A licensure compact is an agreement between states that allows eligible clinicians to practice in multiple participating states with a single license or privilege. Instead of applying for a new license every time you cross state lines, you’re cleared to work wherever the compact is active—saving you time, money, and paperwork.
This guide breaks down how each compact works (nursing, PT, OT), how to check if you qualify, and what steps to take before accepting your next assignment. If you want more flexibility in where—and how fast—you travel, this is where to start.
Need the basics? Check out our full licensing guide here.
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- One license or privilege covers multiple states so you can accept travel contracts faster.
- No repeat applications or added state fees once you hold a compact credential.
- Boards of Nursing and Physical Therapy Boards still protect patients through background checks and jurisprudence exams when required.
Remember: A compact privilege never replaces a state’s scope‑of‑practice rules. Always follow the regulations where you provide care.
The NLC allows nurses to hold one multistate license and practice in any of the 43 participating jurisdictions—without applying for a new license each time.
- Current footprint: 43 states and territories are active members of the NLC.
- Coming soon: Connecticut will begin issuing and accepting multistate licenses starting October 1, 2025.
How the NLC Works
To be eligible, you must:
- Live in an NLC state as your primary state of legal residence (PSOR.
- Hold an active, unrestricted RN or LPN/LVN license in that state.
- Pass federal and state background checks.
- Meet individual state requirements (e.g., continuing education, if applicable.
Once you’re eligible, you can use your multistate license to practice in any other NLC state—no need to apply for additional licensure.
Image as of June 2025
Official map and state list: https://www.ncsbn.org/compacts.page
The PT Compact allows licensed PTs and PTAs to practice in other participating states by purchasing “compact privileges” instead of going through full licensure processes.
- Active footprint: 34 jurisdictions (33 states plus Washington DC) are issuing and accepting compact privileges.
- Enacted, not yet live: Alabama, Connecticut, Kansas, Maine, Pennsylvania, Vermont.
How the PT Compact Works
To be eligible, you must:
- Hold an active, unrestricted license in a PT Compact member state.
- Complete any required jurisprudence exam for the state you want to practice in.
- Purchase compact privileges online through the PT Compact system—most approvals happen within minutes.
Image as of June 2025
Official map and privilege portal: https://ptcompact.org/ptc-states
- Enacted footprint: 31 states have enacted the OT Compact.
- Go-live timeline: Compact privilege applications are projected to open in late 2025 once the interstate commission finalizes the online system.
How the OT Compact Will Work
- Hold an unrestricted OT or OTA license in a member state.
- Apply for compact privileges through a single portal (coming soon).
- Practice in any live OT Compact state without applying for additional licenses.
Official map and state list: https://otcompact.gov/compact-map
- Check your home state’s status.
Open the compact map for your profession and confirm your home state is actively issuing compact privileges—not just “enacted.” - Review requirements for your target states.
Some states require a jurisprudence exam or small privilege fee. Double-check what's needed for each state on your travel list. - Make sure your privilege is live.
Confirm that the state where you plan to work is currently accepting compact privileges—not just planning to implement “soon.” - Know the rules where you’re going.
Always follow the scope-of-practice and clinical standards in the state where you provide care—even if your license is from somewhere else.
Check out our job board to see which states (and specialties) are waiting for you.
A FlexCare recruiter can walk you through licensure status, compact details, and next steps.