The Short Answer
Complete list of all Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) states for 2026. Learn how to get a compact license, which states are members, and how it benefits travel nurses.
Read the full breakdown below for detailed analysis, examples, and actionable steps.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a game-changer for travel nurses. With a single compact license, you can practice in 40+ states without obtaining individual licenses—saving thousands of dollars and months of waiting.
What Is the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)?
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement between member states that allows nurses to have one multistate license. If you hold a compact license from your home state, you can practice (physically or via telehealth) in any other compact state without additional licensing.
Key Benefits:
- Practice in 40+ states with one license
- No additional fees for other compact states
- Faster job placement (no license wait times)
- Easier to pick up last-minute assignments
- Ideal for travel nursing and telehealth
Compact License States 2026: Complete List
As of January 2026, 41 states and territories are members of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC).
Full Compact Member States
| State | Code | Year Joined | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | AL | 2002 | Original compact member |
| Arizona | AZ | 2002 | Original compact member |
| Arkansas | AR | 2000 | Founding member |
| Colorado | CO | 2007 | |
| Delaware | DE | 2000 | Founding member |
| Florida | FL | 2019 | High-demand state for travelers |
| Georgia | GA | 2019 | |
| Idaho | ID | 2001 | |
| Indiana | IN | 2019 | |
| Iowa | IA | 2000 | Founding member |
| Kansas | KS | 2019 | |
| Kentucky | KY | 2007 | |
| Louisiana | LA | 2019 | |
| Maine | ME | 2001 | |
| Maryland | MD | 1999 | Founding member |
| Mississippi | MS | 2001 | |
| Missouri | MO | 2010 | |
| Montana | MT | 2015 | |
| Nebraska | NE | 2001 | |
| New Hampshire | NH | 2006 | |
| New Jersey | NJ | 2019 | Major travel destination |
| New Mexico | NM | 2004 | |
| North Carolina | NC | 2000 | Founding member |
| North Dakota | ND | 2004 | |
| Ohio | OH | 2023 | Newest major member |
| Oklahoma | OK | 2019 | |
| South Carolina | SC | 2006 | |
| South Dakota | SD | 2001 | |
| Tennessee | TN | 2003 | |
| Texas | TX | 2000 | Founding member, high-demand |
| Utah | UT | 2000 | Founding member |
| Vermont | VT | 2019 | |
| Virginia | VA | 2005 | |
| West Virginia | WV | 2019 | |
| Wisconsin | WI | 2000 | Founding member |
| Wyoming | WY | 2002 | |
| Guam | GU | 2019 | U.S. Territory |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | VI | 2019 | U.S. Territory |
Pending/Legislation in Progress
These states have introduced compact legislation:
- Massachusetts - Legislation pending
- Minnesota - Legislation pending
- Nevada - Legislation pending
- Michigan - Legislation introduced
Non-Compact States
These states are NOT members of the compact. You need individual state licenses:
| State | License Cost | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | $275 | 4-6 weeks |
| California | $150 | 6-12 weeks |
| Connecticut | $200 | 3-4 weeks |
| Hawaii | $160 | 4-8 weeks |
| Illinois | $50 | 4-8 weeks |
| Massachusetts | $275 | 3-6 weeks |
| Michigan | $56 | 2-4 weeks |
| Minnesota | $135 | 3-5 weeks |
| Nevada | $100 | 4-8 weeks |
| New York | $143 | 6-12 weeks |
| Oregon | $195 | 4-8 weeks |
| Pennsylvania | $100 | 4-6 weeks |
| Rhode Island | $135 | 3-5 weeks |
| Washington | $175 | 4-8 weeks |
Note: California and New York are high-paying states but NOT compact members. If you want to work there, you’ll need individual licenses.
How to Get a Compact Nursing License
Eligibility Requirements
To obtain a compact license, you must:
- Declare a Primary State of Residence (PSOR) in a compact state
- Meet all uniform licensure requirements:
- Graduate from an approved nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN
- Have no criminal convictions (felonies require review)
- No active discipline on any nursing license
- No current participation in alternative programs
- Valid Social Security number
Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Verify Your Primary State of Residence
Your PSOR is where you:
- Have a driver’s license
- Are registered to vote
- File state taxes
- Live most of the year
You can only hold ONE compact license at a time, based on your PSOR.
Step 2: Apply Through Your Home State Board
Contact your state Board of Nursing (BON):
- Apply for a “multistate license” (not just a single-state)
- Provide required documentation
- Pay the licensing fee
- Complete fingerprinting/background check
Step 3: Wait for Processing
Processing times vary by state:
- Fastest: 1-2 weeks (Texas, Florida)
- Average: 3-4 weeks
- Slowest: 6-8 weeks (some states with backlogs)
Step 4: Verify Your Compact Status
Use Nursys QuickConfirm to verify your multistate license privilege.
Compact License vs. Single-State License
Compact (Multistate) License
- Symbol on license: “Multistate” or “Compact”
- Where you can practice: Any compact member state
- Cost: One fee for access to 40+ states
- Requirements: Stricter (criminal background, SSN required)
Single-State License
- Symbol on license: “Single State” or no designation
- Where you can practice: Only the issuing state
- Cost: Individual fee per state needed
- Requirements: Vary by state
When You Need a Single-State License
- Working in a non-compact state (CA, NY, OR, WA, etc.)
- Your home state isn’t a compact member
- You don’t meet compact eligibility requirements
Cost Comparison: Compact vs. Individual Licenses
Scenario: Working in 5 Different States Over 2 Years
With Compact License (Texas resident)
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Texas compact license | $195 |
| Total | $195 |
Without Compact (California resident)
| State | Cost |
|---|---|
| California license | $150 |
| Florida license | $220 |
| Texas license | $195 |
| Georgia license | $75 |
| Arizona license | $225 |
| Total | $865 |
Savings with compact license: $670
Plus, you save weeks or months of processing time!
Special Situations
What If I Move to Another State?
If you move to a new PSOR:
- Within 30 days: Obtain a license from your new state
- Your old compact license becomes single-state only
- If new state is compact, apply for multistate license there
- If new state is non-compact, you need individual licenses
What About California?
California is NOT a compact state and has no plans to join. To work in California:
- Apply for a California RN license ($150)
- Processing takes 6-12 weeks (plan ahead!)
- License renews every 2 years
Telehealth and Compact Licenses
With a compact license, you can provide telehealth nursing services to patients in ANY compact state from your home state. This is increasingly important with the growth of remote nursing.
LPNs and the Compact
The compact covers both RNs and LPNs/LVNs. Requirements are similar.
State-by-State Quick Reference
Best States for Travel Nurses (Compact + High Pay)
| State | Compact | Avg. Weekly Pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | Yes | $2,800 | High demand, no state tax |
| Florida | Yes | $2,650 | Year-round positions |
| North Carolina | Yes | $2,500 | Growing healthcare market |
| Georgia | Yes | $2,550 | Major metro opportunities |
| Arizona | Yes | $2,700 | Growing demand |
| Colorado | Yes | $2,600 | Mountain locations |
| Tennessee | Yes | $2,450 | Nashville hub |
High-Pay Non-Compact States (Worth the Extra License)
| State | Compact | Avg. Weekly Pay | License Cost | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | No | $3,200 | $150 | 6-12 weeks |
| New York | No | $2,900 | $143 | 6-12 weeks |
| Washington | No | $2,850 | $175 | 4-8 weeks |
| Oregon | No | $2,700 | $195 | 4-8 weeks |
| Massachusetts | No* | $2,950 | $275 | 3-6 weeks |
*Legislation pending
Compact License FAQs
Can I have licenses in multiple compact states?
No. You can only hold ONE compact/multistate license, based on your primary state of residence. However, you can hold additional single-state licenses in non-compact states (like California).
What if I have a minor infraction on my record?
Minor infractions are handled case-by-case. Contact your state BON for guidance. Some issues that may require review:
- Misdemeanor convictions
- Previous license discipline
- Alternative to discipline programs
How do I know if my license is compact?
Check your license—it should say “Multistate” or display the NLC logo. You can also verify at Nursys.com.
Does my employer verify my compact status?
Yes. Facilities verify your license through Nursys before each assignment. Make sure your license is active and in good standing.
What happens if a state joins the compact?
When a new state joins:
- Residents of that state can apply for multistate licenses
- Compact nurses from other states can immediately practice there
- Existing single-state licenses from that state convert or expire
Tips for Travel Nurses
-
Get your compact license first - It’s the foundation of a travel nursing career
-
Get California license early - It takes the longest and it’s a high-paying market
-
Maintain your home state - Your compact license depends on your PSOR
-
Keep everything current - Expired licenses or certifications halt your career
-
Use Nursys for verification - Facilities check this; so should you
-
Budget for non-compact states - Factor license costs into your first assignment in each state
Resources
- NCSBN Nurse Licensure Compact - Official compact information
- Nursys QuickConfirm - Verify license status
- State Board of Nursing Directory - Contact info for all state BONs
- Travel Nurse Pay Calculator - Compare pay across states
- State Pay Guides - Detailed pay info by state
Last updated: January 2026. Check NCSBN.org for the most current compact member list, as states occasionally join throughout the year.
Related Articles
- Travel Nurse Licensing Requirements by State
- First Time Travel Nurse Checklist
- Best States for Travel Nurses 2025
- Travel Nurse Tax Home Requirements
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