Last Updated: April 2026
As of 2026, 43 U.S. jurisdictions have enacted the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). The eNLC allows eligible RNs and LPN/LVNs to hold one multistate license in their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) and practice across other participating compact states without obtaining separate single-state licenses. The Nurse Licensure Compact is administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), which maintains the official compact participation data.
Nurses often encounter compact licensing when relocating, accepting assignments in another state, or providing telehealth services across state lines. Below, you will find our updated 2026 state list, a scannable compact nursing license states map, PSOR eligibility requirements, and practical application steps.
As of 2026, 43 U.S. jurisdictions have enacted the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). Nurses who hold a qualifying multistate license issued by their Primary State of Residence can practice in any participating compact state without applying for additional licenses.
Before diving into the map and state data, it helps to understand exactly what the different legislative statuses mean for your nursing mobility. The U.S. jurisdictions below are divided into practical categories based on their current eNLC participation:
A compact nursing license, often called a multistate license, allows eligible RNs and LPN/LVNs to practice in multiple compact nursing license states using a single license issued by their home state.
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.
To qualify for a compact license, you must provide proof that your PSOR is an active member of the eNLC. Acceptable proof of residency 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.
A compact nursing license is one of the fastest ways to expand your job options and shorten the time between accepting an offer and starting your next assignment. With a multistate license issued by your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), you can practice across multiple compact nursing license states without submitting separate license applications for each one.
For travel nurses, that flexibility makes a significant difference in a competitive market. Instead of waiting weeks for new licenses to be processed, compact-ready nurses can often accept assignments much more quickly when high-demand opportunities arise.
In a competitive travel market, having a compact license is a major advantage when securing preferred contracts. It ensures you are ready to start as soon as the hospital is, giving you the edge on the best roles before they are filled.
Ready to put your compact license to work? Visit our travel nursing job center and easily filter jobs by specialty, your desired location, shift, or pay.
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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."
