Skip to content
43 jurisdictions in the Nurse Licensure Compact

Check nursing compact status in seconds

See whether a state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, what it means for a multistate license, and exactly where to verify your own license.

Independent, source-backed, and free. We link to your official board of nursing.

Compact state checker

Your primary state of residence

Where you plan to practice

Select your home state and the state you want to work in to get a direct answer.

How it works

  1. 1

    Choose your home state

    Your primary state of residence — the state your license is based in.

  2. 2

    Choose where you want to practice

    The state where you’d be working, in person or by telehealth.

  3. 3

    Get your practical next step

    A clear answer on compact privilege and exactly what to do next.

The compact states map

Tap any state to open its page. Colors show whether the compact is fully in effect, partially implemented, pending, or not adopted.

Status at a glance

Every jurisdiction falls into one of four groups.

40
Full compact state
1
Partial implementation
2
Enacted — awaiting implementation
13
Non-compact state
Find your state →

What this site can and can’t tell you

We aim to be the clearest starting point — and honest about where to confirm the details.

What we can do

  • Show whether a state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, and its current status
  • Explain, in plain English, how compact and multistate licenses generally work
  • Link you straight to the official board of nursing and to Nursys

What we can’t do

  • Verify your personal license or tell you it’s definitely multistate
  • Make or replace a licensing decision — only your board can do that
  • Give legal or licensing advice for your specific situation

Why we point you to Nursys

CompactStates explains the state rules. Nursys confirms your individual license. Nursys QuickConfirm is the official, free service where nurses can look up whether their own license is single-state or multistate. We’re an independent guide; Nursys and your board are where personal license status is verified.

Open Nursys QuickConfirm

Common questions

A nursing compact state is a U.S. jurisdiction that has joined and implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If your primary state of residence is a compact state, you can apply for one multistate license that lets you practice in other compact states without getting a separate license in each one.

Sources & last reviewed

Facts on this page were last reviewed against official sources on 2026-06-17. Compact law changes — always verify with your state board of nursing.