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Updated by Katie Kenison

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July 16, 2025

Travel Nursing

What is a Compact Nursing License and How to Apply for One

Have you ever thought about what it might be like to travel to different states as a nurse and not have to deal with getting several different licenses to practice? Thanks to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses can practice across state lines without having to apply for multiple licenses. This blog will give you a better understanding of the benefits of a compact state nursing license, which states are eNLC states, eNLC requirements, and more. Let's take a closer look at what a compact nursing license in and how to apply for one.

 

Table of contents 


What is a compact state nursing license?  

A compact state nursing license allows nurses to practice across participating states without needing a state-specific license. This agreement, now called the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC), allows you to hold a single-state license or a compact state license (also known as a “multistate license”).

For a nurse’s license to be valid under the eNLC, it must be issued by a participating state. Some participating states have additional requirements, so it’s important to check with the state board of nursing (BON) before traveling across state lines for work. For more information regarding this rule change, please visit www.nursecompact.com. 

 

What are the benefits of a compact nursing license?  

Convenience: The biggest benefit of the eNLC as a travel nurse is convenience. When you have a multi-state license, you don’t have to spend extra time filling out paperwork and applying for individual state licenses in each place you want to work. 

Reduced spending on fees: When you apply for a single-state license, fees are often associated not only with the application, but with the actual license as well. When you have a multi-state license, you don’t have to worry about wasting your time and money when you want to work in a different state than the one you live in.  

Improved care: Another added benefit is that it makes it quicker for hospitals and medical facilities to hire qualified personnel from out-of-state locations. This agreement has resulted in better access to quality healthcare professionals across all member states, making it highly beneficial for both patients and healthcare providers.   

Enhanced uniformity across states: eNLCs create uniformity across all participating states’ nursing regulations by setting certain standards that all states adhere to. This ensures that all members are held accountable no matter which state they happen to be working in.   

 

What are compact nursing states?

July 2025 Compact Nursing

 

eNLC States

Alabama  

Maine  

Pennsylvania 

Arizona  

Maryland  

Rhode Island

Arkansas  

Mississippi 

South Carolina  

Colorado  

Missouri  

South Dakota  

Delaware  

Montana  

Tennessee  

Florida  

Nebraska  

Texas  

Georgia  

New Hampshire  

Utah 

Idaho  

New Jersey  

Vermont 

Indiana  

New Mexico  

Virginia 

Iowa  

North Carolina  

West Virginia

Kansas  

North Dakota  

Washington

Kentucky  

Ohio  

Wisconsin 

Louisiana  

Oklahoma  

 Wyoming 

 

States with partial implementation  

When states have partial implementation of the eNLC, it means that nurses with compact state licenses from other participating states can practice in that state. However, nurses who are residents in partially implemented states can't yet apply for compact state licenses. This is because you can’t apply for and obtain your compact state licenses unless you live in a participating state.  

  • Guam 

NLC enacted and awaiting implementation 

  • Connecticut  
  • Massachusetts  
  • U.S. Virgin Islands 

States with pending eNLC legislation  

Several states are currently in the process of joining the eNLC but need pending legislation to pass before they can become a compact nursing state. The following states have pending legislation:   

  • Alaska 
  • Hawaii 
  • Illinois 
  • Minnesota 
  • New York 
  • Washington D.C. 
  • Michigan 
  • Nevada 
  • Oregon  

California is not a compact state and does not currently have any pending legislation to join the eNLC.  

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Compact state nursing license requirements 

Nurses interested in getting their compact state nursing license will need to meet the following uniform licensure requirements:  

  • Meet your home state’s licensure requirements  
  • Graduated from a board-approved program or graduated from an accredited international education program 
  • Passed an English proficiency exam (only applies to graduates of an international program not taught in English) 
  • Passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN 
  • Hold an active license or be eligible to hold one without active discipline  
  • Submitted your fingerprint for a background check 
  • Has not faced any criminal charges or been convicted 
  • Has no convictions in relation to the nursing field  
  • Is not currently participating in a different program 
  • Is required to disclose if they are in a different program 
  • Has a valid Social Security Number in the United States 

 

How to apply for a compact nursing license 

  1. If you meet the uniform licensing requirements and want to apply for a compact nursing license, you’ll need to do so through your state’s board of nursing. To access your state’s board of nursing website, visit the NLC website and select your state.  
  2. Once there, fill out your personal information and the BON will review your application.  
  3. You’ll then be notified if your application is approved or not. If you have questions about your application status, application fees, etc., feel free to contact your BON.  

Compact nurse license application FAQs

Where can I apply for a compact nurse license?

To apply for your license, you can visit the NLC website and fill out an application through your BON. To get started, simply select your state in the drop-down menu and go from there.  

 

Can I still get a compact license if I don’t live in a compact state?

No, to get a multistate license, you need to have declared residency in a compact state.  

How can I tell if I have a compact nursing license or not?

To check if you have a single or multi-state license, you can visit the NCSBN website to confirm. Some people automatically assume they have a compact license if they applied for their state’s license while living in a compact state.  

What is the application fee?

The fee to get your license varies by state. To check your state’s fee, you can check your board of nursing website.  

Can I transfer my license if I move to another compact state?

Yes, if you move from one compact state to another compact state, you’ll want to apply for licensure by an endorsement through your new state’s BON.  

How can I transfer my license if I move to a non-compact state?

To continue working with your current license, you’ll need to apply for licensure by endorsement. Next, you need to apply for licensure in your new residential state. This will then convert your multi-state license to a single-state license. If you want to work in a different state from your residential state, you’ll need to apply for a single-state license there as well. 

Quick compact nursing license facts  

  • Registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) who meet the uniform licensure requirements are eligible for a multi-state license in eNLC states. 
  • The eNLC allows nurses to easily practice across borders in other compact states. This makes it easier for nurses to quickly respond and practice nursing during natural disasters in other eNLC states.  
  • Over two million nurses live in eNLC states and are able to provide care in other eNLC states.  
  • Only nurses who declare a compact state as their primary state of residence may be eligible for a multistate license.  
  • With a multi-state license, nurses can also practice telehealth in all eNLC states.  
  • Easily check whether your license is “multi-state” or “single state” using the Nursys® QuickConfirm tool. 
  • Effective January 2, 2024, the NLC implemented a new residency rule requiring nurses to apply for their multistate license in their new home state within 60 days of moving.  

For the nurse looking for more flexibility and freedom when it comes to where they work, the eNLC provides an ideal solution. By obtaining a compact state nursing license, you can experience greater opportunities within your profession while still ensuring quality care for patients everywhere. All in all, this agreement has revolutionized healthcare by making cross-border travel nursing simpler than ever before. 

Interested in travel nursing? Favorite has travel opportunities across the country. Take a look at our open travel nursing jobs and start exploring the country today!  

Sources:  

https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/NLC_Fast_Facts.pdf 

https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/2018CNOFactsheetFINAL.pdf 

https://www.ncsbn.org/public-files/faq.pdf 

https://www.ncsbn.org/membership/us-members/contact-bon.page 

https://www.nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page  

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