Can I work in this state with a compact license?
Whether a multistate (compact) license lets you practice depends on the state. Pick yours below for a direct yes/no and what to do, or start with the general guide.
Can I work in another state with a compact nursing license?
Only in states that are live in the Nurse Licensure Compact, and only if your license is an active multistate license from your primary state of residence. In non-compact states you need that state’s own license, usually by endorsement. Pick your state below for the specifics.
Choose your state
AlabamaFull compact stateAlaskaNon-compact stateAmerican SamoaNon-compact stateArizonaFull compact stateArkansasFull compact stateCaliforniaNon-compact stateColoradoFull compact stateConnecticutFull compact stateDelawareFull compact stateDistrict of ColumbiaNon-compact stateFloridaFull compact stateGeorgiaFull compact stateGuamPartial implementationHawaiiNon-compact stateIdahoFull compact stateIllinoisNon-compact stateIndianaFull compact stateIowaFull compact stateKansasFull compact stateKentuckyFull compact stateLouisianaFull compact stateMaineFull compact stateMarylandFull compact stateMassachusettsEnacted — awaiting implementationMichiganNon-compact stateMinnesotaNon-compact stateMississippiFull compact stateMissouriFull compact stateMontanaFull compact stateNebraskaFull compact stateNevadaNon-compact stateNew HampshireFull compact stateNew JerseyFull compact stateNew MexicoFull compact stateNew YorkNon-compact stateNorth CarolinaFull compact stateNorth DakotaFull compact stateNorthern Mariana IslandsNon-compact stateOhioFull compact stateOklahomaFull compact stateOregonNon-compact statePennsylvaniaFull compact statePuerto RicoNon-compact stateRhode IslandFull compact stateSouth CarolinaFull compact stateSouth DakotaFull compact stateTennesseeFull compact stateTexasFull compact stateU.S. Virgin IslandsEnacted — awaiting implementationUtahFull compact stateVermontFull compact stateVirginiaFull compact stateWashingtonFull compact stateWest VirginiaFull compact stateWisconsinFull compact stateWyomingFull compact state
More states use the same process — start with the general verification guide or your state page.
Frequently asked questions
No. A multistate license only grants compact privilege in states that are live in the Nurse Licensure Compact. It does not authorize practice in non-compact states, where you need that state’s own license.