How do I check whether my Illinois RN license is single-state or multistate?

Look it up on Nursys QuickConfirm (nursys.com), the national verification system — it reports the license type, status, and expiration. For anything Nursys does not show, confirm with the Illinois Board of Nursing (IDFPR).

Does the compact cover RNs and LPNs?

Yes. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers both RN and LPN/practical-nurse licenses on the same terms. It does not, by itself, cover APRN roles — nurse practitioners, CRNAs, CNSs, and CNMs generally need separate APRN authorization in each state.

CompactStates

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

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

Is an Illinois RN license a compact license?

No. The compact does cover RN licenses, but Illinois is not a compact state, so an Illinois RN license is single-state — valid for practice in Illinois only. It does not carry compact privilege to other states. If you hold a multistate RN license, it was issued by a different, compact home state.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

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. Illinois does not currently issue multistate RN licenses to its residents, so an Illinois RN license is single-state.

Verifying your Illinois 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 Illinois Board of Nursing (IDFPR). See our Illinois 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.
Remember an Illinois RN license is valid in Illinois only.
Confirm anything unclear directly with the Illinois Board of Nursing (IDFPR).

Frequently asked questions

No. Illinois does not currently issue multistate RN licenses to its residents, so an Illinois RN license authorizes practice in Illinois and does not carry compact privilege. A multistate RN license comes from a compact home state.