Texas is a compact state for nursing licenses

Yes. Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which means a nurse licensed in Texas can practice in other compact states without obtaining a separate license in each one. The same applies in reverse: nurses licensed in other compact states can practice in Texas under their home state license.

The compact is an agreement between states that recognizes nursing licenses across state lines. Texas joined in 2000. Currently, 39 states plus the District of Columbia are part of the NLC, though the list changes as states vote to join or withdraw.

The compact applies to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). It does not cover Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) such as nurse practitioners or clinical nurse specialists, who still need separate licensure in each state where they practice.

Key Takeaways

  • A Texas RN or LPN license allows you to work in any of the 39 other compact states without getting a separate license in each one.
  • You must hold an active, unencumbered license in Texas to use compact privileges in other states.
  • Advanced practice nurses (nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists) cannot use the compact and must get a separate license in each state.
  • The Texas Board of Nursing enforces compact rules and can revoke your privilege to practice in other states if your Texas license is disciplined.

How the compact works in practice

When you hold a Texas RN or LPN license, you automatically have the right to practice in any other NLC state. You do not need to explore for a separate license, pay additional fees, or wait for approval. Your Texas license is your ticket.

However, you must follow the laws and regulations of the state where you are working. If you work in another compact state, that state's nursing board can still investigate you, discipline you, or restrict your practice if you violate their rules. The compact does not override state law—it only removes the licensing barrier.

Your Texas license must remain active and in good standing. If the Texas Board of Nursing suspends, revokes, or restricts your license, your right to practice in other compact states ends when ready. You cannot use compact privileges if your license is inactive, expired, or under discipline.

Which states are in the compact

The 39 compact states are: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The District of Columbia is also a member.

States not in the compact include California, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, and Washington. If you want to work as an RN or LPN in a non-compact state, you must obtain a separate license from that state's nursing board.

The list of compact states can change. States occasionally vote to join or withdraw. Before moving or taking a job in another state, check the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website to confirm current membership, because the compact membership is not static.

What the compact does not cover

The NLC applies only to RNs and LPNs working in traditional nursing roles. It does not extend to Advanced Practice Registered Nurses, which include nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs). These roles require separate licensure in each state where you practice, even if both states are in the compact.

The compact also does not cover temporary licenses, restricted licenses, or licenses under discipline. If your Texas license has conditions, restrictions, or is the subject of a complaint, you cannot use compact privileges until the matter is resolved and your license is fully restored.

Telehealth and remote work have their own rules. Some states allow compact nurses to provide telehealth to patients in other compact states, but others do not. If you plan to work remotely for a patient or employer in another state, contact that state's nursing board to confirm whether your Texas license is sufficient.

Maintaining your compact privilege

To keep your right to practice across compact states, you must maintain an active Texas RN or LPN license. Renew your license on time, pay all required fees, and complete any continuing education required by Texas. The Texas Board of Nursing will notify you of renewal important date.

You must also report any discipline, criminal charges, or substance abuse issues to the Texas Board of Nursing. Failure to disclose these matters can result in discipline and loss of your compact privilege. If you are disciplined in another state while using your Texas license, you must report that to Texas as well.

If you move out of Texas permanently or stop practicing nursing, you can let your license expire. Once it expires, you lose the right to practice in other compact states. If you later want to return to nursing, you will need to renew your Texas license or obtain a new license in whatever state you choose to work.

What happens if you violate compact rules

Each state has the power to discipline a nurse for violations of that state's nursing laws, even if the nurse is licensed in another state. If you work in Florida under your Texas license and violate Florida nursing law, Florida can investigate and discipline you. That discipline is reported back to Texas.

The Texas Board of Nursing can also take action against your license if you violate Texas law or rules, regardless of where you are working. If your Texas license is suspended or revoked, your privilege to practice in all other compact states ends at the same time.

Discipline in one compact state does not automatically discipline you in all others, but it is reported to a national database that all nursing boards can see. Other states may choose to take their own action based on that report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Texas nursing license to work in California?

No. California is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. You must obtain a separate California RN or LPN license from the California Board of Registered Nursing or the California Department of Consumer Affairs. The compact does not explore to non-member states.

Do I have to pay extra fees to use the compact?

No. The compact privilege is included in your Texas license. You pay the standard Texas renewal fee, and that covers your right to practice in other compact states. You do not pay additional fees to each state.

Can a nurse practitioner use the compact?

No. The Nurse Licensure Compact covers only RNs and LPNs. Nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, certified nurse midwives, and CRNAs must obtain separate licenses in each state where they practice. A separate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse Compact exists but has fewer members and different rules.

What if I get disciplined in another compact state—does it affect my Texas license?

Yes. Discipline in another state is reported to the Texas Board of Nursing and becomes part of your record. Texas may investigate and take its own action. Your Texas license can be disciplined based on violations that occurred in another state.

If I move to a non-compact state, can I keep my Texas license active?

Yes, you can renew your Texas license even if you live in another state. However, you should check the laws of the state where you actually work or live, because some states require you to be licensed there if you are working as a nurse within their borders, regardless of where your primary license is held.