What is a compact license?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows nurses who both reside in and have a compact license in a compact state to practice in all the other member states without needing to obtain additional licensure. Compact licenses are different from normal nursing licenses and require a separate application process. If you have a nursing license for a compact state but do not have a compact license, you will be ineligible to work in that state.

For more information and an updated map of states that are part of the NLC, please visit the NCSBN website. To learn more about obtaining a compact license, please contact your state’s Board of Nursing.