As a nurse, you’ve probably heard of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This licensing system allows nurses to practice in multiple states through a streamlined licensing process. The process helps increase patient access to care and eliminates headaches for nurse licensure, especially for travel nurses.
There is a lot to know about the NLC, from qualifications and applications to rule changes and current practices. Read on to be sure you’re up to date on all things NLC!
How the Nurse Licensure Compact Works
The Nurse Licensure Compact was created in 1999 to make it easier for nurses to provide care across state lines. Before this, all states had separate licensure systems, and credentials were not recognized from one state to the next. This made for expensive and inefficient licensing processes, so the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) established the Nurse Licensure Compact.
There are many benefits to the NLC system:
- Continuity of Care and Standards: When each state had separate requirements, it was difficult to identify or address inefficiencies in licensure processes. When the NLC was adopted, states began to have an effective system for streamlined licensing and efficient credentialing processes.
- Convenience: Before the NLC, practicing across state borders was expensive and inconvenient. This could sometimes be a barrier in travel nursing careers, but the NLC opened doors for nurses to travel more easily. This licensing benefit is especially helpful for temporary assignments or travel nursing opportunities.
- Disaster and Relief Response: The NLC allows nurses to cross state borders in the event of a disaster and quickly provide relief where and when help is needed most. Without the NLC, this option of immediate disaster response would have been impossible. Now, nurses can choose to help in disaster situations in compact states immediately.
- Reduced Expenses: The licensing process is burdensome and expensive for individuals and organizations. The NLC streamlines the process, removing expenses for individuals and facilities. The NLC application fee can vary by state — check this map to learn more about the fees and processes in your specific state of residence.
- Expansion of Care: Under the NLC, nurses can take on telenursing services or travel opportunities without the hassle of obtaining additional licensure, giving them much more flexibility in their careers. This also expands the number of qualified professionals across state lines, providing patients with better-quality care.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About the NLC
Understanding the Nurse Licensure Compact is vital for nurses traveling and working across state lines. These frequently asked questions provide important insights into the NLC and its impact on nursing practice.
What’s the difference between a compact license and a multistate license?
A compact license and a multistate license are the same thing, and these terms are used interchangeably. Both terms refer to the Nurse Licensure Compact, often referred to as the NLC, and describe a license that allows a nurse to work in all NLC compact states.
Why would a nurse need a multistate license?
Providing healthcare services requires a nurse to be licensed for that location when service is provided. A nurse with a multistate license can practice in all member states with one license. This saves time and money and offers career flexibility.
Who can join the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Any registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/LVN) who resides in a member state can apply for multistate licensure. Visit your BON website to start your application for licensure.
What are the eligibility requirements for the Nurse Licensure Compact?
There are 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements for a multistate nursing license. These range from graduation requirements and background information to disclosing information about other programs you’re currently participating in.
What states recognize the Nurse Licensure Compact?
As of June 2025, 43 jurisdictions were part of the NLC. The complete list is available here. Other states, such as Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts, are in the process of passing legislation to join or fully implement the NLC.
Can a Compact license be issued in a non-member state?
No, you must declare a member state as your primary place of residence to be eligible for a multistate license.
What happens if a nurse moves between states?
The NLC helps minimize the hassle of moving, but the logistics look different depending on which state you’re moving to and from. There are three scenarios of moving across states to consider, as outlined in this fact sheet:
- Moving from a Compact to a non-member state: If you have a multistate license and move to a non-member state, you are responsible for updating your licensure to a single-state license after your address is legally changed.
- Moving from a non-member to a Compact state: When moving to a Compact state, you are responsible for obtaining a multistate license if you meet the requirements. Your previously acquired single-state license is not affected by this.
- Moving from a Compact to a Compact state: When crossing Compact states, you are responsible for applying for licensure by endorsement within 60 days of relocating. Your license is recognized across member state boundaries, but this is still the procedure for “transferring your license.”
What rules have changed regarding the NLC?
The process of applying for licensure within 60 days of relocating between Compact states was updated in the last few years, effective as of January 19, 2018. This means that your license is still active from one state to the next, but you’re required to actively transfer your license through endorsement. The full list of rules can be found here.
Does the NLC apply to APRNs?
Currently, the NLC pertains only to RNs and LPN/VNs. An Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is required to hold state-specific licensure wherever they practice or to obtain licensure through the APRN Compact. This is similar to the NLC but is specific to APRNs.
Can military members or military spouses utilize the NLC?
Military life is full of moving parts and moving locations. The good news is that military members and military spouses who are nurses can utilize the NLC as long as their primary state of residence is a compact state. When nurses are stationed elsewhere, they can practice in other Compact states if their primary state of residence or “home” is still listed as a Compact state.
Travel Nursing Jobs At SHC
At Supplemental Health Care (SHC), we know travel nurses want quality options for their next position. Our recruiters are here to help you find your next travel assignment anywhere in the country. We support you every step of the way, from housing and licensure questions to connecting you with a facility that is just the right fit. Contact our team today to learn more!
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