The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) is a game-changer for nurses seeking flexibility and expanded access to job opportunities. The eNLC is governed by the Interstate Commission of Nurse License Compact Administrators (ICNLCA), which is made up of representatives and administrators from each participating state and territory.

eNLC is a multistate license that allows registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/LVNs) to work across multiple states without needing separate licenses for each one. By eliminating the need to apply for and maintain a license in each state, nurses can start to work quickly and avoid application fees. This is especially advantageous for travel nurses, who must navigate documentation and application fees each time they start work in a new state.

Currently, 43 states and territories have joined the compact, with 38 fully implementing it. Now, six more states are considering joining, signaling a potential shift that could make it even easier for nurses to practice nationwide. Here’s a look at the latest updates on compact states, pending legislation and what’s next for the eNLC.

The Current Compact States

As of this writing, 43 U.S. states or territories are part of the eNLC. This multistate license, also called a compact license, can be used by RNs or LPN/LVNs.

Of the 43, though, only 38 states have fully implemented it. They are:

Connecticut signed the NLC into law on May 30, 2024. However, it doesn’t go into effect until October 1, 2025. Additionally, the state must undergo an implementation process which can take up to two years.

Massachusetts signed the NLC into law on November 20, 2024. Unlike Connecticut, Massachusetts expects the implementation period to take just 12 months. However, the implementation start date has not been finalized.

Pennsylvania signed the NLC into law on July 1, 2021. Like the above states, the implementation period has not yet begun. Nurses holding an active multistate license from another state are allowed to practice in Pennsylvania. However, those residing in Pennsylvania can’t apply for a compact license until the state has completed the implementation process.

Additionally, there are two U.S. territories that are part of the eNLC. This means that if you’re a nurse with a compact license, you can work in the above 41 states and the two territories below.

Guam signed the NLC into law on March 5, 2021, becoming the first U.S. territory to join the eNLC. Currently, those with a compact license from other states can practice in Guam, but they can’t obtain a multi-state license until the territory fully implements the eNLC.

The U.S. Virgin Islands is the only other territory that has enacted the NLC into law, which took place on December 6, 2021. However, there has been no update on the implementation period yet.

Until the implementation process is completed, those who want to practice in Connecticut, Massachusetts, or the U.S. Virgin Islands need to obtain an endorsement from the respective state/ territory to practice there.

Pending Legislation Compact States

As of March 2025, there are five states and a territory that have pending legislation to join the eNLC.

• Hawaii: The Aloha state introduced House Bill 897 on January 21, 2025. It was referred to the House Committees two days later.
• Illinois: House Bill 1706 was introduced on January 24, 2025. The Health Care Licenses Committee will hear this bill in Spring 2025.
• Nevada: Senate Bill 34 was debuted on November 15, 2024. The bill was read for the first time at the beginning of February. This bill would also enact the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, the PA Licensure Compact, the Physical Therapy Licensure Compact and the Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact.
• New York: The Empire State has multiple bills relating to enacting the NLC and budgets corresponding to it. These include Assembly 03007, Senate Bill 03007 and Senate Bill S3916.
• Oregon: On January 30, 2025, Senate Bill 966 was introduced and read on January 30, 2025. It has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Health Care.
• Washington D.C.: The Nation’s Capital currently has Council Bill 26-0069, which would allow the District of Columbia to join the eNLC. The bill was referred to the Committee on Health and the Committee of the Whole on February 4, 2025.

Remaining States and Territories

Four states and two U.S. territories currently have no pending legislation regarding compact licenses. This group includes Alaska, California, Michigan, Minnesota, American Samoa, and the Northern Mariana Islands. However, all four states without pending legislation have had such legislation previously. Although Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, it is not part of the NCSBN, making it ineligible to be a compact territory.

Map of each U.S. state and territory’s compact licensure status (March 2025)

How To Apply For A Compact License

In total, there are 11 requirements to obtain a compact license:

1. Primary state of residence is a state in the eNLC
2. Graduated from an approved education program
3. Has passed an English proficiency exam (mainly for international students)
4. Passed the NCLAX-RN® or NCLEX-PN®
5. Has an active license
6. Completed a federal fingerprint-based criminal background check
7. NOT been convicted of a felony offense or found guilty of one
8. Does NOT have a misdemeanor conviction related to nursing
9. Is NOT currently in an alternative program
10. Self-disclosure of current participation in an alternative program
11. Has a valid U.S. Social Security number

Once you obtain all your required documentation (current license, Social Security number, transcripts, etc.), you can apply for a compact license, pay the applicable fees and once approved, you will have your compact license.

Non-compact license process

The process of receiving your nursing license for just a singular state is similar to the compact state process. However, this process and the time it takes to receive your license can vary from state to state.

For example, some states will grant a temporary license to nurses awaiting the results of their NCLEX exam. Others will wait and only issue a license once they know you’ve passed the exam. Typically, it can take between 2 and 12 weeks to receive your license.

States that are usually on the shorter end include Alabama, Illinois, Kansas and West Virginia. Other states though like Alaska, California, New Jersey and Rhode Island can take closer to that 12-week mark, if not longer.

Walk-through states

A walk-through state allows nurses to obtain a temporary license to work in a state where they currently don’t have a license. These are called walk-through states as a nurse can literally walk into the state and be given a temporary license. These allow nurses to receive a license in potentially just a few hours, with the license being valid for anywhere between 30 days and six months.

As of this writing, there are five walk-through states: Arizona, Idaho, Louisiana, Missouri and South Carolina. Those who want to obtain a travel assignment in one of these states and don’t have time to go through the compact licensure process can easily be granted a temporary license in any of these states by visiting the respective state’s board of nursing.

The Future of Compact Nursing Licensure

The eNLC continues to transform the healthcare landscape, providing nurses with greater mobility and career opportunities across the country. With more states considering joining the compact, the future of nursing appears increasingly flexible and interconnected. As legislation evolves and more regions adopt the eNLC, nurses can anticipate streamlined licensing processes, fewer barriers to practice, and expanded access to job opportunities nationwide. Whether you’re a travel nurse or exploring new possibilities, keeping up with the latest compact updates can help you maintain an edge in your nursing career.