What Is a Compact Nursing License and How Does It Work?
A compact nursing license (also called a multistate license) lets you practice in all 40+ Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member states with a single license from your home state. It eliminates the need to apply for separate licenses in each state, saving weeks of time and hundreds of dollars per license.
Last updated 2026-02-04
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How the NLC Works
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement between participating states. If your primary state of residence is an NLC member, you can apply for a multistate license that covers all compact states. You only pay one license fee and go through one application process. When you travel to another compact state, your license is already valid there.
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Find your first assignment →Which States Are in the Compact? (2026)
As of 2026, over 40 states have enacted the NLC. Major compact states include Texas, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Notable NON-compact states include California, New York, Massachusetts, Illinois, and Oregon. Check nursys.com for the most current list.
How to Get a Compact License
To get a multistate license: (1) Your primary state of residence must be an NLC member state. (2) You apply through your home state's board of nursing. (3) You must meet the uniform licensure requirements: pass the NCLEX, hold an unencumbered license, have a US Social Security number, and meet federal and state criminal background check requirements. (4) Processing typically takes 2–6 weeks.
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Find your first assignment →Find Jobs in All 40+ Compact States
Your compact license unlocks hundreds of jobs instantly. Search by state or specialty.
Compact vs. Non-Compact: What Changes?
If an assignment is in a non-compact state (like California or New York), you'll need to apply for that state's individual license regardless of your compact status. These applications typically cost $100–$300 and take 4–12 weeks to process. Many agencies will help you with the application and some cover the fees.
| Scenario | What You Need | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Compact → Compact State | Your multistate license | Immediate |
| Compact → Non-Compact State | Separate state license | 4–12 weeks |
| Non-Compact Home → Any State | Individual licenses for each state | 4–12 weeks per state |
Why Compact Matters for Travel Nurses
A compact license dramatically increases your flexibility. You can accept last-minute assignments in any compact state without waiting for licensure. You save $100–$300 per state license you don't need to apply for. And if an assignment falls through, you can quickly pivot to another compact state. For this reason, many travel nurses establish residency in a compact state specifically to get a multistate license.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my home state to get a compact license?
Does a compact license cost more?
Do LPNs and CNAs have compact licenses?
The Nurse Licensure Compact lets you practice in 40+ states with one license from your home state. It saves time, money, and gives you flexibility to accept assignments quickly. Non-compact states like California and New York still require individual licenses.
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