Frequently Asked Questions

There is no difference between a compact license and a multistate license. This terminology is used interchangeably to reference the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license that allows a nurse to have one multistate license, with the authority to practice in all NLC jurisdictions.

Nurses are required to be licensed in the state where the patient is located at the time service is provided. A multistate license allows the nurse to practice in all compact states/territories with one license issued by the home state. This eliminates the costly and time-consuming process of obtaining multiple single-state licenses when practicing with patients located in multiple NLC states.

The NLC pertains to RN and LPN/VN licenses only. An APRN must hold an individual APRN license in each state of APRN practice. Information about the APRN compact is available at aprncompact.com.

See Military Family Fact Sheet for Details

• If you already have a license and you are unsure if your license is single-state or multistate, use Quick Confirm at nursys.com at no cost.
  See the list of multistate requirements at:                                                
  https://nursecompact.com/how-it-works/applying-for-licensure.page#uniform-licensure-requirements
• Visit your state's board of nursing website: https://www.ncsbn.org/membership/us-members/contact-bon.page

You may only hold a compact license if you legally declare residency in a compact state. 

Apply for licensure by endorsement to the board of nursing (BON) in the state where you seek a license. Contact information for BONs is available on ncsbn.org.

Use the board of nursing’s (BON's) application for licensure by exam or by endorsement, as found on your BON’s website. Licensure fees vary by state. If your legal residence in a state that joined the compact as of Jan. 19, 2018, and you hold a single-state license in that state, then you should complete the upgrade or conversion application for a multistate license on your BON's website.

Yes, the NCLEX can be taken in any state convenient to you. The results will be directed to the board of nursing (BON) where you applied for your authorization to test (ATT) and licensure. You should apply for a license in the state where you intend to legally reside and/or practice.

PSOR is the state where you hold a current driver’s license, voter’s card, federal income tax return, military form no. 2058 or W2 form. If a nurse’s PSOR is a compact state, that nurse may be eligible for a multistate license. If a nurse cannot declare a compact state as their PSOR, that nurse is not eligible for a compact license. They may apply for a single-state license in any state where they wish to practice.

The required steps will vary based on the moving scenario. 

See Moving Scenarios Fact Sheet for Details
License by Endorsement Flowchart

An applicant for a compact license must meet the 11 uniform licensure requirements (ULRs).
Disqualifiers to a compact license may include a felony conviction, participation in an alternative
to discipline (ATD) program, discipline in another state that is not resolved, or PSOR in a non-compact state.

No, you may maintain your current license and receive a single-state license in the compact state.
Residents of noncompact states can hold as many single-state licenses as required to practice.

This is no time limit, as long as you maintain legal residency in the state that issued your multistate license.

Your compact license must be issued by your PSOR; when your PSOR changes by permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement and complete the Declaration of Primary State of Residence form within the application, which can be found on your board of nursing’s (BON's) website.

You may start the application process prior to or after the move. You have 60 days from the time you move to apply for your license. If you apply in advance of the move, you may be issued a single-state license or your application may be held until you provide proof of legal residency. At that time you may be issued a multistate license.
60 Day Rule FAQs

Yes, you may start the application process prior to the move. A new compact license will not be issued until you provide a Declaration of Primary State of Residence form and any proof of residence that may be required by the board of nursing (BON). Some states offer a temporary license; this may enable you to practice before your permanent license is issued. Check with the BON to see if they offer one.

No, you are ineligible unless your declared primary state of residence is a compact state. Primary state of residency does not pertain to owning property but rather it refers to your legal status of residency. Proof of residence includes obtaining a driver’s license, voting/registering to vote or filing federal taxes with an address in that state. These legal documents must be issued by the same state.

No, see this memo:
Legal Memo to Employers

Any state that has adopted this Compact. Also known as party state.

To terminate the active status of a multistate license or privilege to practice in a compact state.

The compact state which is the nurse’s primary state of residence. Proof of residency, such as a current driver’s license or other legal document which shows your current address, may be required by the state board of nursing at the time of application for multistate licensure.

The license issued by a state on the basis of a license in another jurisdiction. After being issued an initial license by exam, subsequent licenses are issued by endorsement.

The license issued by a state upon completion of all requirements including passing the NCLEX exam.

A license to practice as a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN) issued by a home state licensing board that authorizes the licensed nurse to practice in all compact states under a multistate licensure privilege.

The national nurse database that contains the licensure and disciplinary information of all RNs and LPN/VNs as contributed by states.

The “home state.”

A legal authorization associated with a multistate license permitting the practice of nursing as either an RN or LPN/VN in a remote state. The practice may also be via telehealth. Also known as multistate licensure privilege.

A compact state other than the home state.

A license valid for practice only in the state of issuance.

The 11 requirements which must be met in order for a nurse to obtain or retain a multistate license.