Nurses & the NLC
How to Apply
Nurses who live in a compact state/territory can apply for a multistate license if they meet the uniform licensure requirements (ULRs).
Application Details
Where Can I Practice?
The Nurse Licensure Guidance tool helps nurses learn where they can practice based on where they live or plan to live.
Access the Tool
Changing Residency & Obtaining Licensure in Another State
Resources for nurses who are moving to a different state or looking to get licensed in a different state.
Moving Scenarios Fact Sheet
Understand what needs to be done when moving from a noncompact to compact state, compact to noncompact state, or compact to another compact state.License by Endorsement Process
What to do when declaring a new primary state of residence or obtaining a license in another state.
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Travel Nurses & the NLC
If a nurse holds a multistate license, they can practice in other NLC states/territories without obtaining additional licenses, while their primary state of residence (PSOR) is in a compact state. This makes travel nursing more efficient.
Video: Making Travel Nursing Easier with a Multistate License
This video explains how the NLC and multistate licenses pertain to travel nurses. It provides PSOR requirements as well as pitfalls to avoid and other helpful information.
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Travel Nurse FAQs
Find the answers to common questions regarding travel nursing and the NLC.
Telehealth & the NLC
A nurse must be licensed in the state where the patient/consumer is located at the time nursing service is provided. This applies for both in-person and telehealth care. When a nurse holds a multistate license, they can provide telehealth services to patients located in other NLC states/territories.
Military Nurses & Military Spouses
Federal, Veterans Administration, Military and Indian Health Services nurses are exempt from licensure in the state of practice when they hold an active nurse license in any state. However, this exemption does not apply when a nurse is practicing in a civilian facility in a nonfederal role. In this case, the nurse will need to hold appropriate licensure in the state of practice.
Civilian Military Spouses
Military spouses who are nurses can maintain or change a primary state of legal residency at their discretion. Should a nurse maintain legal residency in an NLC state and hold a multistate license and the military family is stationed in other NLC states/territories, the nurse may practice under the home state multistate license in the other NLC states/territories without obtaining additional licensure in those states/territories.
Military Family Fact Sheet
Important information on how the NLC works for military spouses who are nurses.WEBINAR:
How Does the NLC Work for Military & Military Spouses
See all upcoming webinars
New Nursing Graduates & the NLC
Resources for nursing students and recent graduates to help them better understand how the NLC benefits them as new nurses.
Licensure by Examination
Understand the steps to apply for initial licensure by examination for either a single-state or multistate license.Information for New Nursing Graduates
An overview of how the NLC works for new nurse graduates.WEBINAR:
Helpful Tips for Nursing Graduates
See all upcoming webinarsNCLEX Resources
NCLEX preparation, registration and post-exam information.
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Nurse Licensure Compact: What Nurse Graduates Need to Know
This video explains an overview of the NLC and provides key information about the NLC that recent nursing graduates should be aware of.