Licensing · Nursing

Working in another state: how nursing license endorsement and the compact work

Fact-checked against official sources· Oct 1, 2026How we research

Applies to: National, with California notes · 2 min read

The short answer

If your home state and the new state are both in the Nurse Licensure Compact, a multistate license may already let you practice there. Otherwise, apply for licensure by endorsement with the new state's board of nursing, which verifies your existing license (often through Nursys) and runs its own checks.

People often call this "reciprocity," but most states don't automatically accept another state's nursing license. There are two real routes: the Nurse Licensure Compact and licensure by endorsement.

Route 1: The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

If your primary state of residence is an NLC member and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in other member states without a separate license. Check the current list on NCSBN's official NLC map, since states keep joining.

Things to know:

  • Your multistate license comes from your home state, the state where you legally live.
  • If you move your primary residence to another compact state, you apply for a license in the new home state.
  • If you move to a non-compact state, you need that state's license, and your multistate license changes to a single-state license.

Route 2: Licensure by endorsement

If either state isn't in the compact, you apply to the new state's board of nursing for a license by endorsement. Typically you:

  1. Apply on the new board's website and pay its fee.
  2. Verify your current license. Many boards use Nursys for this; some states verify directly.
  3. Complete a background check, often with fingerprints.
  4. Meet any extra state requirements, such as specific coursework or a jurisprudence exam.

Processing times vary by state and by how complete your application is, so start early. Some boards offer temporary permits while your application is reviewed; check the board's site.

Tips that save time

  • Look up your own license on Nursys QuickConfirm first, so you know what the new board will see.
  • Keep your transcripts, NCLEX results and current license details handy.
  • Watch your email. Boards often ask for one more document.

California notes

California is not an NLC member, so every nurse working in California needs a California license. RNs apply by endorsement with the Board of Registered Nursing; LVNs apply with the Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians. Since July 2, 2025, BVNPT uses Nursys to verify California LVN licenses for nurses moving to other states.

Find any state's board of nursing.

Sources

Checked against these sources on Oct 1, 2026.

General information, not legal, financial, tax or medical advice. Requirements change and vary by state and employer, so always confirm with the official source linked on this page.

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