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What Compact RN Licenses Are and How They Work

A Compact RN license is a type of nursing license that allows a registered nurse to work across state lines without obtaining separate licenses in each state. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between multiple states that recognizes nursing licenses issued by member states. Currently, 39 states, the District of Columbia, and several U.S. territories participate in this compact, though this number continues to grow as additional states consider joining.

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The compact system works on the principle of mutual recognition. When you hold an RN license issued by a state that is part of the compact, you can practice nursing in other compact member states without filing paperwork or paying additional fees for each state. Your single license serves as authorization to practice in all participating states. This differs from traditional multi-state licensing, where nurses had to obtain individual licenses in every state where they wanted to practice.

The Compact operates under a coordinated system called the Enhanced Nursys system, which is a national database maintained by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). This database tracks all compact licenses and ensures that information about licenses is shared among member states in real-time. When a nurse obtains a compact license, their information is entered into this system, making it visible to all participating states.

It is important to note that holding a compact license does not change your basic nursing responsibilities or legal obligations. You are still required to follow the nursing laws and regulations of whichever state you are working in at any given time. Each state maintains its own rules about scope of practice, continuing education requirements, and professional conduct standards. The compact simply eliminates the need for multiple licenses while ensuring you remain accountable to each state's nursing board.

Practical Takeaway: A compact RN license functions as a multi-state authorization that works across member states, reducing paperwork and costs while maintaining state-specific accountability for nursing practice standards.

Which States Participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact

As of 2024, the Nurse Licensure Compact includes 39 states plus the District of Columbia and U.S. territories including Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, compact membership is not static—states regularly evaluate joining or leaving the compact based on their regulatory needs and legislative decisions. Understanding which states currently participate is essential for nurses considering a compact license or planning to work across state lines.

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The current member states span nearly every region of the United States. They include states from the Northeast such as Massachusetts and New York; Southern states including Texas, Florida, and North Carolina; Midwest states such as Illinois and Ohio; and Western states including California, Colorado, and Washington. The geographic distribution means that most nurses will find compact membership available in multiple states within their region, though gaps do exist in some areas.

Several large states have joined the compact in recent years, which has significantly expanded its reach and utility. When a major state joins, it often increases the incentive for neighboring states to participate as well, since nurses can then move more freely across state lines within a region. For example, when Texas joined the compact, it created more opportunities for nurses working in the South and Southwest regions to practice across multiple states without additional licensing.

Some states have chosen not to join the compact, and a few have previously been members but withdrew. States may remain outside the compact for various reasons, including concerns about regulatory oversight, specific workforce needs, or legislative preferences. New York, for instance, has not joined despite being a major nursing hub. This means that if you work in a non-compact state or want to move to one, you would still need to obtain a separate state license through the traditional process.

You can verify which states currently belong to the compact by checking the NCSBN website or contacting your state's nursing board directly. This information is important because it affects whether a compact license will meet your professional needs. Before pursuing a compact license, confirm that it covers the states where you currently work or plan to work.

Practical Takeaway: Research your state's membership status and the specific states in your region that participate in the compact to determine whether obtaining a compact license aligns with your career plans.

Requirements for Obtaining a Compact RN License

To obtain a compact RN license, you must meet several foundational requirements that are consistent across all compact-participating states. First, you must hold a valid, unencumbered RN license in at least one state. An unencumbered license means your license is in good standing with no restrictions, suspensions, probations, or disciplinary actions. If your license has any restrictions or disciplinary history, you cannot obtain a compact license until those issues are resolved.

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You must establish residency or have a designated address of record in the state where you are obtaining your compact license. This is the state considered your "home state" for compact purposes. This requirement exists so that there is always one state with primary regulatory authority over your nursing practice. You cannot hold multiple compact licenses simultaneously in different states; rather, you hold one compact license that is recognized across all member states.

All applicants must pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). This is the standardized exam that all new RN graduates must pass before becoming licensed. If you received your nursing education outside the United States, your credentials must also be evaluated by your state's nursing board to verify that your education meets U.S. standards. Many states require an evaluation from the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) or similar credential evaluation service.

You must undergo a criminal background check as part of the compact license application process. Different states may have varying standards for what criminal history would disqualify someone from licensure, but generally, felony convictions or certain types of misdemeanors can affect your ability to obtain a license. Some states may also conduct checks related to financial responsibility, particularly if you have significant outstanding debts or judgments against you.

The application process involves submitting your information through your state nursing board's system. You will need to provide proof of your current RN license, education verification, and authorize background checks. Some states require specific forms to be completed, while others have moved to fully online application systems. The processing time varies by state but typically ranges from a few weeks to several months, depending on how busy the nursing board is and whether additional information is needed.

Practical Takeaway: Before starting the compact license process, verify that you have an unencumbered license, establish or confirm your state residency, and gather documentation of your education and NCLEX passage to streamline your application.

The Application Process and Documentation Needed

The process of obtaining a compact RN license begins with contacting your state nursing board or accessing their online portal. Each state has its own specific application procedures and required documents, so it is important to check with your particular state board rather than assuming the process is identical everywhere. Most state nursing boards now provide detailed instructions on their websites that outline exactly what you need to submit and in what format.

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Common documentation required includes proof of your current RN license, such as a copy of your active license or a verification document from your previous state. You will need to provide evidence of your nursing education, typically through official transcripts from your nursing program. Your NCLEX-RN results and score report are usually required to verify that you passed the licensing exam. If you graduated from a nursing program outside the United States, you will need official documentation of your credentials, which may include an evaluation from a credential evaluation service.

Personal identification documentation is standard. This typically includes a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. You may also need to provide proof of residency in the state where you are obtaining your license. Acceptable proof of residency often includes utility bills, lease agreements, mortgage statements, or voter registration records. Some states are flexible about this requirement, while others have specific standards for what documentation they will accept.

Many states require you to authorize background checks as part of the application. This typically involves signing authorization forms that allow the nursing board to conduct criminal history checks and sometimes financial history checks. You may be asked to disclose any history of criminal charges, convictions, or disciplinary actions on other nursing licenses. It is critical to answer these questions honestly and completely, as providing false information on a nursing license application can result in denial and potential legal consequences.

Application fees vary significantly by state. Some states charge between $100 and $300 for a compact license application, while others may charge more. The fee typically covers the cost of processing your application, background checks, and entry into the Nursys database. Many states accept payment online through their