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CompactStates

How to transfer a nursing license

Nurses say “transfer,” but a license is not moved from one state to another. What you actually do is either use compact privilege or apply by endorsement. Here is how to tell which, and the steps for each.

How do I transfer my nursing license to another state?

You do not transfer a nursing license — you either use compact privilege or apply by endorsement. If both your home state and the new state are in the Nurse Licensure Compact and you hold a multistate license, that license already lets you practise in the other compact state — nothing to transfer. If the new state is non-compact, or your license is single-state, you apply for the new state’s license by endorsement. Which one applies is decided by the two states’ compact status and your license type.

Nurse Licensure Compact FAQ ↗Last reviewed 2026-06-17

Who this applies to

Any RN or LPN/LVN who wants to practise in a state other than the one that issued their license — whether moving permanently, taking a travel assignment, or working remotely for patients in another state. APRNs should note the compact does not carry advanced-practice authority.

Step-by-step

  1. Confirm your current license type (single-state or multistate) on Nursys.
  2. Check whether both states are compact with the compact state checker.
  3. If compact-to-compact and your license is multistate — you already have privilege; nothing to file.
  4. If not — apply for the new state’s license by endorsement through its board of nursing.
  5. If you are moving, the new state becomes your primary state of residence; apply there (often within about 60 days).

What varies by state

Endorsement requirements, fees, and processing times are set by each board and change, so we do not list them here — use the official board of nursing for your specific state. Whether you keep or give up your old license depends on where your legal residence ends up.

Frequently asked questions

Not literally. You either practise on compact privilege (if both states are in the Nurse Licensure Compact and your license is multistate) or you apply for the new state’s license by endorsement. The original license stays with the state that issued it.

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