Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States — 2026

To qualify for a multistate compact license, you must meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) established by the NLC. These requirements ensure consistent standards across all participating states.

Primary state of residence. Your declared home state must be an NLC member state. This is determined by where you hold your driver's license, voter registration, and federal tax return filing address. If you move to a new state, you must apply for a new license in that state within 30-90 days (varies by state).

Federal criminal background check. All compact license applicants must submit to an FBI fingerprint-based background check. This is a one-time requirement at initial application. Processing typically takes 2-4 weeks depending on the state and fingerprint processing vendor.

Clean disciplinary record. You cannot have any active discipline, current investigation, or participation in an alternative-to-discipline program on any nursing license. Previous resolved actions may be evaluated case-by-case by your home state board.

Education and exam requirements. You must have graduated from an approved nursing program (or international equivalent with credential evaluation) and passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. English proficiency requirements apply for internationally educated nurses.

Step 1: Verify eligibility. Confirm that your primary state of residence is a compact state and that you meet all ULRs. Check your state board of nursing's website for specific compact license application instructions — the process varies slightly from state to state.

Step 2: Apply through your home state BON. Submit a multistate license application through your home state's board of nursing. This is typically done online through Nursys or your state's licensing portal. You'll pay the standard licensing fee (usually $75-$200 depending on the state).

Step 3: Complete the background check. Schedule fingerprinting at an approved vendor (IdentoGO/MorphoTrust in most states). Results are sent directly to your state board. This step often takes 2-4 weeks and is the most common cause of delays.

Step 4: Receive your multistate license. Total processing time ranges from 4-12 weeks depending on your state. Some states (like Texas and Florida) process compact licenses in as little as 2-3 weeks, while others may take the full 12 weeks. Your license will display a "multistate" designation, and you can verify your compact privilege through Nursys.

California remains the largest non-compact state and one of the highest-paying markets for travel nurses. California's Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) has historically opposed joining the compact, citing concerns about oversight and patient safety standards. Applying for a California nursing license can take 8-12 weeks, so plan well ahead if targeting assignments there.

New York is another major non-compact state with high travel nurse demand. New York licensing processing times have improved in recent years but still average 4-8 weeks. The state offers temporary practice permits in some circumstances, which can help bridge the gap while your full license is processed.

Recent additions to the compact have expanded its reach significantly. Pennsylvania joined in 2024, opening one of the largest healthcare markets to compact-licensed nurses. Several other states have pending legislation — check the NCSBN website for the latest updates on which states are considering compact membership.

State-specific practice requirements still apply even with a compact license. Some compact states have unique rules about supervision ratios, mandatory overtime, or specific clinical procedures. Always review the practice regulations for your assignment state before starting work.

The NLC model has inspired similar interstate agreements for other healthcare professions. The Physical Therapy (PT) Compact is the most established, with over 30 member states allowing physical therapists and physical therapist assistants to practice across state lines with a single license.

The Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact (ASLP-IC) enables audiologists and speech-language pathologists to practice in member states. The EMS Compact (REPLICA) covers paramedics and EMTs, which is particularly important for border communities and disaster response.

The Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) allows psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person practice across member states. Additional compacts for occupational therapy, counseling, and other professions are in various stages of development and adoption.