Step 1 — Confirm your primary state of residence is a compact state
A multistate license comes from your primary state of residence (PSOR) — your one legal home state. If your PSOR is a compact state, you’re eligible to apply for a multistate license there. If it’s a non-compact state, no multistate license is available through that state, no matter where you want to work. Not sure? Start with the compact state checker.
Step 2 — Make sure you meet the uniform licensure requirements
Every nurse issued a multistate license must meet the compact’s uniform licensure requirements (ULRs). In general terms, that means:
- Graduation from an approved nursing program (or an international equivalent).
- Passing the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam (or a predecessor exam).
- A federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background check.
- No disqualifying criminal history and no active license discipline.
- A valid U.S. Social Security number.
See compact license requirements for the full list and what can disqualify an application.
Step 3 — Apply the right way for your situation
- New nurse (by examination): apply for licensure by exam in your home compact state and request the multistate license type. Once you pass the NCLEX and clear the background check, your license can be issued as multistate.
- Already licensed in another state (by endorsement): apply for licensure by endorsement in your compact home state and request multistate. This is the path when you move to a compact state.
- Already licensed at home but single-state: ask your board to convert your existing license to multistate — see is my license compact?
Step 4 — Verify the license type before you practice
After your board issues the license, confirm it actually shows as multistate — not single-state — using Nursys QuickConfirm. Only a multistate license carries the privilege to practice in other compact states.
How long it takes and what it costs
Timelines and fees are set by each state board, not the compact, so they vary. Background checks and endorsement processing are usually the longest steps. Always apply through your board’s official website — find yours on any state page — and confirm current fees and processing times there.