Nursing license by state: where can you practice?
Pick where you live and where you want to work, and get a plain-English answer on whether a compact (multistate) license may cover you — plus the caveats that matter.
Can I work in another state with my nursing license?
It depends on both states. If your primary state of residence is in the Nurse Licensure Compact and you hold a multistate license, you can generally practice in other compact states without a new license. If either state is outside the compact, you will usually need a separate license from that state’s board. Verify what your license actually authorizes in Nursys, and confirm the details with the board of nursing in the state where you want to work.
State-to-state guides
Each guide covers one direction — living in one state, working in another — with a short answer, caveats, and a suggested next step. Grouped by where you live.
Living in Texas
Living in Florida
Living in California
Living in Illinois
Living in Connecticut
Living in Pennsylvania
Living in Massachusetts
Living in Guam
Living in Arizona
Living in New Jersey
Living in Virginia
Living in Georgia
Living in North Carolina
Living in Ohio
Living in Oregon
Living in Washington
Living in U.S. Virgin Islands
Living in Puerto Rico
Living in Tennessee
Living in Wisconsin
Living in Maryland
Don’t see your pair? The checker works for any two states or territories. You can also look up a single state’s compact status on the all states page.