The landscape of nursing licensure is undergoing its most significant transformation in years. For nurses, understanding the shifting map of compact nursing states in 2025 is no longer just an advantage—it’s a necessity. With a multistate nursing license, you can practice in dozens of states, respond to public health emergencies, and unlock new career paths in telehealth and travel nursing. But the rules are changing, with new states joining, others holding out, and new regulations taking effect.
This comprehensive guide provides the latest intelligence on the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). We’ll cover the confirmed 2025 implementation dates for Pennsylvania and Connecticut, break down the new 60-day residency rule, and explore which states are likely to join next. Whether you’re looking to apply for your first multistate license or need to understand how these changes affect your current one, this is your definitive resource.
What the Nurse Licensure Compact Is (A 30-Second Recap)
The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) is a multi-state agreement that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) to practice in any member state with a single license. Think of it like a driver’s license: if you have a multistate license issued by your home state (your Primary State of Residence, or PSOR), you can practice in any other compact state without having to get a separate license there. This system, now officially called the Enhanced NLC (eNLC), streamlines the licensing process, reduces costs, and improves workforce mobility.
The core mission is to increase access to care while ensuring public protection. All nurses applying for a multistate license must meet the same 11 uniform requirements, including passing a federal criminal background check, ensuring a consistent standard of safety and competence across state lines. As of 2025, the NLC includes over 40 jurisdictions, making it a powerful tool for modern nursing practice.[1, 2]
What’s New in 2025?
2025 is a landmark year for the NLC. Pennsylvania goes live on July 7, 2025, and Connecticut follows with an effective date of October 1, 2025, bringing two major Northeast states into the compact.[1, 3, 4] Meanwhile, Massachusetts is actively working on its implementation, and states like Illinois and Michigan have promising legislation moving forward.[5, 6, 7] These changes are reshaping the nursing landscape, especially on the East Coast.
Current Compact States Map (July 2025)
Below is the official map from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), showing the status of NLC jurisdictions as of mid-2025.
2025 New Implementations: The NLC Expands
Two major states are officially joining the ranks of full NLC members in 2025, expanding opportunities for nurses throughout the Northeast and beyond.
Pennsylvania Goes Live: Full NLC Implementation on July 7, 2025
The wait is over for Pennsylvania nurses. After a period of partial implementation where out-of-state compact holders could practice in PA, the state will achieve full implementation on July 7, 2025.[1, 4]
What This Means for You:
- If you are a Pennsylvania resident: Beginning on this date, you can apply to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing to upgrade your existing single-state license to a multistate license. This will grant you the privilege to practice in all other compact states.[4]
- If you hold a multistate license from another state: You could already practice in PA, so your day-to-day practice won’t change. However, be aware that you will soon be joined by many more colleagues in the state holding a multistate license.[10]
To be eligible, Pennsylvania applicants must meet all 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs), which include passing an FBI and state criminal background check.[11] Applications and detailed information will be available on the Board’s official website.
For official information and applications, visit the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing.
Connecticut Joins the Compact: NLC Effective October 1, 2025
Connecticut officially enacted the NLC, with the law becoming effective on October 1, 2025.[1, 3, 12] This is a huge step forward for the state. However, it is critical for nurses to understand the difference between the law’s *effective date* and the *implementation date*.
While the law is on the books as of October 1, the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing must still complete the significant administrative work required to issue and accept multistate licenses. This process can take a year or more, meaning the actual date when you can apply for or use a multistate license in Connecticut is still to be determined.[1, 3, 12] Until that official implementation date is announced, nurses with multistate licenses from other states must still obtain a Connecticut license by endorsement to practice there.
Step-by-Step Application Timeline (Once Fully Implemented):
- Await Official Announcement: The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing will announce the official implementation date when its systems are ready. Monitor their website for updates.
- Application Portal Opens: Once announced, the Board will open its online portal for nurses to apply for a new multistate license or convert an existing single-state license.
- Meet Eligibility Requirements: Applicants will need to prove Connecticut is their PSOR and meet all ULRs, including passing a background check.
- Application Review: The Board will review all applications. For nurses moving to the state, Connecticut offers a 120-day temporary permit that allows you to practice while your full license by endorsement is being processed.[12, 13]
For updates, monitor the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing.
States That Have Enacted but Not Yet Operational
Signing a bill into law is just the first step. Several jurisdictions have legally joined the NLC but are still in the complex implementation phase. This period can be confusing, as it means the state is “in” the compact, but the practical benefits for nurses are not yet available.
The delay between enactment and implementation is not due to political hesitation but rather the necessary operational ramp-up. State BONs must update IT systems, create new applications, establish robust procedures for FBI background checks, and train staff on the new rules—a process that can take 6 to 18 months.[14, 4]
- Massachusetts: Governor Maura Healey signed the NLC into law on November 20, 2024.[15, 16] The state’s BON anticipates the implementation process will take at least 12 months, projecting a go-live date in late 2025 or early 2026. Until then, if you have a multistate license from another state, you must still apply for a single-state Massachusetts license by endorsement to practice there.[5, 15]
- Guam: Guam is in a unique “partial implementation” status. This means nurses who hold a valid multistate license from another compact state *can* practice in Guam. However, nurses who are legal residents of Guam *cannot* yet apply for a multistate license. The date for full implementation has not yet been determined.[8, 1, 17]
- U.S. Virgin Islands: The NLC was enacted here on December 6, 2021.[4] However, the territory is still working to establish the required infrastructure, particularly for processing criminal background checks. No practice with a multistate license is permitted—either for residents or out-of-state nurses—until an official implementation date is announced.[8, 14, 4]
States with Active 2025 Legislation: The Next Wave
Several key non-compact states have legislation on the table in 2025, representing the next potential wave of NLC expansion. Keep a close eye on these states, as progress here could open up major new markets for mobile nursing practice.
Top States Likely to Join Next
Based on current legislative momentum, Illinois and Michigan are strong contenders to join the NLC next. In Illinois, bill HB 1706 has notable bipartisan support and strong backing from nursing advocacy groups.[6, 18] In Michigan, bill HB 4246 has already passed the House and is now under consideration in the Senate, a significant step forward.[7, 19] Other states with active bills that warrant attention include New York, Minnesota, and Nevada.[20]
- Illinois: This is a major state to watch. While several bills exist, HB 1706 is the frontrunner. It is a bipartisan bill currently pending in committee.[21, 22] Proponents, including ANA-Illinois, are pushing hard for its passage, arguing it’s essential for addressing the state’s looming nursing shortage and modernizing telehealth capabilities.[18] However, it faces continued opposition from some labor unions over concerns about strikebreaking.[18]
- New York: The Empire State has seen NLC bills introduced for over a decade, but they have consistently failed to pass.[23, 24] The active bills for 2025 are A4524 and its companion, S3916.[25, 26, 27] Both have been referred to their respective Higher Education committees.[25, 27] The fact that they are sponsored by Republicans highlights the partisan divide that has historically been the biggest roadblock to passage in the state.[25]
- Michigan: There is significant positive momentum in Michigan. Bill HB 4246 passed the full Michigan House on June 11, 2025, and has advanced to the Senate Regulatory Affairs Committee.[7, 19] This marks major progress, especially after a previous NLC bill was vetoed by the governor.[28] The Michigan Health & Hospital Association supports the bill as a way to improve nurse recruitment and expand telehealth access.[7]
- Minnesota: Lawmakers introduced companion bills SF 2608 and HF 1925 in March 2025 to bring the state into the NLC.[29, 30] A separate bill, HF 1925, offers a potential compromise by allowing NLC-licensed nurses to practice in Minnesota only during a declared state of emergency, a sign that legislators are exploring multiple avenues.[29]
- Nevada: Like New York, Nevada has a history of failed NLC bills, largely due to powerful union opposition.[31, 32] Another attempt is underway in 2025, with SB 34 having been prefiled for the legislative session.[33, 34, 35]
- Oregon: Despite facing significant nursing workforce shortages, Oregon’s NLC bill (SB 966) failed to pass in the 2025 session, dying in committee when the legislature adjourned.[36] Advocacy groups expect the issue to be revisited in the next session.[37]
Why Some Big States Still Hold Out
The decision to join the NLC is not always straightforward. In several large states, powerful nursing unions and other stakeholders have successfully lobbied against joining, raising complex questions about state standards, labor rights, and patient safety. Understanding these arguments is key to understanding the national NLC map.
The opposition is not a simple anti-progress stance but a nuanced debate about the balance of power. In states with politically influential nursing unions like California, Oregon, and New York, the conversation is framed around three pillars: protecting high state-specific standards (Patient Safety), maintaining control over licensing revenue and regulations (State’s Rights), and preventing the erosion of collective bargaining power (Labor Rights).
- California: The primary opponent is the influential California Nurses Association (CNA). The union argues that the NLC is unnecessary because California’s high salaries and first-in-the-nation mandated nurse-to-patient ratios already ensure successful recruitment and retention.[38] Their core concern is that joining the compact would dilute the state’s rigorous training and quality standards, potentially allowing nurses with less stringent training to care for California patients.[38]
- Oregon: The Oregon Nurses Association (ONA) leads the opposition with a multi-pronged argument. They contend that joining the compact would mean surrendering Oregon’s sovereignty to set its own high practice standards. They also point to a potential loss of up to $700,000 in annual licensing revenue for the Oregon State Board of Nursing, which could hamper its oversight capabilities.[39] Furthermore, the ONA cites a state legislative report finding no evidence that NLC membership improves staffing. A novel and potent argument that has emerged post-Roe v. Wade is the concern that nurses from states with abortion bans could face legal jeopardy from their home state BON for providing reproductive care that is legal in Oregon.[39]
- New York: Opposition is spearheaded by unions like the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA). Their primary arguments are that the NLC would weaken hard-won union protections, lower state licensing standards, and serve as a “strikebreaking” tool by making it easier for hospitals to bring in out-of-state nurses during labor disputes.[24] They maintain that the compact is a superficial fix that fails to address the root causes of nursing shortages, such as inadequate wages and poor working conditions.[24]
The New 60-Day Residency Rule (Effective Jan 2, 2024)
One of the most important recent changes to the NLC is a new rule regarding residency changes. Effective since January 2, 2024, this rule clarifies the responsibilities of nurses who permanently move from one compact state to another.
How the 60-Day Rule Works
If you permanently move from one compact state to another, you must apply for a new multistate license in your new home state within 60 days of the move. You can continue to practice on your old license while your new application is being processed. This rule does *not* apply to temporary travel assignments. It’s about changing your legal Primary State of Residence (PSOR).
This regulation, officially NLC Rule 402.2, is not an entirely new concept but an amendment to provide a clear, enforceable timeframe.[40] The previous rule required nurses to apply in their new home state but didn’t specify a deadline. The 60-day clock makes the requirement unambiguous.
Crucially, the rule states you must *apply* within 60 days; your new license does not need to be *issued* in that window.[40] The NLC allows you to continue practicing with your former state’s multistate license until your new one is issued, ensuring a seamless transition and preventing any lapse in your ability to work.
FAQ: Does this apply to travel nurses on temporary assignment?
No. This rule applies only when you make a permanent move and change your legal Primary State of Residence (PSOR). Travel nurses on temporary assignments, who maintain their PSOR in their home state, are not affected and can continue to practice on their existing multistate license for the duration of their assignment.
FAQ: What about military spouses?
Military families are generally stationed temporarily under military orders and are not considered to be changing their permanent PSOR. A nurse who is a military spouse can typically continue practicing on the multistate license issued from their declared home state of residence without needing to apply in the state where they are temporarily stationed.[37, 40]
FAQ: What happens if I miss the 60-day deadline?
You would be in violation of NLC rules, which have the force and effect of law. You should submit your application for endorsement in your new home state as soon as you realize the oversight. The board of nursing could take disciplinary action, which might range from a warning to a fine. This violation could also put your employer at risk, as they could forfeit reimbursement from payors like CMS for care provided by an improperly licensed nurse.[40]
FAQ: What counts as proof of a new PSOR?
The most common and accepted forms of proof are government-issued documents showing your new address. This includes obtaining a new driver’s license, registering to vote, or filing your federal income tax return with an address in the new state. Simply owning property in a state does not make it your PSOR.
Step-by-Step: How to Get a Multistate License
Whether you’re a new graduate or an experienced nurse, getting a multistate license is a straightforward process managed by your state’s Board of Nursing. Here is your step-by-step guide.
- Determine Your Eligibility.
- First, confirm that your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is a member of the NLC. You can check our interactive table below. If you live in a non-compact state like California or New York, you are not eligible for a multistate license. You must obtain a single-state license for every state in which you wish to practice.
- Next, review the 11 Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs). You must meet all of them. Key requirements include: graduating from a board-approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX, having no felony convictions, having no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing, and passing a federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- Visit Your State Board of Nursing (BON) Website.
- All applications for a multistate license are handled directly by the BON in your PSOR. Do not use third-party sites. You can find a direct link to your BON in the state-by-state table below.
- Choose the Correct Application.
- For New Graduates: When you apply for your initial license, you will be applying for “Licensure by Exam.” The application form provided by your BON will have an option to apply for a multistate license if you meet the requirements.
- For Nurses with an Existing Single-State License: If you already hold a single-state license in a compact state and want to get a multistate license, you need to apply to “Upgrade” or “Convert” it. Look for a specific application on your BON’s website, often titled “Application for Multistate License.” This is a separate process from your regular license renewal.
- For Nurses Moving to a New Compact State: If you are moving your permanent residence to a new compact state, you must apply for “Licensure by Endorsement” in that new state. On the application, you will declare it as your new PSOR. Remember the 60-day rule!.
- Complete the Application and Pay Fees.
- Fill out the online application completely and accurately. You will need to provide required documentation, which may include proof of residence, and pay the application fee. Fees vary by state but typically range from $100 to $200, plus the separate cost for the background check.
- Complete the Criminal Background Check.
- After you submit your application, your BON will provide you with specific instructions on how to get your fingerprints taken and submitted for the required state and federal criminal background checks.[11]
- Monitor Your Application Status.
- You can typically track the status of your application through your BON’s online portal. Processing times can range from a few days to several weeks, depending on your state and the volume of applications. Consider signing up for the free Nursys e-Notify service, which will send you automatic alerts about your license status, including when it’s issued or renewed.[41]
Interactive Table: Compact Status of All 50 States + Territories
Use this sortable table to find the current NLC status for every U.S. state and territory. Click on a state’s name in the final column to go directly to its Board of Nursing website for official information and applications.
| State / Territory | NLC Status | Implementation Date | Pending Bills | Links to BON |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Full Implementation | 10/1/2019 | N/A | AL BON |
| Alaska | Non-Compact | N/A | HB 131 / SB 124 | AK BON |
| American Samoa | Non-Compact | N/A | N/A | AS BON |
| Arizona | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | AZ BON |
| Arkansas | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | AR BON |
| California | Non-Compact | N/A | N/A | CA BON |
| Colorado | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | CO BON |
| Connecticut | Enacted – Awaiting Implementation | Effective 10/1/2025; Full Implementation TBD | N/A | CT BON |
| Delaware | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | DE BON |
| District of Columbia | Non-Compact | N/A | B 26-69 | DC BON |
| Florida | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | FL BON |
| Georgia | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | GA BON |
| Guam | Partial Implementation | TBD | N/A | GU BON |
| Hawaii | Non-Compact | N/A | HB 897 | HI BON |
| Idaho | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | ID BON |
| Illinois | Non-Compact | N/A | HB 1706 | IL BON |
| Indiana | Full Implementation | 7/1/2019 | N/A | IN BON |
| Iowa | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | IA BON |
| Kansas | Full Implementation | 7/1/2019 | N/A | KS BON |
| Kentucky | Full Implementation | 6/27/2019 | N/A | KY BON |
| Louisiana | Full Implementation | 7/1/2019 | N/A | LA BON |
| Maine | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | ME BON |
| Maryland | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | MD BON |
| Massachusetts | Enacted – Awaiting Implementation | TBD (Est. Late 2025/Early 2026) | N/A | MA BON |
| Michigan | Pending Legislation | N/A | HB 4246 | MI BON |
| Minnesota | Pending Legislation | N/A | SF 2608 / HF 1925 | MN BON |
| Mississippi | Full Implementation | 7/1/2001 (Original) | N/A | MS BON |
| Missouri | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | MO BON |
| Montana | Full Implementation | 10/1/2015 | N/A | MT BON |
| Nebraska | Full Implementation | 1/1/2001 (Original) | N/A | NE BON |
| Nevada | Non-Compact | N/A | SB 34 (Prefiled) | NV BON |
| New Hampshire | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | NH BON |
| New Jersey | Full Implementation | 11/15/2021 | N/A | NJ BON |
| New Mexico | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | NM BON |
| New York | Non-Compact | N/A | A4524 / S3916 | NY BON |
| North Carolina | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | NC BON |
| North Dakota | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | ND BON |
| Ohio | Full Implementation | 1/1/2023 | N/A | OH BON |
| Oklahoma | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | OK BON |
| Oregon | Non-Compact | N/A | SB 966 (Failed) | OR BON |
| Pennsylvania | Full Implementation | 7/7/2025 | N/A | PA BON |
| Rhode Island | Full Implementation | 1/8/2024 | N/A | RI BON |
| South Carolina | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | SC BON |
| South Dakota | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | SD BON |
| Tennessee | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | TN BON |
| Texas | Full Implementation | 1/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | TX BON |
| Utah | Full Implementation | 1/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | UT BON |
| Vermont | Full Implementation | 2/1/2022 | N/A | VT BON |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | Enacted – Awaiting Implementation | TBD | N/A | VI BON |
| Virginia | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | VA BON |
| Washington | Full Implementation | 1/31/2024 | N/A | WA BON |
| West Virginia | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | WV BON |
| Wisconsin | Full Implementation | 7/1/2000 (Original) | N/A | WI BON |
| Wyoming | Full Implementation | 1/19/2018 | N/A | WY BON |
Key Takeaways & Your Next Steps
The Nurse Licensure Compact continues its rapid expansion, fundamentally changing what it means to be a licensed nurse in the U.S. As we move through 2025, the key developments are clear:
- The NLC now includes 43 jurisdictions, with a strong and growing presence in the Northeast thanks to the full implementation of Pennsylvania (July 7, 2025) and the enactment in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
- The new 60-day residency rule is a critical compliance update that you must follow if you are permanently relocating between compact states.
- Momentum is building in states like Illinois and Michigan, which could be the next to join, while opposition in states like California and New York remains a significant barrier.
- Applying for or converting to a multistate license is a straightforward process, but it is managed entirely by the Board of Nursing in your Primary State of Residence.
The rules and map are constantly evolving. Staying informed is the best way to protect your license and maximize your career opportunities.