Work out your situation
Match yourself to one of these:
- Multistate license + both states compact → you can generally practice in the other state under compact privilege. Confirm your license type in Nursys first.
- Multistate license, but the work state is non-compact → privilege does not reach it. Apply for that state’s license by endorsement.
- Single-state license (home state non-compact) → you cannot get a multistate license through a non-compact home state. Apply to the work state directly.
- Single-state license from a compact state → you have the credential but not privilege. Ask your board about converting it to multistate, or apply to the work state.
The fastest way to see your specific pair is the compact state checker — pick your home and work states and it shows which case you are in.
Why your home state matters more than your work state
A multistate license is issued by your primary state of residence, and only a compact state can issue one. So the single biggest factor is where you legally live. If your home state is non-compact, no amount of paperwork gives you a multistate license until you genuinely move your residence to a compact state.
Travel and short assignments
Taking a temporary assignment in another state does not change your home state, so travel nurses generally keep their primary state of residence and rely on compact privilege where it applies. For non-compact destinations you still need that state’s license. See travel nursing compact states.
The step that protects you
Before you accept a role or start a shift in another state, verify your license type on Nursys and confirm the requirements with the board of nursing in that state. Practicing without the right authorization can put your license at risk — see disciplinary actions.