The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is one of the most significant developments in nursing regulation. It allows nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in all participating states — both in person and via telehealth — without obtaining additional state licenses. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The NLC is an agreement between participating U.S. states that allows Registered Nurses (RN) and Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (LPN/LVN) to hold one multistate license issued by their home state (called the "primary state of residence") and practice in all other compact states without applying for separate licenses.
Think of it like a driver's license: you get licensed in the state where you live, and that license is recognized in all other participating states.
How Does a Multistate License Work?
When you hold a multistate license issued by your home state, you can:
- Practice nursing (both physically and via telehealth) in any other NLC member state
- Move between compact states without applying for a new license each time
- Respond more quickly to emergencies and staffing shortages across state lines
However, you must still follow the nursing laws and rules of the state where your patient is located, even if that state's regulations differ from your home state.
Which States Are in the NLC?
Over 40 states have enacted NLC legislation. Among the states we currently track at RenewRN:
- NLC member states: Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Georgia, North Carolina, New Jersey, Arizona, Virginia, Washington, Tennessee, Colorado, Maryland, Wisconsin, Indiana
- Non-compact states: California, New York, Illinois, Michigan, Massachusetts (enacted Nov 2024, implementation in progress), Minnesota
View all state CE requirements →
Eligibility Requirements for a Multistate License
To obtain a multistate license, you must meet several uniform licensure requirements:
- Reside in a compact state. Your primary state of residence must be an NLC member state. If you move to a non-compact state, your multistate privilege no longer applies.
- Hold an unencumbered license. Your license must be active and in good standing with no disciplinary actions.
- Pass a federal background check. This includes fingerprinting through the FBI.
- Meet education requirements. You must have graduated from an approved nursing education program.
- Pass the NCLEX examination. Standard for all U.S. nursing licensure.
Who Benefits Most from the NLC?
- Travel nurses. Instead of applying for a new license in each state, travel nurses can accept assignments in any compact state immediately.
- Telehealth nurses. If you provide nursing care via telehealth to patients in other states, the NLC lets you practice legally across state lines.
- Border-area nurses. Nurses living near state borders who work in neighboring states benefit from seamless cross-state practice.
- Military spouses. Frequent relocations make the NLC especially valuable for military families.
- Disaster response. During emergencies, nurses with multistate licenses can respond faster across state lines.
What the NLC Does NOT Cover
- Advanced Practice (APRN). The NLC currently covers only RN and LPN/LVN licenses. A separate APRN Compact exists but has far fewer participating states.
- State-specific CE requirements. Even with a multistate license, you must meet the CE requirements of your home state for renewal. Each state has different requirements.
- State-specific practice laws. When practicing in another compact state, you must follow that state's nursing laws and regulations, not your home state's.
Common Questions
What happens if I move to a non-compact state?
Your multistate privilege will no longer apply. You'll need to apply for a single-state license in your new state. If you later move back to a compact state, you can apply for a new multistate license.
Do I need to renew my multistate license in each state?
No. You only renew in your home state. Your multistate license is renewed as part of your home state's normal renewal process.
Can a state discipline me even if it's not my home state?
Yes. Any compact state where you practice can take action against your privilege to practice in that state. Your home state board may also take action based on incidents in other states.
Track Your License Across States with RenewRN
Whether you hold a multistate or single-state license, RenewRN tracks your CE requirements, monitors your renewal deadlines, and makes sure you stay compliant in every state where you practice.