Nomad Health’s Guide to Compact Nursing States and Multistate Licensure
Table of Contents
Travel nursing is all about flexibility. The ability to explore new locations, work in top healthcare facilities, and take assignments that fit your lifestyle. But before you can start packing your scrubs for a new state, you need to understand how your nursing license works.
That’s where compact state nursing licenses come in. With one multistate license, you can practice across participating states without the hassle of applying for a new license every time you accept an assignment.
What Are Compact State Nursing Licenses?
Compact states are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) who live in a compact state to hold one license that’s valid across multiple participating states.
If you have a compact nursing license, you can work in any of these states without going through the time-consuming and often expensive process of obtaining a separate license for each state.
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Current Compact Nursing States (2025)
If you hold a compact nursing license (also called an eNLC license), you can legally practice in any of the following states without needing to apply for additional single-state licenses:
- Alabama
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- 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
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Tip: States may join or leave the compact over time, so always verify the latest list on the .
Massachusetts: After signing the NLC into law in November 2024, the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing announced it expects the implementation process to take approximately 12 months. However, this seems like it will be longer.
Connecticut: Enacted the NLC in May 2024, with an effective date of October 1, 2025. The state is now in the implementation phase, which is expected to take one to two years.
For a nurse who already holds a multistate NLC license and is moving to another compact state, the process is much faster.
60-day rule: Effective in 2024, a nurse with a multistate license must apply for licensure in their new home compact state within 60 days of changing their primary state of residence.
Why Travel Nurses Should Get a Compact License
Holding a compact license can be a game-changer for travel nurses. With one license, you can:
- Accept assignments in dozens of states without additional paperwork
- Move quickly into high-demand roles
- Avoid paying multiple state application and renewal fees
- Expand your job opportunities and earning potential
If you’re considering a career in travel nursing, starting with a compact license will give you a serious competitive edge.
Eligibility & Requirements for a Compact RN License
To qualify for a compact license, you must:
- Have your primary state of residence in a compact state
- Pass an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam*
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN or LPN/VN license
- Undergo a state and federal criminal background check
*At this time, Nomad Health opportunities are available exclusively for registered nurses (RNs).
How to Apply for a Compact Nursing License
- Confirm residency in a compact state.
- Apply for licensure through your state board of nursing.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check.
- Pay the applicable fees (varies by state).
- Receive your multistate designation once approved.*
*Application requirements can differ by state. Be sure to review your state’s Board of Nursing (BON) website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Compact License vs. Endorsement: Which Is Faster?
Renewal applications may be submitted online within 60 days from your current expiration date.
If you live in a compact state, getting a compact license from the start could save you significant time and money.
Compact License | Instant ability to work in all compact states once issued |
Endorsement | Apply separately to each state, often taking weeks to months. |
How Nomad Health Helps RNs Navigate Compact Licensing
Nomad Health connects you with assignments across the country and helps you:
- Identify jobs in compact states
- Understand eligibility requirements
- Navigate the application process
- Maximize your licensing benefits
FAQS: About Compact Nursing States
- A compact nursing state is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), an agreement that allows nurses to hold one multistate license valid in all participating states.
- To qualify, your primary state of residence must be a compact state, pass the NCLEX, and complete a background check.
- If you live in a compact state, a compact license is faster because it’s valid in all compact states immediately. Endorsement requires applying to each state individually, which can take weeks or months.
- No. If you want to work in a non-compact state, you must apply for a single-state license in that state.
- Costs vary by state but generally range from $100 to $300, including background check and application fees.
- No. Renewal requirements vary by state, so you must meet the continuing education and renewal rules for your primary state of residence.
- Visit the official NLC website for the most current list and details on pending legislation.
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