Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Q: What if I have a compact license from the NLC (before it was the eNLC)?

A: If you had a compact license as part of the original NLC prior to the change to the eNLC, as long as your state of practice is still a compact state, you will be grandfathered in to the new nurse compact.

Q: If I currently live in a non-compact state that is joining the eNLC, does my single-state license automatically transfer into a multistate one?

A: No. You must apply for a multistate license once your primary state of residence joins the eNLC; otherwise, your license will remain single-state license.

Q: What if the state I’m practicing in is no longer a part of the eNLC?

A: If your state is not a part of the eNLC, you must obtain a single-state license to continue practicing in your state. This is currently only the case if you practice in Rhode Island.

Q: If I have a compact license, can I work in another compact state?

A: Yes. If your primary state of residence in a compact state, you can move freely between your home state and other compact states.

Q: If I live in a non-compact state and own property in a compact state, am I eligible to obtain a compact license?

A: No. To be eligible for a compact license, your primary state of residence (PSOR) must be in a compact state within the eNLC. This means you must provide proof of residence of your PSOR on your driver’s license, voter registration, or tax address. However, if your primary state of residence is a compact state, you can apply for a compact license.

Q: If my primary state of residence (PSOR) is an eNLC state, and I have an active multistate license in that state, do I need to continue renewing single-state licenses that I have in other eNLC states?

A: No. Since you have a multistate license in your PSOR, which is an eNLC state, you are permitted to practice in any other eNLC states (without holding respective single-state licenses for each of those eNLC states).

Q: If I am on travel nurse assignment in a compact state away from my primary state of residence (PSOR), which is also a compact state, can I renew my driver’s license while traveling?

A: No. You cannot change your legal address (i.e. driver’s license) while away from your PSOR; otherwise, you’re indicating that this state is now your PSOR. You must return home to do so.

Acquiring Licensure:

Q: If I live in an eNLC state but have a single-state license, how can I obtain a compact/multistate license?

A: If the state was in the eNLC when you applied for your single-state license, it should automatically meet the requirements of a multistate license. However, if your state was not part of the eNLC, you will need to apply for a multistate license in your primary state of residence.

Q: If my primary state of residence (PSOR) is a non-compact state -- and also where I am licensed -- can I apply for a license in a compact state while still maintaining my license in my PSOR?

A: Yes. You can hold onto your current single-state license. Given that your PSOR is a non-compact state, you can hold multiple single-state licenses, in both compact and non-compact states.

Q: If my primary state of residence (PSOR) is a compact state -- and I hold a multistate/compact license in that state -- and I accept a travel assignment in another compact state, do I need to get that state’s license as well?

A: No. Since you already have a compact license in your PSOR, if you choose to work temporarily in another compact state, you do not need to obtain a new license for that state. However, if you choose to permanently relocate to this state, you will need to change your PSOR and thus reapply for compact licensure in the new state.

Changing Residence

Q: I currently live in a non-compact state but will be changing my primary state of residence (PSOR) to a compact state in the near future for a new job. Am I able to apply for a license in that state ahead of time so that there is no delay between moving and starting the job?

A: Yes. If you know you’re going to relocate to another state for work, you can apply ahead of time for a single-state license (and it’s suggested you do so given the sometimes long processes involved); however, if the new state is part of the eNLC, you cannot apply for a multistate license until you have legally changed your PSOR. You can obtain your single-state license ahead of time and convert it to a multistate license once you’ve completed your move and are a legal resident in the new state.

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Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Acquiring Licensure:

Changing Residence

Nursing Compact States

Additional Resources

Download the 2020 Complete Guide to Nurse Compact States

Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact

Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

Acquiring Licensure:

Changing Residence

Nursing Compact States

Additional Resources