Is my nursing license a compact license?

Only if it is the multistate type and your home state is a compact state. Look it up on Nursys — it will say single-state or multistate.

Can I work in another state with a compact license?

Yes, in other compact states, under privilege. For non-compact states you need that state’s own license, usually by endorsement.

Does the compact cover LPNs and LVNs?

Yes. The compact covers RN and LPN/VN licenses. LPN and LVN are the same role under different state names; both are covered.

Does the compact cover nurse practitioners and other APRNs?

Generally no. The standard compact covers RN and LPN/VN licenses. APRN authority is licensed separately in each state; a separate APRN Compact exists but is not yet operational.

What happens to my license when I move?

Your multistate license is tied to your primary state of residence. If you move to another compact state you re-license there (generally within 60 days); if you move to a non-compact state you lose multistate eligibility.

Does the compact apply to telehealth?

The license you need for telehealth generally depends on where your patient is located. If the patient is in a compact state and your license is multistate, privilege usually applies.

CompactStates

Nurse Licensure Compact FAQ

The questions nurses ask most about the compact, answered plainly and linked to fuller guides. When a question is about your specific license, your board of nursing is the authority.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact, in one paragraph?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement among states that lets a nurse hold one multistate license and practice in every other compact state under compact privilege. It covers RN and LPN/VN licenses, is issued by your primary state of residence, and only reaches states that have joined and implemented it.

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

The short version

One multistate license covers all compact states.
It is issued by your home state, which must be a compact state.
It covers RN and LPN/VN licenses — not APRN practice.
It does not reach non-compact states.
You still follow the practice rules of the state where you work.

Where to go next

For your two specific states, use the compact state checker. To confirm your own license type, use Nursys. For definitions, see the glossary. For your exact situation, browse by scenario.

Frequently asked questions

A large majority of U.S. jurisdictions participate as of 2026. See the compact nursing states list for the current members and each one’s status.

Sources & last reviewed

NLC frequently asked questions— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Covers multistate licenses, primary state of residence, the 60-day rule, telehealth, and license type coverage.
Nurse Licensure Compact — official site— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
States the NLC currently includes 43 jurisdictions and explains how the compact works.
NLC member states map & status— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Identifies full members, partial implementation (Guam), and enacted/awaiting implementation (Massachusetts, U.S. Virgin Islands).
Nursys QuickConfirm license verification— NCSBN / Nursys (nursys.com)
Recommended destination to verify whether a license is single-state or multistate.

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.

How we source compact-state information

We base every status on official and public sources — the Nurse Licensure Compact member listing and the state boards of nursing — and link them on each page.
Each record stores the source, a last-reviewed date, and a confidence level so you can see how settled it is.
Answers are generated from that published data, not from an AI model, so they’re consistent and auditable.