NLC Map 2026: The 43 States Where You Can Work with One License (PA & CT Update)
(Travel Nurses and Staff Nurses looking to move or pick up remote work.)
As of January 2026, there are 43 jurisdictions currently enacted in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This network allows nurses to hold one multistate license (MSL) in their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) and practice in all other compact states without obtaining additional licenses.
The 2026 map includes the major additions of Pennsylvania and Connecticut, significantly opening up the Northeast for travel nurses.
The List (Categorized)
Category A: Fully Active NLC States
Nurses with a multistate license can practice in these states immediately.
| West / Midwest | South / Southeast | Northeast / Mid-Atlantic |
| Arizona | Alabama | Delaware |
| Arkansas | Florida | Maine |
| Colorado | Georgia | Maryland |
| Idaho | Kentucky | New Hampshire |
| Indiana | Louisiana | New Jersey |
| Iowa | Mississippi | Rhode Island |
| Kansas | North Carolina | Vermont |
| Missouri | South Carolina | Virginia |
| Montana | Tennessee | West Virginia |
| Nebraska | Texas | Pennsylvania |
| New Mexico | Oklahoma | Connecticut |
| North Dakota | ||
| South Dakota | ||
| Utah | ||
| Wisconsin | ||
| Wyoming |
Category B: New & Notable (Recent Additions)
These states have recently joined or fully implemented the compact, changing the landscape for 2026.
Pennsylvania: Fully implemented. Nurses can now hold PA multistate licenses, and incoming compact nurses can work there freely.
Connecticut: Fully implemented. The state began issuing multistate licenses and accepting compact privileges on October 1, 2025.
Washington: Implementation is fully stabilized; began issuing MSLs in early 2024.
Ohio: Fully active; implementation began Jan 1, 2023.
Category C: Enacted but Awaiting Implementation
These jurisdictions have passed the law, but you cannot yet use a compact license to work there (with the exception of Guam for incoming nurses).
Massachusetts: Signed into law in November 2024. Currently in the “Implementation Phase” (approx. 12 months). Full multistate privileges are expected in 2026.
Guam: Partial implementation. Incoming nurses with a valid MSL can practice in Guam. However, Guam residents cannot yet obtain an MSL.
U.S. Virgin Islands: Enacted but awaiting implementation.
Status Table: The Transition States
Navigating the “New” and “Pending” states is the most confusing part of the 2026 map. Use this table to determine your status.
| State | Status (Jan 2026) | Effective Date | Can Incoming Travelers Work Here? | Can Residents Apply for MSL? |
| Pennsylvania | Active | July 7, 2025 | YES | YES |
| Connecticut | Active | October 1, 2025 | YES | YES |
| Massachusetts | Implementation Phase | Est. Late 2026 | NO (Must hold MA license) | NO |
Visual Element Description
Visual Guide:
Green: All 43 Enacted Jurisdictions (Includes PA, CT, WA, OH).
Striped/Yellow: Massachusetts and USVI (Enacted but Pending).
Blue: Guam (Partial/Inbound Only).
Grey: Non-Compact “Holdout” States.
5. The “Holdouts” (Where you need a separate license)
You cannot work in these states with a compact license. You must apply for licensure by endorsement.
California: Still a single-state license. Processing times are roughly 10-12 weeks.
New York: Still single-state. Legislation (Senate Bill S3916) was introduced but has not passed as of Jan 2026.
Illinois: Still single-state. House Bill 1706 introduced Jan 2025.
Michigan: Still single-state.
Nevada: Still single-state.
Oregon: Still single-state.
Alaska: Still single-state.
Hawaii: Still single-state.
6. The “60-Day Rule”
Strict enforcement of residency rules began in 2024.
The Rule: If you move your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) from one NLC state to another, you have 60 days to apply for a new license by endorsement in your new home state.
The “Trap”: You cannot simply keep your old home state’s license indefinitely. Once you establish legal residency (driver’s license, voter registration, taxes) in a new state, your previous license is technically no longer a valid multistate license for that residency.
Action Item: Apply for your new home state license immediately upon relocation. You can continue to work on your former license during the application processing period, provided you applied within the 60-day window.
7. Travel Nurse Tips
Non-Compact Assignments: If taking an assignment in a “Holdout” state (e.g., California), you must maintain your home state license to keep your compact privileges active. Do not let your home license lapse while working in CA.
Verify on NURSYS: Always check your license status on NURSYS.com. It must explicitly say “Multistate” to practice across borders.
Pennsylvania & Connecticut Travelers: Ensure your agency knows that PA and CT are now fully active. You no longer need to pay for single-state licenses there if you hold a valid compact license from another state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Pennsylvania legally a compact state now?
A: Yes. As of July 7, 2025, Pennsylvania is fully active in the NLC. Nurses residing in PA can now apply for multistate licenses, and nurses with active compact licenses from other states can work in PA immediately without applying for endorsement.
Q: How many states are in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in 2026?
A: As of January 2026, there are 43 jurisdictions in the NLC. This includes 40 fully active states (such as recent additions PA, CT, and WA) and 3 jurisdictions that have enacted legislation but are pending implementation (Massachusetts, USVI, and Guam).
Q: Can I work in Massachusetts with my compact license?
A: Not yet. Although Massachusetts signed the NLC into law in November 2024, it is currently in the “Implementation Phase.” You must hold a valid single-state MA license to work there until the Board of Nursing announces the official start date, expected later in 2026.
Q: What happens to my license if I move to another compact state?
A: Under the NLC “60-Day Rule,” you have 60 days from the time you establish residency (e.g., get a driver’s license) in a new NLC state to apply for licensure by endorsement. You cannot permanently reside in one compact state while using a license from your previous state.
Q: Is California part of the Nurse Licensure Compact in 2026?
A: No. California is not a member of the NLC. To work in California, you must apply for a single-state license by endorsement. Processing times for CA licenses can take 10–12 weeks.
