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Is an Illinois LPN license a compact (multistate) license?

In Illinois, practical nurses are licensed as licensed practical nurse (LPN). Here is how the Nurse Licensure Compact treats an Illinois LPN license, and how to tell whether yours is multistate.

Is an Illinois LPN license a compact license?

No. The compact does cover LPN (licensed practical nurse (LPN)) licenses, but Illinois is not a compact state, so an Illinois LPN license is single-state — valid in Illinois only. A multistate LPN license comes from a different, compact home state.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

How the compact treats LPN licenses

The compact covers LPN/LVN licenses on the same terms as RN licenses — a multistate LPN license carries compact privilege across compact states, while a single-state LPN license is valid only where it was issued. Illinois does not currently issue multistate LPN licenses to its residents, so an Illinois LPN license is single-state.

LPN and LVN are the same credential

Most states, including Illinois, use "licensed practical nurse (LPN)." Texas and California call the same credential an LVN (licensed vocational nurse). The compact covers LPN and LVN identically.

Verifying your Illinois LPN license

Nursys QuickConfirm shows whether an LPN license is single-state or multistate, plus its status and expiration. For official requirements, go to the Illinois Board of Nursing (IDFPR), or see our Illinois verification guide.

Next-step checklist

  • Look your LPN license up on Nursys QuickConfirm (nursys.com).
  • Note whether it reads single-state or multistate.
  • Remember an Illinois LPN license is valid in Illinois only.
  • Confirm anything unclear directly with the Illinois Board of Nursing (IDFPR).

Frequently asked questions

Yes. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers LPN/practical-nurse licenses on the same terms as RN licenses. Illinois does not currently issue multistate licenses to its residents, so an Illinois LPN license is single-state only.