The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) affects where U.S. nurses can legally practice under a multistate license. This SEO guide explains the NLC map for 2026, how to verify which states participate, and how compact membership shapes LPN, RN and specialty certification choices, exam prep, license renewal requirements, and career mobility so you can plan the right nursing certification path.
Current Status of the Nurse Licensure Compact Map in 2026
The Landscape of Nursing Licensure
The landscape of nursing licensure has changed significantly as we move into 2026. Most of the United States now participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), a system that allows nurses to practice across state lines with one multistate license. This growth provides nurses with unprecedented mobility, reducing the burden of extra paperwork and fees. Pennsylvania is one of the most recent major additions to the fully active list, having completed its implementation on July 7, 2025. This process took nearly four years from the time the law passed until nurses could utilize the privilege, serving as a reminder that passing a law is only the first step. The map today shows a strong coalition of states that prioritize workforce mobility.
Active Compact Member States
As of late 2025, the compact has reached a critical mass of over 40 jurisdictions. Nurses living in these states can apply for a multistate license if they meet the Uniform Licensure Requirements. Active member states include 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, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
This list represents the core of the compact where the multistate privilege is active and recognized by employers and state boards alike. However, administrative processes for license renewal and continuing education still vary by jurisdiction. For example, South Carolina might process an application in two weeks, while Pennsylvania may take up to twelve weeks due to the high volume of applicants following its recent implementation.
States Awaiting Implementation
Some states have passed the necessary laws but are not yet fully active. This status is often called “enacted but awaiting implementation.” Enactment occurs when the governor signs the legislation, while implementation is the later date when the state board is technically ready to issue licenses. Massachusetts and Connecticut are primary examples in this category for 2026. Both states have signed legislation but are currently working on the administrative side, such as setting up fingerprint-based background checks and integrating with the national Nursys database.
Nurses in these states cannot yet practice in other compact states using their local license, nor can they apply for a multistate license until the official implementation date. You should check the board websites in these states for the exact day they will begin issuing multistate licenses.
Non-Compact Jurisdictions
Despite the national trend toward portability, several states have not yet joined the compact. California and New York remain the largest holdouts. Other states without active compact legislation include Alaska, Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, and Oregon. Nurses who have their primary residence in these states are only eligible for single-state licenses. If a nurse from New York wants to work in a compact state like Florida, they must apply for a license by endorsement in Florida. They cannot use a multistate privilege because their home state is not a member. This often results in higher administrative costs and longer waiting periods for paperwork to clear.
Territories, Washington DC, and Military Status
The compact is expanding beyond the fifty states. Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted the compact legislation. Guam has even taken steps to allow nurses with active multistate licenses to practice there under certain conditions while they finish their full setup. Conversely, Washington DC remains a non-member; nurses working in the capital must hold a DC-specific license. Puerto Rico and American Samoa are also not currently part of the compact network.
For military families, the compact provides specific benefits supported by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. A military nurse or spouse can maintain their primary state of residence in a compact state even if stationed elsewhere. This allows them to keep one multistate license while moving between assignments, removing the need to obtain a new license with every relocation. Proof of legal residency, such as a military home of record or driver’s license, is required to maintain this status.
How to Verify Membership and Interpret the Map
The implementation date is the most important piece of information for a nurse in a new compact state. Before this date, the state is a member only on paper. After this date, the board can issue multistate licenses. The best way to stay updated is to use the interactive tools provided by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
Visual Guide: When viewing the official map, active states are usually a solid color (often blue or green). States that have passed the law but are pending implementation are often striped or a lighter shade. Non-member states are typically grey or white. If you see an asterisk next to a state name, it usually points to a note about a specific implementation date or a unique rule. Always check the revision date on any PDF maps you download; a map from 2023 will not reflect the recent activation of Pennsylvania or progress in New England.
Reliable Verification Resources
To confirm the current status of any state, visit these primary sources.
NCSBN Interactive NLC Map
Nurse.org Compact Guide
Individual State Board of Nursing websites for Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Connecticut.
Author Note: I verified the NLC membership and implementation dates on the NCSBN website and individual state board pages on December 24, 2025. Because laws change, you should always perform a final check before making career moves.
Summary of Implementation Timelines
| Jurisdiction | Status in 2026 | Implementation Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | Active Member | Implemented July 7, 2025 |
| Washington | Active Member | Implemented 2024 |
| Massachusetts | Enacted | Awaiting Implementation |
| Connecticut | Enacted | Awaiting Implementation |
| Guam | Enacted | Pending Full Setup |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Enacted | Awaiting Implementation |
| New York | Non-Member | N/A |
How Compact Status Affects Your Nursing Certification Path
The choice of where you live dictates your professional reach in the modern nursing landscape. If you reside in a compact state, your license acts like a passport. You can work in over 40 jurisdictions without filing new paperwork or paying extra fees. If you live in a noncompact state, your license is restricted to that single state. You must apply for a new license every time you cross a border for work. Understanding how to navigate these rules is essential for your career progression.
Establishing your primary state of residence is the first step toward a multistate license. This is not just about where you work; it is about where you legally live. Boards of nursing require proof of residency, such as a driver’s license, voter registration card, or federal income tax return. You cannot hold a multistate license in a state where you do not have a permanent legal home. If you move from a noncompact state like California to a compact state like Texas, you must update these legal documents before you apply for a multistate license.
New graduates face specific decision points during the NCLEX process. If you live in a compact state, you should apply for a multistate license during your initial application. You will need to meet 11 uniform requirements, including passing the NCLEX, passing a fingerprint-based criminal background check, and possessing a valid Social Security number. If you meet these criteria, your home state board will issue a license with multistate privileges, allowing you to start your career with the ability to take assignments in any other compact state immediately.
The transition from LPN to RN follows similar logic. If you are an LPN with a multistate license, your privilege remains valid while you are in school. When you pass the RN NCLEX, you must apply for a new RN license in your home state. If you still live in a compact state, you apply for the multistate version of the RN license. This ensures your mobility continues as you move up the career ladder.
Specialty certifications like the CCRN or CEN are national credentials issued by organizations such as the American Nurses Credentialing Center. These certifications do not change based on the compact. However, your ability to use them across state lines depends on your license. A nurse with a multistate license can take a travel contract in a compact state and use their specialty certification without waiting for a new state license. This is a major advantage for nurses in high-demand specialties.
The path for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) is more complex. The APRN Compact is a separate agreement and is not as widespread as the RN and LPN compact. As of late 2025, only a few states have fully implemented the APRN Compact. Most APRNs must still obtain individual licenses in every state where they practice. You must also check the specific practice acts for each state, as prescriptive authority and independent practice rules vary significantly even between compact states.
Moving between states requires careful planning. If you move from a noncompact state to a compact state, you apply for licensure by endorsement. You will need to provide a new set of fingerprints for the background check. Many states offer temporary permits that allow you to work while the board processes your permanent multistate license. If you move from a compact state to a noncompact state, your multistate privilege ends. You must notify your old board of nursing and apply for a single-state license in your new home.
Maintenance of your license is your responsibility. Renewal timelines are not the same in every state; some require renewal every year, while others use a two-year cycle. You must follow the rules of your primary state of residence, including continuing education requirements. If your home state requires 30 hours of education, you must complete them to keep your multistate license active. Be aware that some states require updated background checks during the renewal process.
Comparison of Licensure Paths
| Scenario | License Type | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Living in a Compact State | Multistate | Apply in home state with proof of residency. |
| Living in a Noncompact State | Single-State | Apply for individual licenses in each state of practice. |
| Moving Compact to Compact | Multistate | Apply for a new multistate license in the new state upon establishing residency. |
| Moving Noncompact to Compact | Multistate | Establish residency then apply for endorsement. |
Exam preparation should also account for mobility. When you schedule your NCLEX or certification exams, use the NCSBN official site to verify your state board requirements. Some states have specific jurisprudence exams that cover the laws and rules of that specific state. Even with a multistate license, you must know the scope of practice in the state where you are physically standing.
Career ladder planning should align with these realities. If you want to be a travel nurse, living in a compact state is a financial and professional benefit. It saves you the cost of multiple license fees and reduces the time spent waiting for paperwork. Telehealth nurses also find the compact essential, as it allows them to care for patients in many states from a single home office. If you live in a noncompact state and want these roles, you may need to hold five or ten separate licenses, which is expensive and difficult to track.
Nurses should always verify their status before accepting a new role. You can use the Nursys system to check your multistate privileges. This system is the primary tool for employers to confirm your license is active and unencumbered. As of December 2025, states like Pennsylvania have fully integrated into the system, making it easier for nurses in the Northeast to move and work. Always check the Compact Nursing States List 2026 for the most current map before you plan a move or a new job search.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Nurse Licensure Compact
Note: This section clarifies the practical application of the Nurse Licensure Compact for working professionals.
Is my license valid in compact states?
Your license is only valid for practice in other compact states if it carries a multistate designation. A single-state license restricts your practice to the borders of the state that issued it. If you live in a compact state but hold a single-state license, you must apply for a conversion through your board of nursing. This process requires you to prove your residency and pass a federal background check.
Official Sources: NCSBN, State Board of Nursing
Practical Action: Check your current license status on the Nursys website to see if it is listed as a multistate or single-state license.
How do I know if my state is a compact member?
The list of member states changes as new legislation passes and implementation dates arrive. As of late 2025, over 40 jurisdictions have joined the compact. Pennsylvania became a full member on July 7, 2025. Other states like Massachusetts and Connecticut have passed laws to join but may still be finalizing their administrative systems. You should always check the most recent status because a state might have enacted the law but not yet started issuing multistate licenses.
Official Sources: NCSBN Interactive Map, State Legislative Records
Practical Action: Visit the NURSECOMPACT website to view the real-time status of your specific state.
Can I hold both a multistate and single state license?
You can hold a multistate license from your primary state of residence and separate single-state licenses from non-compact states. However, you cannot hold two multistate licenses at the same time. The compact is built on the principle of having one home license that works in many places. If you move from one compact state to another, you must apply for a new multistate license in your new home state. Once the new license is issued, your previous multistate license will be deactivated.
Official Sources: NCSBN, State Board of Nursing
Practical Action: Review the List of Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States in 2025 to identify which of your licenses might be redundant.
How do I change my primary state of residence?
Changing your primary state of residence involves applying for licensure by endorsement in your new state. You must provide evidence that the new state is your legal home, such as a driver’s license, voter registration, or federal income tax filings. It is vital to start this process immediately after moving to avoid a lapse in your ability to work.
Official Sources: State Board of Nursing, NLC Model Rules
Practical Action: Upload a copy of your new state driver’s license to the board of nursing application portal as primary proof of residency.
Do LPNs and VNs get multistate privileges?
Yes. Licensed Practical Nurses and Licensed Vocational Nurses are fully included in the Nurse Licensure Compact. The rules for obtaining a multistate license are the same for LPNs as they are for RNs: you must reside in a compact state and meet the uniform licensure requirements.
Official Sources: NCSBN, Nurse.org
Practical Action: Confirm with your state board that your LPN license meets the eNLC requirements for multistate status.
How are APRNs affected by the compact?
The eNLC only covers RNs and LPNs. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses are governed by a separate agreement called the APRN Compact. This compact is much newer and has fewer member states than the RN version. Even if your state is part of the eNLC, you likely still need individual licenses to practice as an APRN in other states.
Official Sources: NCSBN APRN Compact Resources, State Board of Nursing
Practical Action: Check the NCSBN APRN Compact map to see if your state has enacted this specific legislation yet.
What happens to my multistate privilege if I am disciplined?
Any disciplinary action that limits your license will result in the deactivation of your multistate privileges. If your home state board places a restriction on your license, you lose the right to practice in all other compact states. The boards share this information through the Nursys database.
Official Sources: NCSBN, Nursys Database
Practical Action: Monitor your own profile on the Nursys website to ensure your license status is accurately reported as unencumbered.
How does telehealth work across compact states?
Telehealth practice is permitted under a multistate license as long as both the nurse and the patient are in compact states. However, you are legally required to adhere to the nursing laws and regulations of the state where the patient is physically located at the time of care. If you provide telehealth to a patient in a non-compact state, you must hold a single-state license issued by that specific state.
Official Sources: NCSBN, State Board of Nursing Telehealth Guidance
Practical Action: Verify the scope of practice for the receiving state by visiting their board of nursing website before starting a telehealth session.
How do military spouses and active duty nurses get covered?
Military members and their spouses have special protections under the compact and federal law. You can often maintain your primary state of residence in a state where you are not currently stationed if you have legal ties there. This allows you to keep a multistate license even as you move frequently due to military orders.
Official Sources: NCSBN, Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)
Practical Action: Contact the military liaison at your state board of nursing to discuss your specific residency documentation.
How can I verify my license privileges quickly and online?
The most efficient way to verify your license is through the Nursys system. This is a national database managed by the NCSBN that coordinates licensure information across most states. You can use the QuickConfirm tool to see your current status and whether you hold multistate privileges.
Official Sources: NCSBN, Nursys.com
Practical Action: Go to the Nursys website and search for your own license to confirm that the multistate indicator is active.
Conclusions and Next Steps for Your Nursing Career
The current landscape of nursing licensure at the end of 2025 shows a highly connected system that rewards nurses who plan ahead. With Pennsylvania having fully implemented its participation in the compact on July 7, 2025, the number of active jurisdictions has reached a critical mass. This growth makes it easier to move between states but adds a layer of administrative responsibility. You must keep a close eye on the distinction between having the legal right to practice and being qualified for a specific role. A multistate license solves the first problem while your specialty certifications solve the second.
The most important takeaway from the current rules is the primary state of residence requirement. Your multistate privilege is anchored to the state where you hold a legal permanent home. This is usually proven through a driver’s license, voter registration, or tax filings. If you decide to move your permanent home to a state that does not participate in the compact, your multistate license will be converted to a single-state license. This happens the moment you establish residency in the new noncompact state. You would then need to apply for a license by endorsement to practice in any other jurisdiction.
Specialty certifications from organizations like the American Nurses Credentialing Center or the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses operate on a national level. These certifications do not change based on compact rules. However, they are often required by employers in compact states to meet high standards of care. You should maintain a clear folder of your certification status alongside your primary license. The renewal cycles for these credentials often differ from state license cycles. Most state licenses renew every two years while many specialty certifications follow a three-year or five-year cycle.
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses must remember that the RN compact does not cover their advanced practice authority. The APRN Compact is a separate legal agreement. As of late 2025, only a small number of states have fully implemented this version. If you are an APRN, you must still verify the specific practice acts and prescriptive authority rules in every state where you intend to work. This remains true even if you hold a multistate RN license.
To help you move forward with your career goals, I have put together a prioritized action plan. This list focuses on the practical steps needed to secure your professional standing in 2026.
Step 1. Verify your current state status
Visit the NCSBN interactive map to see if your primary state of residence is an active member. Check for any recent legislative changes if you live in states like Connecticut or Massachusetts where implementation has been moving through various phases. You need to know if your state is currently issuing multistate licenses or if they are still in the transition period.
Step 2. Audit your professional record
Log into the Nursys system to review your public license data. Ensure there are no errors in your discipline history or expiration dates. Employers use this database to verify your multistate privilege. If you find any discrepancies, you must contact your state board of nursing immediately to correct them before you apply for a new position.
Step 3. Submit your application for a multistate license
If your state is a compact member but you only hold a single-state license, you can usually apply for a conversion. This process typically requires a new fingerprint-based criminal background check. You will also need to provide proof of your primary state of residence. Expect this process to take anywhere from four to twelve weeks depending on the state board workload.
Step 4. Align your specialty exams and certifications
Identify the certifications that will make you most competitive in your target market. If you are moving into critical care or emergency medicine, schedule your CCRN or CEN exams. Coordinate these dates with your licensure application so that you arrive in a new state with both the legal authority and the professional credentials ready for use.
Step 5. Create a compliance calendar
Set digital reminders for your license renewal and your continuing education deadlines. Many states have specific requirements for topics like human trafficking, implicit bias, or child abuse reporting. These must be completed within the home state renewal window to keep your multistate privilege active. Missing a single deadline can lead to a lapsed license, which voids your privilege in all other compact states.
Authoritative resources are your best defense against misinformation. Always rely on the official NLC updates and your specific state board of nursing website. For specialty credentials, consult the ANCC, AANP, or AACN directly. These bodies provide the most accurate information regarding exam eligibility and recertification requirements.
A realistic timeline for a nurse planning a move or a new certification is three to six months. This allows enough time for background checks, transcript requests, and exam preparation. If you are moving to a state that is not yet part of the compact, start the endorsement process even earlier. Some noncompact states have significant backlogs that can delay your start date.
Your career path is most flexible when you understand the rules of the game. By staying informed about the 2026 compact map and your certification requirements, you ensure that your professional credentials work for you. Proper planning allows you to choose opportunities based on your interests rather than being limited by administrative barriers. Intentional preparation ensures that your licensure choices expand your career horizons instead of restricting them.
References
- Compact Nursing States List 2026 | Licensure Map – Nurse.org — Alabama · Arizona · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Guam (Guam is allowing nurses who hold active, …
- List of Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) States in 2025 – ENGAGE — As of July 7, 2025, Pennsylvania has fully joined the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), the multi-state network that lets nurses practice in more than 40 states …
- Nurse Licensure Compact States – American Traveler — Compact Nursing States (NLC) include: Alabama · Arizona · Arkansas · Colorado · Connecticut · Delaware · Florida · Georgia · Idaho · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas …
- What Are the Nurse Licensure Compact States? (Updated October … — Connecticut, Massachusetts and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted legislation to join the Compact but are awaiting implementation. Guam: The Governor of Guam …
- Compact State Nursing License – LeaderStat — Which States Are Compact States? · Nebraska · New Hampshire · New Jersey · New Mexico · North Carolina · North Dakota · Ohio · Oklahoma …
- [PDF] NLC States – NCSBN — 43 states have enacted the NLC. NLC States. 43 jurisdictions have enacted … Nurses who reside in this state may apply for a compact license as of the …
- Compact Nursing License States Map (2026 eNLC Guide) — See the 2026 compact nursing license states map, learn eNLC requirements and how to apply for a multistate license to work across the U.S..
- Home | NURSECOMPACT — The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows for nurses to have one multistate license with the ability to practice in all compact states which increases access …
- Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) States Guide — Nurse License Compact States ; Alabama; Arizona; Arkansas; Colorado; Delaware ; Maine; Maryland; Mississippi; Missouri; Montana ; Rhode Island**; South Carolina …
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