Side by side
- Single-state: any state can issue it; covers that one state; nurses in non-compact states hold this type.
- Compact / multistate: only a compact state issues it, only to its residents; covers practice across all compact states, in person or by telehealth.
- Both require you to follow the practice rules of whatever state you’re actually working in.
Which one do you have?
Living in a compact state doesn’t guarantee you hold the multistate type. Check your license in Nursys QuickConfirm — see is my license compact? for the quick version.
When each one matters
If you only ever practice in your home state, a single-state license is enough. If you do travel assignments, telehealth across state lines, or move often, a multistate license from a compact state can save a lot of paperwork. Run your situation through the checker.
You can hold both — but only one multistate
These are not mutually exclusive, which surprises people. A nurse whose work reaches a non-compact state typically holds a multistate license from home and that state’s own single-state license. The only limit is that no more than one of them can be multistate, because multistate status is tied to your primary state of residence and you have just one of those. See holding licenses in more than one state.