Compact States
The Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact allows a nurse who declares residency in a participating state to practice nursing in any state that is part of the alliance. A nurse must have a current RN license and proof of residency.
As of October 2025, there are currently 43 jurisdictions part of the eNLC.
Here is a comprehensive list of all the states that have enacted multi-state compact licensing, either fully or partially:(https://nurse.org/articles/enhanced-compact-multi-state-license-eNLC/)
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Virgin Islands
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Walkthrough States
Understanding which states currently qualify as walk-through states can help nurses strategically plan their careers. These temporary licenses are especially important in non-compact states or for those who don't yet hold a multistate license. Many walk-through states have set criteria such as criminal background checks, verification of licensure, and employment offers from in-state healthcare facilities.
STATE | TEMP PROCESSING TIME | NOTES |
Arizona | 48 Hours | Requires job offer with start date within 7 days; fingerprint card needed. |
Hawaii | Same Day | All documents must be submitted prior to walk-in. |
Louisiana | Same Day | Fingerprints completed on the same day. |
Missouri | Same Day | Fingerprints and license verification can be completed post-issuance. |
Nebraska | 2-3 weeks | Fingerprint cards required. |
South Carolina | Same Day | Copy of license needed; official verification can follow. |
South Dakota | 1-2 weeks | Must use fingerprint cards from the Board. |
Vermont | 3-5 days | Provisional license issued; permanent license takes 2-3 months. |
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https://www.registerednursing.org/articles/what-states-are-walk-through-states-nursing-license/ | ||
States With Pending NLC Legislation
Eight additional states and the District of Columbia have pending legislation waiting for approval before joining the eNLC.
1. Alaska – HB 131, SB 124
2. District of Columbia – B 69
3. Michigan – HB 4246
4. Oregon – SB 966
5. Nevada – SB 34
6. Hawaii – HB 897
7. Minnesota – HB 1925, SB 2608
8. Illinois – HB 1706, HB 1652, SB 102
9. New York – SB 3916