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CompactStates

RN compact states

Which states a multistate RN license covers — and the question most lists skip: whether the RN license in your pocket is actually the multistate type.

What are the RN compact states?

The RN compact states are the same 40 fully implemented jurisdictions as the compact nursing states — the Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN and LPN/LVN licenses on identical terms, so there is no separate RN-only list. (43 jurisdictions have adopted the compact in total.) If your primary state of residence is one of them, you can hold one multistate RN license and practise in every other compact state. The catch is below: living in a compact state does not automatically make your RN license multistate.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

The part that actually decides your answer

Compact states issue both single-state and multistate RN licenses. Only the multistate type carries compact privilege. So “I live in a compact state” and “my RN license works in other compact states” are two different claims, and the second one needs checking.

The wording on your wall certificate is not proof. Look your license up on Nursys QuickConfirm — it reports whether the RN license is single-state or multistate, plus its status and expiration. See how to tell if your license is compact.

RN, LPN/LVN, and APRN are not the same question

The compact treats RN and LPN/LVN licenses identically. It does not cover APRN authority — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs need separate authorization in each practice state, even when the underlying RN license is multistate. If you work in an advanced-practice role, the compact answers only half your question.

RN compact license, state by state

Each fully implemented compact state, linking to its RN-specific page with the official board and verification steps. Non-compact and pending jurisdictions are on the full list.

AlabamaFull compact stateArizonaFull compact stateArkansasFull compact stateColoradoFull compact stateConnecticutFull compact stateDelawareFull compact stateFloridaFull compact stateGeorgiaFull compact stateIdahoFull compact stateIndianaFull compact stateIowaFull compact stateKansasFull compact stateKentuckyFull compact stateLouisianaFull compact stateMaineFull compact stateMarylandFull compact stateMississippiFull compact stateMissouriFull compact stateMontanaFull compact stateNebraskaFull compact stateNew HampshireFull compact stateNew JerseyFull compact stateNew MexicoFull compact stateNorth CarolinaFull compact stateNorth DakotaFull compact stateOhioFull compact stateOklahomaFull compact statePennsylvaniaFull compact stateRhode IslandFull compact stateSouth CarolinaFull compact stateSouth DakotaFull compact stateTennesseeFull compact stateTexasFull compact stateUtahFull compact stateVermontFull compact stateVirginiaFull compact stateWashingtonFull compact stateWest VirginiaFull compact stateWisconsinFull compact stateWyomingFull compact state

Why we point you to Nursys

CompactStates explains the state rules. Nursys confirms your individual license. Nursys QuickConfirm is the official, free service where nurses can look up whether their own license is single-state or multistate. We’re an independent guide; Nursys and your board are where personal license status is verified.

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RN compact questions

They are the same jurisdictions as the compact nursing states — the Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN and LPN/LVN licenses on identical terms, so there is no separate RN-only list. If your primary state of residence is a fully implemented compact state, you can hold one multistate RN license that lets you practise in every other compact state.

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