The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is one of the most valuable tools in a travel nurse's arsenal. As of 2025, 41 states participate in the compact, meaning a single multistate license allows you to practice in all of them without obtaining individual state licenses.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact?
The NLC is an agreement between participating states that allows nurses to hold one multistate license while having the privilege to practice in all compact states. The license is issued by your home state (where you have a permanent residence) and is recognized by all other compact states.
Current Compact States (2025)
As of early 2025, the following 41 states are members of the NLC:
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, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, and several others pending.
Non-Compact States (require individual licenses): California, New York, Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Nevada, and a few others.
How to Obtain Your Compact License
Verify your primary state of residence is a compact member state
Apply for your RN license in your home state (or convert an existing license)
Declare your primary state of residence on the application
Pay the applicable fees — typically $100–$200 depending on the state
Complete any required background checks
Your compact license will be issued within 2–6 weeks and is valid for the same period as a standard state license (typically 2 years).
Working in Non-Compact States
For assignments in California, New York, or other non-compact states, you'll need to apply for an individual state license. The process varies by state but typically takes 4–12 weeks. Our credentialing team can manage this entire process for you.
