Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) Explained: Which States Are In?
Introduction
The Nurse Licensure Compact is one of the most significant developments in nursing regulation in the last two decades. With a single multistate license, you can practice in over 40 states without submitting separate applications, paying individual fees, or waiting weeks for each board of nursing to process your paperwork. For travel nurses, it is a genuine career accelerator. But the compact comes with specific eligibility rules, residency requirements, and limitations that catch many nurses off guard. This guide covers everything you need to know about the NLC in 2026 — which states participate, how to qualify, and how to use a compact license strategically.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an interstate agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs/VNs) to hold one multistate license issued by their home state that grants them the authority to practice in all other compact member states. Think of it like a driver’s license — you get it in the state where you live, and it is valid everywhere the agreement is recognized.
The original compact launched in 2000. The current version, known as the enhanced NLC (eNLC), took effect in 2018 with stricter uniform licensure requirements, including a federal and state criminal background check for all applicants. The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) administers the compact.
Here is the critical distinction: a compact (multistate) license lets you practice in every NLC member state without applying for additional licenses. A single-state license is valid only in the state that issued it. If you hold a single-state license and want to work in another state, you need to apply for endorsement in that state individually.
The NLC covers RNs and LPNs/VNs. Advanced practice registered nurses (APRNs) are covered under a separate agreement — the APRN Compact — which has its own membership and rules.
Current Compact States (2026 List)
As of early 2026, the following states are active members of the Nurse Licensure Compact:
Active NLC Member States: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming
Several additional states have enacted NLC legislation and are in the implementation phase, with activation dates pending. States periodically join the compact as their legislatures pass enabling legislation and their boards of nursing complete implementation requirements.
Notable non-compact states include California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Hawaii, Alaska, Nevada, and Pennsylvania. California and New York are the two largest holdouts, and both have large travel nursing markets — which means you will still need individual state licenses for assignments there.
The list changes as new states pass legislation. Before starting any license application, verify the current member list at nursys.com or through our license lookup tool.
How to Get a Compact License
Getting a compact license is not a separate application from your regular nursing license. When you apply for or renew your nursing license in a compact state where you are a legal resident, you receive a multistate license automatically — provided you meet all eligibility requirements.
Here are the eligibility requirements under the enhanced NLC:
- Primary state of residence must be a compact state. This is the non-negotiable requirement.
- Hold an active, unencumbered license (no current discipline or restrictions).
- Pass a federal and state criminal background check through fingerprinting.
- Meet one of these education requirements: graduation from a board-approved nursing program, or graduation from an international program that has been verified by an approved agency.
- Have passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN (or a predecessor exam, in some cases).
- Have no active multistate license in another compact state.
The application process itself follows the same steps as any license application in your home state. You submit your application to your state board of nursing, complete the background check, and pay the licensing fee. If you already hold a single-state license in a compact state and become eligible for the multistate privilege, you typically convert at your next renewal cycle.
The cost of a compact license is the same as a standard license in most states, though some states charge a small additional fee for the multistate privilege. Even with that fee, one compact license is dramatically cheaper than applying for individual licenses in 10, 20, or 30+ states.
Primary State of Residence Rules
Your primary state of residence is the state where you hold a driver’s license or state ID, where you register to vote, where you file state income taxes, or where you report as your home address on federal tax returns. You can have only one primary state of residence at a time.
The documentation you may need to prove residency includes:
- A current driver’s license or state-issued ID from a compact state
- Voter registration in a compact state
- Federal tax return showing your address in a compact state
- A signed statement or affidavit of residency
- Military orders (for active-duty military and their spouses)
For travel nurses, the primary state of residence question can get complicated. Your tax home and your primary state of residence are related but not identical concepts. Your tax home is an IRS concept tied to where your regular place of business is or where you maintain a permanent residence for tax purposes. Your primary state of residence for compact purposes is where you legally reside. In most cases these are the same place, but make sure your documentation is consistent across tax filings, voter registration, and your driver’s license.
What happens when you move? If you move from one compact state to another compact state, you must obtain a new multistate license in your new home state. Your old multistate license becomes invalid, though most states allow a transition period. If you move from a compact state to a non-compact state, you lose your multistate privilege entirely and must apply for a single-state license in your new state. This is why choosing your primary state of residence strategically matters.
Using Your Compact License Across States
Once you hold a valid compact license, you can accept assignments in any compact member state and start working without additional paperwork or waiting periods. This is the core benefit — speed and flexibility.
However, there are important nuances:
State-specific practice laws still apply. Your compact license authorizes you to practice in another state, but you must follow the nursing practice act and regulations of the state where you are physically located. Scope of practice, mandatory reporting requirements, and nurse-to-patient ratios vary by state.
Some states have notification or registration requirements. A few compact states require nurses practicing under multistate authority to register or notify the board before starting work. Check the specific state’s board of nursing website before you begin an assignment.
Continuing education requirements are tied to your home state for license renewal purposes. However, some states where you practice may have state-specific CE requirements for topics like opioid prescribing awareness or human trafficking recognition. It is smart to complete CE that covers the most common state-specific mandates. For affordable CE options, see our guide to the cheapest nursing CE credits online.
If a state withdraws from the NLC, your multistate privilege to practice there ends. You would need to obtain a single-state license before continuing to work in that state. This is rare but worth being aware of.
When You Still Need a Single-State License
A compact license does not cover every situation. You will need an individual state license when:
- Your assignment is in a non-compact state. California, New York, Massachusetts, Oregon, Illinois, and several other major travel nursing markets are not compact members. You must apply for endorsement in each of these states individually.
- Your primary state of residence is not a compact state. If you live in a non-compact state, you cannot hold a multistate license at all. You need a single-state license in your home state and must apply for endorsement in every other state where you want to work.
- A state has just joined the compact but is not yet active. There is often a gap between when legislation passes and when the compact privilege actually takes effect. During this window, you still need an individual license.
- You have an encumbered license. If your license has any restrictions, discipline, or conditions, you may not be eligible for multistate privileges.
For non-compact states, look into which ones are walk-through states that process endorsements quickly, and which ones require longer wait times. Planning ahead for slow-processing states like California is essential — see our nursing license timeline by state for realistic processing estimates.
NLC and Travel Nursing Strategy
Your compact license should be the foundation of your licensing strategy. Here is how experienced travel nurses maximize their flexibility:
Choose your primary state of residence wisely. If you are establishing or re-establishing a permanent residence, pick a compact state. This gives you immediate access to 40+ states with a single license. States like Texas, Florida, and Tennessee are popular choices because they are compact members with no state income tax.
Layer in single-state licenses for your target markets. If you want to work in California, New York, or other non-compact states, apply for those licenses well in advance. These are the states with the highest-paying assignments and the longest processing times — a frustrating combination. Start the application process months before you want to work there.
Maintain a license portfolio. Many seasoned travel nurses hold a compact license plus two to four single-state licenses in high-demand non-compact states. This portfolio approach gives you access to the vast majority of available assignments nationwide.
Do the cost-benefit analysis. A single compact license might cost $100 to $200 depending on your state. Applying individually in 10 states could cost $1,000 or more in application fees alone, not counting background checks, transcripts, and verification fees. The compact license saves you real money and significant time.
Use our license lookup tool to verify your current license status and check which states you are authorized to practice in before applying for new assignments.
Interstate Licensure for Traveling RTs and Surgical Techs
The Nurse Licensure Compact is specific to RNs and LPNs. If you are a respiratory therapist or surgical technologist, your interstate licensing landscape looks quite different. Understanding these differences is essential for planning your travel career.
Respiratory Therapist Interstate Compact
Respiratory therapists have their own interstate compact: the Recognition of EMS Personnel Licensure Interstate CompAct (REPLICA) does not cover RTs, but a separate Interstate Medical Licensure Compact for Respiratory Therapists has been under development through advocacy from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) and the NBRC.
As of early 2026, the RT Interstate Compact has been enacted in a growing number of states, though it is not yet as widely adopted as the NLC. The compact allows RTs who hold a valid license in a compact member state and meet the eligibility requirements (active RRT credential, clean disciplinary record, background check) to practice in other member states without obtaining individual licenses.
For traveling RTs in states without the compact, the process is straightforward but time-consuming: you must apply for a state license in each state where you plan to work. Licensing requirements and processing times vary significantly:
- Most states require an active RRT credential from the NBRC.
- Application fees range from $50 to $200 per state.
- Processing times range from two weeks to eight weeks, with some states moving faster than others.
- Some states require additional steps like jurisprudence exams or state-specific background checks.
Strategic advice for traveling RTs. Check the current list of RT compact member states before planning your assignments. If your home state has enacted the RT compact, confirm that your license carries multistate privileges. For non-compact states, begin license applications well in advance — at least six to eight weeks before your desired start date. Your agency’s compliance team can help navigate state-specific requirements, but do not rely on them exclusively. Verify requirements directly with each state’s respiratory care licensing board.
Surgical Technologist State Requirements
Surgical technologists face the most complex and inconsistent state regulatory landscape of the three professions. There is no surgical tech interstate compact, and state requirements vary dramatically:
States that regulate surgical techs may require some combination of:
- CST certification from the NBSTSA (or equivalent credential like the TS-C from the NCCT)
- State registration or licensure
- Continuing education requirements
- Background checks
States with no surgical tech regulation have no state-level licensing or certification requirements. In these states, the facility and agency set their own credentialing standards. Even in unregulated states, virtually all travel agencies and hospitals require CST certification as a condition of employment.
Key states with surgical tech regulation include Texas (requires CST or equivalent certification), Indiana, New Jersey, New York, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, and Washington, among others. The list continues to grow as more states pass surgical tech regulation bills.
Strategic advice for traveling surgical techs. Because there is no compact, you need to research each state’s requirements individually before accepting assignments. Maintain your CST certification regardless of state requirements — it is the universal credential that agencies and hospitals expect. Keep your continuing education current because several states require specific CE hours for registration renewal. Your agency can help with state-specific compliance paperwork, but start the process early for regulated states to avoid start-date delays.
Comparing the Three Professions
| Feature | Travel RN | Travel RT | Travel Surgical Tech |
|---|---|---|---|
| Interstate compact | NLC (40+ states) | RT Compact (growing) | None |
| Primary credential | RN license | RRT + state license | CST + state registration (varies) |
| Individual state licenses needed | Only for non-compact states | For non-compact states | For regulated states |
| Typical processing time | 2-12 weeks | 2-8 weeks | 1-6 weeks |
| Typical cost per state | $100-$300 | $50-$200 | $25-$150 |
The lack of a universal compact for surgical techs and the still-growing RT compact mean that allied health travelers often need more advance planning for licensure than nurses with compact privileges. Factor licensing timelines into your assignment planning, and keep a spreadsheet of active licenses, expiration dates, and renewal requirements for every state where you hold credentials.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Nurse Licensure Compact and how does it work?
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an interstate agreement that allows RNs and LPNs to hold one multistate license issued by their home state that is valid in all compact member states. It works like a driver’s license: you get it in the state where you legally reside, and it is recognized in every other member state. As of 2026, more than forty states participate. You must live in a compact state, hold an active unencumbered license, and pass a federal and state criminal background check to qualify.
How do I get a compact nursing license?
You do not apply for a compact license separately. When you apply for or renew your nursing license in a compact state where you are a legal resident and meet all eligibility requirements, you automatically receive a multistate license. The cost is typically the same as a standard license, though some states charge a small additional fee for the multistate privilege. If you already hold a single-state license in a compact state, you can usually convert to multistate privileges at your next renewal.
Can I work in California or New York with a compact license?
No, California and New York are not members of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must apply for an individual state license through the endorsement process to work in either state. California typically takes eight to sixteen weeks to process endorsements, and New York takes six to twelve weeks. Both states are among the largest travel nursing markets, so applying well in advance of any planned assignment is essential.
What happens to my compact license if I move to a non-compact state?
If you move your primary residence from a compact state to a non-compact state, you lose your multistate privilege entirely. Your compact license becomes invalid, and you must obtain a single-state license in your new home state. You would then need to apply for individual endorsement in every other state where you want to practice. This is why choosing your primary state of residence strategically is an important decision for travel nurses who want to maximize licensing flexibility.
Does the compact license cover nurse practitioners and APRNs?
No, the Nurse Licensure Compact covers only RNs and LPNs/VNs. Advanced practice registered nurses are covered under a separate agreement called the APRN Compact, which has its own membership requirements and participating state list. The APRN Compact is newer and has fewer member states than the NLC. APRNs who want to practice across state lines should check the current APRN Compact membership and may still need individual state licenses for most assignments.
Key Takeaways
- The Nurse Licensure Compact lets you practice in 40+ states with one multistate license issued by your home state.
- Your primary state of residence must be an active compact member state to qualify for a multistate license.
- Compact licenses cover RNs and LPNs/VNs. APRNs have a separate compact.
- You must still follow the nursing practice act of the state where you are physically working.
- You will still need individual state licenses for non-compact states like California, New York, and Massachusetts.
- Choose your primary state of residence strategically — it directly impacts your licensing flexibility.
- Verify the current compact state list before every job search, as states periodically join or legislation changes.
Related Resources
- How to Get a Nursing License in a New State (Fast Track)
- Walk-Through States vs. Compact States
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Nursing License by State?
- How to Become a Travel Nurse: Step-by-Step Guide
- License Lookup Tool
- Travel Nurse Tax Home Guide