Can I get a multistate nursing license in New York?

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

Can I work in New York with a compact license from another state?

Generally no. New York does not currently recognize compact privilege, so an out-of-state compact license does not authorize practice in New York. You would usually apply for licensure by endorsement with the New York State Board of Nursing (Office of the Professions).

Does the compact in New York 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 New York a nursing compact state?

Non-compact stateCompact: No

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

Check another state Verify your license status

The short version

New York is not a compact state, and its licenses are issued through the State Education Department’s Office of the Professions rather than a traditional standalone board. If you are moving to or working in New York, expect to license by endorsement; a compact license from another state does not cover you here.

What nurses need to know

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

To work in New York with an out-of-state license, you generally apply for licensure by endorsement directly with the New York State Board of Nursing (Office of the Professions). A compact license from another state does not cover you in New York.

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 New York

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

If you want to work in New York

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

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 New York State Board of Nursing (Office of the Professions).

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.

New York compact questions

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

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.

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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.