023Checked November 7, 2026
- RN-LPN Temporary by Exam ApplicationNew Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (Board of Nursing)Checked November 7, 2026
- Nurse LicensureNew Jersey Board of NursingDated December 27, 2022Checked November 7, 2026
- Nursing Practice Act (NMSA 1978 61-3) 6.20.2025New Mexico Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- G.S. Chapter 90 Article 9G Nurse Licensure CompactNorth Carolina General AssemblyChecked November 7, 2026
- Law & RulesNorth Dakota Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactOklahoma Board of NursingDated June 3, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactPennsylvania Department of State, State Board of NursingChecked November 8, 2026
- Nursing Online Initial Application RequirementsRhode Island Department of HealthChecked November 8, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactSouth Dakota Board of NursingDated April 22, 2026Checked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactTennessee Board of Nursing (Tennessee Department of Health)Checked November 7, 2026
- Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)Texas Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Nursing FAQUtah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL)Checked November 7, 2026
- Nurse Licensure CompactVermont Office of Professional Regulation, Board of NursingChecked November 8, 2026
- Nurse Licensure Compact (applicants)Virginia Board of NursingChecked November 8, 2026
- Upgrade to a Multistate License (MSL)Washington State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Multistate Licensure (NLC)West Virginia Board of Registered NursesChecked November 8, 2026
- Wis. Stat. ch. 441 Board of NursingWisconsin Legislature (Legislative Reference Bureau)Dated October 1, 2026Checked November 8, 2026