Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
The agreement among participating states that recognizes each other’s multistate nursing licenses. A state joins by enacting the compact legislation and then implementing it. See the full list of compact nursing states.
Compact state
A state (or territory) that has joined and implemented the NLC. Residents of a compact state can hold a multistate license; nurses from other compact states can practice there under privilege. States that have not joined are non-compact states.
Multistate license
One nursing license, issued by your home compact state, that authorizes practice in your home state and — through compact privilege — in every other compact state. Also called a compact license. Full explanation: multistate nursing license.
Single-state license
A license valid only in the state that issued it. Every license a non-compact state issues is single-state, and compact states can issue single-state licenses too. Compare them: compact vs single-state license.
Compact privilege
The authorization to practice in another compact state on your multistate license, without a separate application. It only reaches compact states and does not cover APRN practice. Details: what is compact privilege.
Primary state of residence (PSOR)
Your one legal home state — where you declare residency for purposes like your driver’s license and tax return. Your multistate license is issued by your PSOR, and your PSOR must be a compact state for you to be eligible. See primary state of residence.
Licensure by endorsement
Applying for a second state’s own license based on your existing license. It works for any state, including non-compact ones, and is separate from the compact. See endorsement vs compact.
Nursys / QuickConfirm
The national nurse licensure verification system. Nursys QuickConfirm shows whether a license is single-state or multistate, plus its status and expiration. It is the fastest way to confirm your own license type: license verification.
Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs)
The common set of requirements a nurse must meet to hold a multistate license — things like an active unencumbered license, a passed exam, and a fingerprint-based background check. They are why a compact license can be trusted across states. See compact license requirements.
Implementation vs enactment
Enactment is a state passing the compact law. Implementation is the state actually issuing multistate licenses and recognizing privilege. A state can be enacted but not yet implemented — treat those as non-compact until implementation. See pending compact states.
Partial implementation
A special status (Guam) where some parts of the compact apply but residents cannot yet obtain a local multistate license. Do not assume full privilege under partial implementation — confirm the current rules with the board.
APRN Compact
A separate compact for advanced practice registered nurses, distinct from the NLC and not yet operational. The standard compact covers RN and LPN/VN licenses only. See APRN compact license.