Ask A Travel Nurse: Compact RN Licensure

The Gypsy Nurse strives to be your #1 source for Travel Nursing Answers. For new and experienced travelers alike. CHECK HERE or Search our articles to see if your travel nurse question has already been answered.

How long do I have to live in a compact state to obtain compact state RN licensure?

A nurse is eligible for a compact state license in their state of residence once state residency is established. The amount of time required for this varies state to state. You must be a state resident in order to qualify for a compact license. The amount of time required for this varies state to state.

If I hold a valid compact license, what do I need to do to work in another of the compact states?

If you hold a valid compact RN license, you don’t need to do anything. Essentially, you hold license in all of the compact states. Just show any potential employer proof of your valid compact license.

How long do I have to live in a compact state to obtain compact RN licensure?

You are eligible for a compact state license in your state of residence once state residency is established. You must be a state resident in order to qualify for a compact license. The amount of time required for this varies state to state. Usually this requires auto registration, drivers license, banking and voter registration. Check with each state on residency to determine their specific requirements.

Ask A Travel Nurse: Compact RN Licensure — Effective: 4/1/19 Source: https://ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

Steps to Establishing Residency for Compact RN Licensure

The list below isn’t all-inclusive. Check with each state’s residency requirements. They vary greatly from State to State. In most states, the requirements for obtaining a drivers license meet the proof of residency that would be needed for Compact RN licensure.

Change your mailing address.
Get a driver’s license in the new state and register your car there.
Register to vote in the new state. (You can probably do this in conjunction with getting a driver’s license.)
Open and use bank accounts in the new state. Close accounts in the old state.
File a resident income tax return in the new state, if it’s required. File a nonresident return or no return (whichever is appropriate) in the old state.
Buy or lease a residence in the new state, and sell your residence in the old state or rent it out at market rates to an unrelated party.
Change the address on important documents, such as passports, insurance policies, and wills or living trusts.

Recent Changes in Compact RN Licensure

The traditional ‘compact license’ has been recently updated to the ENLC. Furthermore, there are several pertinent changes to the licensure status due to these changes. If your residence is part of the ENLC states, please check how these updates may affect you.