How do I check whether my Iowa 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 Iowa Board of Nursing.

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 Iowa RN license a compact (multistate) license?

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

Is an Iowa RN license a compact license?

It can be. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers RN licenses, and because Iowa is a compact state, an Iowa 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

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. Iowa issues both types, so which one you hold matters.

Verifying your Iowa 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 Iowa Board of Nursing. See our Iowa 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 Iowa Board of Nursing about a multistate RN license.
Confirm anything unclear directly with the Iowa Board of Nursing.

Frequently asked questions

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