Can I get a multistate nursing license in District of Columbia?

Generally no. District of Columbia does not currently issue multistate licenses to its residents. You would hold a single-state District of Columbia license, or apply by endorsement if you are licensed elsewhere. Verify with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

Can I work in District of Columbia with a compact license from another state?

Generally no. District of Columbia does not currently recognize compact privilege, so an out-of-state compact license does not authorize practice in District of Columbia. You would usually apply for licensure by endorsement with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

Does the compact in District of Columbia cover RNs and LPNs/LVNs?

The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN and LPN/VN licenses. It does not, by itself, cover APRN roles — APRNs generally need separate authorization in each practice state. This applies wherever the compact is in effect.

Is District of Columbia a nursing compact state?

Non-compact stateCompact: No

No. District of Columbia is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is District of Columbia generally cannot obtain a District of Columbia-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in District of Columbia.

Check another state Verify your license status

The short version

The District of Columbia is not a compact jurisdiction. D.C. residents hold single-state licenses, and a compact license from another state doesn’t authorize practice in D.C. If you work across the D.C.–Maryland–Virginia area, note that Maryland and Virginia are compact states but D.C. is not.

What nurses need to know

Because District of Columbia has not joined the compact, there is no District of Columbia multistate license. District of Columbia residents hold a single-state license that is valid only in District of Columbia.

To work in District of Columbia with an out-of-state license, you generally apply for licensure by endorsement directly with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. A compact license from another state does not cover you in District of Columbia.

If you move your primary residence to a compact state later, you may then become eligible for a multistate license through that state.

If you live in District of Columbia

If you live in District of Columbia, your license is single-state — valid in District of Columbia only. District of Columbia residents can’t get a multistate license unless District of Columbia joins the compact. To work in another state, you’d apply there.

If you want to work in District of Columbia

You’ll need a District of Columbia license — usually by endorsement — even if you hold a compact license elsewhere. Compact privilege doesn’t reach District of Columbia.

Does the compact cover RNs, LPNs/LVNs, and APRNs?

The compact covers RNs and LPNs/LVNs. It does not, on its own, cover APRNs — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs generally need separate APRN authorization in each state. See the APRN guide for details, and confirm specifics with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

Planning a move or a telehealth role? For telehealth you’re generally licensed where the patient is. Run your exact situation through the compact state checker.

District of Columbia compact questions

No. No. District of Columbia is not currently a Nurse Licensure Compact state. Nurses whose primary state of residence is District of Columbia generally cannot obtain a District of Columbia-issued multistate nursing license, and a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in District of Columbia.

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.

Open Nursys QuickConfirm

Sources reviewed

NLC member states map & status— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Identifies full members, partial implementation (Guam), and enacted/awaiting implementation (Massachusetts, U.S. Virgin Islands).
NLC frequently asked questions— NCSBN / NurseCompact (nursecompact.com)
Covers multistate licenses, primary state of residence, the 60-day rule, telehealth, and license type coverage.
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.

This page is a practical guide, not a licensing decision. Always confirm your situation with your board of nursing.