Individual State License vs Compact License
As of April 2025, the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) enables nurses to hold a multistate license, allowing them to practice in multiple member states without obtaining individual licenses for each state. This facilitates greater mobility and flexibility for nursing professionals.
States and Territories with Full NLC Implementation:
The following states and territories have fully implemented the NLC, permitting nurses with a multistate license to practice without additional licensure:
- AlabamaArizona
- 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
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Note: This list is based on information available as of April 2025. For the most current details, refer to the official NLC resources.
States and Territories with Partial or Pending NLC Implementation:
- Guam: Nurses with an active multistate NLC license can practice in Guam. However, nurses residing in Guam cannot yet apply for a multistate license until full implementation is complete.
- Pennsylvania: As of September 5, 2023, nurses licensed in other compact states may practice in Pennsylvania. However, nurses licensed in Pennsylvania cannot yet practice in other compact states until full implementation is achieved.
- Connecticut: Legislation has been enacted, with implementation anticipated on October 1, 2025.
- U.S. Virgin Islands: Legislation has been enacted, but full implementation is pending.
States and Territories Requiring Individual State Licenses:
The following states and territories are not part of the NLC as of April 2025, necessitating nurses to obtain individual licenses to practice:
- Alaska
- California
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New York
- Oregon
- Washington, D.C.
Note: Some of these states have pending legislation to join the NLC. For instance, Massachusetts has enacted legislation but is awaiting full implementation. Betterleap+1Triage Staff+1
Key Points for Nurses:
- Primary State of Residence: Your eligibility for a multistate license depends on your primary state of residence. You must apply for the multistate license in your home state if it is an NLC member.
- Non-Compact States: If you reside in a non-compact state or wish to practice in a non-compact state, you must obtain an individual license for that state.
- Stay Updated: NLC membership and implementation statuses can change. Regularly check with the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) or your state's Board of Nursing for the most current information.