Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) who live in a compact state and meet the uniform licensure requirements may be eligible for a multistate license. Applying for a multistate license must be done through your board of nursing (BON). Multistate licensure applications are available from your BON's website. This includes applications for:
License by Exam (new graduates seeking to take NCLEX)
License by Endorsement (when you need a license in another state; "transferring your license")
Renewal
Upgrading/converting a single state license into a multistate/compact license
License for graduates of an international nursing program
Access licensure applications from your BON's website.
License application questions must be directed to your BON. This includes questions related to:
An applicant for licensure in a state that is part of the NLC will need to meet the following requirements.
Download PDF VersionMeets the requirements for licensure in the home state (state of residency)
a. Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or
b. Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency)
Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language)
Has passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN Examination or predecessor exam
Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)
Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks
Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law
Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis)
Is not currently a participant in an alternative program
Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program
Has a valid United States Social Security number