Nursing Compact States 2023 | Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC)

by

Updated January 31, 2023 · 3 Min Read

check mark Reviewed by

Our Integrity Network

NurseJournal.org is committed to delivering content that is objective and actionable. To that end, we have built a network of industry professionals across higher education to review our content and ensure we are providing the most helpful information to our readers.

Drawing on their firsthand industry expertise, our Integrity Network members serve as an additional step in our editing process, helping us confirm our content is accurate and up to date. These contributors:

  • Suggest changes to inaccurate or misleading information.
  • Provide specific, corrective feedback.
  • Identify critical information that writers may have missed.

Integrity Network members typically work full time in their industry profession and review content for NurseJournal.org as a side project. All Integrity Network members are paid members of the Red Ventures Education Integrity Network.

Explore our full list of Integrity Network members.

Nurse Licensure Compact states participate in an agreement to honor one another's nursing licenses. Learn how to get your multistate license from an NLC state.
mini logo
NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Female nurse in scrubs sitting at her home desk is typing on her laptop keyboard Credit: dikushin / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) allows licensed nurses around the U.S. to work in other states that take part in the compact with just one license, called a multistate license. Currently, 36 states and two territories are on the list of NLC jurisdictions. An additional two states are in the process of carrying out NLC status.

Check out the resources below to learn more about the states that are a part of this compact and how nurses in these states benefit.

What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

The NLC is an agreement among states to honor one another's nursing licenses. In other words, if you earn a nursing license in one of the nursing compact states, you can use it in a participating state without having to apply for a license in that state.

However, if you change your primary state of residence, you must apply for a license in your new state. Because each state has its own criteria to maintain licensure, nurses should check for individual requirements from their primary state board of nursing.

This applies to registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse educators. Because most states require nurse educators to be licensed in the state where their students are located, having a multistate license means that they can teach remote students in NLC states.

The NLC means that nurses have more geographic flexibility. This helps nurses who work in multistate health systems and travel nurses. It also benefits participating states and their employers since they can hire nurses from other Nurse Licensure Compact states. Removing the need to apply for new licenses results in a more streamlined process and less paperwork for state boards of nursing in NLC states.

Featured Online RN-to-BSN in Nursing Programs

Current NLC States and Status

This map shows current nursing compact states, states that have current legislation that is awaiting approval, states with partial implementation, and states that do not participate.

You can hover over each state to see its name and status. This gives you a quick overview of where your multistate license is valid. View the table below to see a list of all participating U.S. territories.

Current NLC States and Status


List of NLC States and Jurisdictions
Jurisdiction NLC Status
Alabama NLC State
Alaska Pending Legislation
Arizona NLC State
Arkansas NLC State
California Non-NLC State
Colorado NLC State
Connecticut Non-NLC State
Delaware NLC State
District of Columbia Non-NLC State
Florida NLC State
Georgia NLC State
Guam Partial NLC Implementation
Hawaii Non-NLC State
Idaho NLC State
Illinois Pending Legislation
Indiana NLC State
Iowa NLC State
Kansas NLC State
Kentucky NLC State
Louisiana NLC State
Maine NLC State
Maryland NLC State
Massachusetts Pending Legislation
Michigan Pending Legislation
Minnesota Pending Legislation
Mississippi NLC State
Missouri NLC State
Montana NLC State
Nebraska NLC State
Nevada Non-NLC State
New Hampshire NLC State
New Jersey NLC State
New Mexico NLC State
New York Pending Legislation
North Carolina NLC State
North Dakota NLC State
Ohio NLC State
Oklahoma NLC State
Oregon Non-NLC State
Pennsylvania Enacted NLC: Awaiting NLC Implementation
Rhode Island Pending Legislation
South Carolina NLC State
South Dakota NLC State
Tennessee NLC State
Texas NLC State
Utah NLC State
Vermont NLC State
Virgin Islands Enacted NLC: Awaiting NLC Implementation
Virginia NLC State
Washington Pending Legislation
West Virginia NLC State
Wisconsin NLC State
Wyoming NLC State

Source: NCSBN (January 2023)

Benefits to Being a Nurse in a Compact State

Being a nurse in a compact state allows for a variety of benefits, including job opportunities, financial benefits, and the ability to practice telehealth.

  • More Opportunities: Nurses in NLC states can take advantage of finding work in another state in the NLC with very little paperwork.
  • Saves Money: A nurse with an NLC license in their home state doesn't have to pay any license renewal fees. If they relocate, they just have to pay for a new license once and don't have to pay more fees unless they move again.
  • Telehealth: The boom of remote telehealth is a huge factor in the healthcare industry right now. Nurses in a compact RN license state can give telehealth care to patients from other states with ease. This helps patients who need specialized telehealth services and allows nurses to do that easily.

State and Patient Benefits to the Nursing Licensure Compact

The flexibility for nurses to fill patient needs beyond state lines has increased healthcare opportunities for patients living in nursing compact states. As seen from the COVID-19 pandemic, this collaboration aids in disaster preparedness, cross-state cooperation, and greater access to care across the nation.

  • Availability of Nurses: Rural and remote areas in compact nursing license states have access to a greater number of nurses that can provide care if needed.
  • Disaster Preparedness: Like the COVID-19 pandemic, a compact state can send the appropriate amount of nurses to areas that need them the most. A state going through a natural disaster, virus outbreak, or other unpredictable circumstances will need more nurses to help with the number of people who need care.
  • Promotes Cooperation: Nurses in compact states can cooperate with nurses and healthcare professionals across state lines, allowing for more collaboration and assistance in unprecedented scenarios.
  • Greater Access to Care: Patients in states not in the NLC miss out on specialized care that they could benefit from because of state lines.

COVID-19 Effects on Licensure Status by State

The COVID-19 pandemic forced a majority of states to enact emergency licensing waivers that allowed nurses to practice outside of their home states. The overload of people hospitalized by the virus warranted states that were most affected to request additional staffing.

Nurses and other healthcare professionals during the pandemic witnessed record numbers of hospitalizations and worked tireless hours providing care for patients.

As the pandemic progressed, a majority of states have rescinded the emergency nursing license with the increase in vaccinations and decrease in hospitalizations. Additionally, some states have implemented a policy that provides emergency licenses to nurses caring specifically for COVID-19 patients.

Frequently Asked Questions: Nursing Licensure Compact

How many states are nursing license compact states?

As of January 2023, 36 states and U.S. jurisdictions are NLC states. Pennsylvania has passed the legislation but is not yet among the nursing compact states.

How do you apply for a multistate license?

You apply to the state board of nursing in the state where you currently live or attend school, as long as it is an NLC state. You must reside or be a student in a participating state and present proof of residence.

Which states are not part of the nurse licensure compact?

Pennsylvania has passed legislation to become an NLC state, but not yet enacted it, as of January 2023. Alaska, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island and Washington have pending legislation to join the Nursing Licensure Compact states, according to the NCSBN. California, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Nevada, and Oregon do not participate and do not have pending legislation.

How do nurses obtain their license when moving from one NLC state to another?

If this is a permanent move, you must submit proof of residence in the new state and apply for a new license before or once you move to your new state. You can continue to practice with your old multistate license until you receive your new license.


Page last reviewed September 7, 2022

NurseJournal.org is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

Are you ready to earn your online nursing degree?

Whether you’re looking to get your pre-licensure degree or taking the next step in your career, the education you need could be more affordable than you think. Find the right nursing program for you.

Popular Resources

Resources and articles written by professionals and other nurses like you.