If you’re researching compact nursing license states, this guide gives you everything in one place. The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows eligible RNs and LPN/LVNs to hold one multistate license in their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) and practice in other compact states without obtaining separate licenses.
Below, you’ll find a 2026 state list, application steps, the 60-day PSOR rule, eligibility requirements, and real-world travel nurse scenarios.
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) allows eligible RNs and LPN/LVNs to practice in participating states with one multistate license—eliminating weeks of redundant paperwork and separate state applications. This mobility is vital for travel nursing, telehealth, military families, and rapid-response assignments. The eNLC maintains patient protection through uniform eligibility standards, including federal fingerprint-based background checks, while helping hospitals fill critical staffing gaps during surges, natural disasters, and public health emergencies.
Below is a precise, scannable list of all U.S. jurisdictions categorized by their eNLC status as of January 2026. It is divided into four clear segments so you can instantly see where multistate privileges apply, which states are progressing toward implementation, and where a single-state license is still required.
6-8 weeks
New York Licensing Guide
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows RNs and LPNs to hold one multistate license issued by their home state (Primary State of Residence, or PSOR) and practice across all other compact states without needing additional licenses.
The NLC was originally implemented in 2000 and was later enhanced in 2018 as the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). The eNLC established uniform licensure requirements (ULRs) that all participating states follow, including mandatory federal background checks and consistent eligibility standards.
When a nurse meets all eligibility criteria in a compact state, their Board of Nursing issues a multistate license that grants the privilege to practice in all other compact states.
Your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) determines where your multistate license is issued. Your PSOR is defined as your legal domicile; the state where you pay taxes, vote, and hold a driver’s license.
Acceptable proof of PSOR may include:
Important: Simply owning property in a compact state does not by itself establish PSOR.
To qualify for a multistate license under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you must meet all uniform requirements adopted by every compact state. These include:
These standards ensure that all multistate license holders meet consistent public protection criteria across compact states.
Apply for licensure by examination through your state’s Board of Nursing. If you meet all ULRs, your initial license will be issued as a multistate license.
Log in to your state Board of Nursing portal and apply to “Upgrade to Multistate.” Your board may require a new background check before approval.
When you change your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), you must apply for a new license in your new state within 60 days. You may continue to work under your previous multistate license while your new one processes.
You can still apply for single-state licenses by endorsement in compact states, but you won’t qualify for multistate privileges until your PSOR is in a compact state.
For travel nurses, a compact nursing license is a powerful way to expand your opportunities and take control of your career. With a multistate license you can work across 40+ compact states, without the delays and paperwork that often slow down the onboarding process. Whether you’re chasing higher-paying contracts or exploring new cities, holding a compact license gives you the freedom to say “yes” to more jobs, more quickly.
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You must apply through the Board of Nursing in your Primary State of Residence (PSOR). New graduates apply by examination; existing nurses in a compact PSOR can typically upgrade online. You must meet all Uniform Licensure Requirements.
The list changes as states join. See the map and table at the top of this page for the current list, based on official National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) data.
A compact license (or multistate license) allows RNs and LPN/VNs to practice in multiple member states under one license.
No. You can only be issued a multistate license by your PSOR. You would need to move or wait until your state joins the compact.
No, not in compact states. Travel nurses with a multistate license can work in any implemented compact state. Separate single-state licenses are still required for non-compact states like CA, OR, or NY.
Processing times vary. Upgrades typically take 4–12 weeks, depending on background check and state workload.
Use Nursys QuickConfirm to see whether your license is "Single State" or "Multistate."
