40 States. One License. Practice Anywhere.
Three simple steps to practice in 40 states
Hold your primary nursing license in one of the 40 NLC member states.
Submit through your home state Board of Nursing.
Use your license immediately across all 40 compact states.
Why the compact license saves time and money
| Aspect | Compact License | Non-Compact |
|---|---|---|
| States Available | 40 states | Single state |
| Application Time | Instant | 4-12 weeks |
| Cost per State | Included | $100-$300 each |
| Flexibility | Work anywhere | Limited to one |
| Renewal | Single renewal | Multiple renewals |
| Travel Nursing | Ideal | Difficult |
Everything you need to know about the NLC
The NLC includes 40 states as of 2026 and is the largest interstate nursing compact. Check the map above for all members. New states join regularly.
Contact your state Board of Nursing and request a multistate license application. The process is typically online, costs $50-$150, and processes in days to weeks.
No. One multistate license from your home state is recognized across all 40 compact member states, saving time and money.
You'll need individual state endorsements for each state you want to practice in. Each costs $100-$300 and takes 4-12 weeks to process.
Yes. Moving to another compact state lets you transfer your multistate license or apply for a new one in your new state of residence seamlessly.