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Is an Idaho RN license a compact (multistate) license?

Registered nurse is the most common credential the compact covers. Here is exactly what a Idaho RN license is, and how to tell whether yours carries compact privilege.

Is an Idaho RN license a compact license?

It can be. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN licenses, and because Idaho is a compact state, an Idaho RN license can be issued as either a single-state or a multistate license. Only the multistate type carries compact privilege to practice in other compact states. The wording on your wall certificate is not proof — look your license up on Nursys to see which you hold.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

Could an Idaho RN license be multistate?

Only if it was issued or upgraded on or after January 19, 2018 — the day the Idaho Board of Nursing began issuing multistate licenses to Idaho residents. A license granted before that date was single-state at the time, and it does not become multistate by age or renewal alone. A nurse licensed here for twenty years who has never upgraded will still verify as single-state.

The act that defines RN practice in Idaho

The compact decides whether you may practice in Idaho. What RN practice actually means here — scope, titles, what you may do and delegate — is set by Idaho’s own nurse practice act, Idaho nursing licensure law (Board of Nursing, DOPL), and interpreted by the Idaho Board of Nursing. Two states can both recognize your license and still differ on what you may do with it.

How the compact treats RN licenses

The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN licenses. In a compact state, a single multistate RN license lets you practice in every compact state; a single-state RN license is valid only where it was issued. Idaho issues both types, so which one you hold matters.

Verifying your Idaho RN license

The fastest check is Nursys QuickConfirm, which shows whether an RN license is single-state or multistate, its status, and its expiration. For official requirements, go to the Idaho Board of Nursing. See our Idaho verification guide.

RN vs LPN/LVN vs APRN

The compact treats RN and LPN/practical-nurse licenses the same way. APRN roles are different — the compact does not cover them, so APRN authority is handled state by state even when your RN license is multistate.

Next-step checklist

  • Look your RN license up on Nursys QuickConfirm (nursys.com).
  • Note whether it reads single-state or multistate.
  • If it is single-state, ask the Idaho Board of Nursing about a multistate RN license.
  • Confirm anything unclear directly with the Idaho Board of Nursing.

What to do with that answer

Frequently asked questions

It can be. Idaho is a compact state and issues both single-state and multistate RN licenses, so an Idaho RN license is only multistate if it was issued or upgraded as one. Nursys QuickConfirm shows which type you hold.