Licensing
Obtaining a compact license allows you to practice nursing in any of the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) states. To obtain a compact license, you must also have an active license in the state for which you are applying. Once you’ve obtained a license for one of the eNLC states, you do not need licensure in any of the other eNLC states to work in them. eNLC states include:
Arizona
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 48 hours
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: $50
Length to Process (perm): 150 days
Perm Cost: $150
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 602-771-7800
Nursing Board Site: http://www.azbn.gov/
Arkansas
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 10-14 business days
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: $30
Length to Process (perm): 4 weeks
Perm Cost: $125
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 501-686-2714
Nursing Board Site: http://www.arsbn.org/
Colorado
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 10-14 business days
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: $43
Length to Process (perm): 4 weeks
Perm Cost: $43
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 303-894-2430
Nursing Board Site: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/dora/Nursing
Delaware
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 14 business days
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $40
Length to Process (perm): 4 weeks
Perm Cost: $141
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 302-744-4500
Nursing Board Site: https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/
Florida
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 4 weeks
Perm Cost: $110
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 850-245-4125
Nursing Board Site: http://www.floridasnursing.gov/
Georgia
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $75
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 478-207-2440
Nursing Board Site: http://sos.ga.gov/index.php/licensing/plb/45
Idaho
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: $25
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $152
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 208-334-3110
Nursing Board Site:https://ibn.idaho.gov/IBNPortal/
Iowa
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 30 days
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 2-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $169
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 515-281-3255
Nursing Board Site: https://nursing.iowa.gov/
Kentucky
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 14 days
Perm Cost: $165
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 502-429-3300
Nursing Board Site: https://kbn.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Maine
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 2 weeks
Perm Cost: $75
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 207-287-1133
Nursing Board Site: http://www.maine.gov/boardofnursing/
Maryland
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 48 hours
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $40
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 410-585-1900
Nursing Board Site: http://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Mississippi
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $25
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 601-957-6300
Nursing Board Site: http://www.msbn.ms.gov/Pages/Home.aspx
Missouri
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $55
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 573-751-0681
Nursing Board Site: http://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
Montana
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $200
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 406-841-2300
Nursing Board Site: http://boards.bsd.dli.mt.gov/nur
Nebraska
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 60 days
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $123
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 402-471-4376
Nursing Board Site: http://dhhs.ne.gov/publichealth/pages/crlNursingHome.aspx
New Hampshire
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A (Requires background check)
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: $20
Length to Process (perm): 2-8 weeks
Perm Cost: $120
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 603-271-2323
Nursing Board Site: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/
North Carolina
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 2-3 weeks
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $150
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 919-782-3211
Nursing Board Site: https://www.ncbon.com/
North Dakota
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 3-5 days
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 7-10 weeks
Perm Cost: $160
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 701-328-9777
Nursing Board Site: https://www.ndbon.org/
Oklahoma
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $10
Length to Process (perm): 3-4 weeks
Perm Cost: $85
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 405-962-1800
Nursing Board Site: http://nursing.ok.gov/
South Carolina
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 60 days
Temp Cost: $10
Length to Process (perm): 2 weeks
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 803-896-4550
Nursing Board Site: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/nursing/
South Dakota
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $25
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 605-362-2760
Nursing Board Site: http://doh.sd.gov/boards/nursing/
Tennessee
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $43
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $115
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 615-532-5166
Nursing Board Site: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/health-professional-boards/nursing-board/nursing-board/about.html
Texas
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 15 business days
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 15 business days
Perm Cost: $186
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 512-305-7400
Nursing Board Site: http://www.bon.state.tx.us/
Utah
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 10 days
Perm Cost: $95
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 801-530-6628
Nursing Board Site: http://dopl.utah.gov/licensing/nursing.html
Virginia
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 4 weeks
Perm Cost: $190 ($170 LPN)
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 804-367-4515
Nursing Board Site: http://www.dhp.virginia.gov/nursing/
West Virginia
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 1-2 weeks
Valid For (temp): 90 days (RN); 6 months (LPN)
Temp Cost: $25
Length to Process (perm): 1-2 weeks
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 304-744-0900 (RN); 304-558-3572 (LPN)
Nursing Board Site: http://wvrnboard.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx (For RNs); http://www.lpnboard.state.wv.us/ (For LPNs)
Wisconsin
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): Approx. 7-15 business days
Valid For (temp): 90 days – must not have any prior convictions OR disciplinary actions
Temp Cost: $92
Length to Process (perm): Approx. 7-15 business days
Perm Cost: $82
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 608-266-2112
Nursing board site: https://dsps.wi.gov/pages/BoardsCouncils/Nursing/Default.aspx
Wyoming
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): 15 days
Valid For (temp): 15 days
Temp Cost: $25
Length to Process (perm): 45-60 days
Perm Cost: $135
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 307-777-7601
Nursing Board Site: https://nursing-online.state.wy.us/
Walk-through states issue you a temporary state nursing license within a one-day time frame. This temporary nursing license is used as a placeholder until your permanent license is processed. You can practice nursing normally while you await your permanent license. Temporary licenses are valid anywhere from 30 days to 6 months, depending on state regulations. Walk-through states include:
Arizona
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): Approx. 2 weeks
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: $50
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $150
Fingerprint/Background Check: $50
Nursy’s:
Phone: 307-777-7601
Nursing Board Site: https://www.azbn.gov/licensure-certification/applications-forms
Hawaii
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): valid until 6/30 of odd number year
Temp Cost: $34 odd years; $166 even years
Length to Process (perm): 2-3 weeks
Perm Cost: N/A
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 808-586-3000
Louisiana
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 2-3 weeks
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $250.75
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $250.75
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 255-755-7500
Website: https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
Missouri
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $55
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 573-751-0681
Nursing Board Site: http://www.pr.mo.gov/nursing.asp
South Carolina
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: Yes
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 60 days
Temp Cost: $10
Length to Process (perm): 2 weeks
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 803-896-4550
Nursing Board Site: http://www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/nursing/
Vermont
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 7-10 business days
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $150
Length to Process (perm): 7-10 business days
Perm Cost: $150
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 802-828-2396
Nursing Board Site: https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional-regulation/list-of-professions/nursing.aspx
Non-compact states do not participate in the enhanced nurse licensure compact. To practice in a non-compact state, you need to acquire a state license. Non-compact states include:
Alabama
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 3-5 business days
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $138
Length to Process (perm): 3-5 business days
Perm Cost: no additional cost
Nursy’s: N/A
Phone: 800-656-5318
Nursing board site: https://www.abn.alabama.gov/
Alaska
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 10 business days
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: $50
Length to Process (perm): 10 business days
Perm Cost: $275
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 907-269-8161
Nursing board site: https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing.asp
California
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 6-8 weeks
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: $50
Length to Process (perm): varies
Perm Cost: $100 + fingerprints
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 916-322-3350
Nursing board site: http://www.rn.ca.gov/
Connecticut
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 15 business days
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: included in perm cost
Length to Process (perm): before 120 day temp license expires
Perm Cost: $180
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 860-509-7603
Nursing board site: http://www.portal.ct.gov/DPH/Public-Health-Hearing-Office/Board-of-Examiners-for-Nursing/Board-of-Examiners-for-Nursing
Hawaii
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): valid until 6/30 of odd number year
Temp Cost: $34 odd years; $166 even years
Length to Process (perm): 2-3 weeks
Perm Cost: N/A
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 808-586-3000
Nursing board site: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/
Illinois
Walk Through State:
Compact License:
Length to Process (temp):
Valid For (temp):
Temp Cost:
Length to Process (perm):
Perm Cost:
Nursy’s:
Phone:
Nursing board site: https://www.idfpr.com/profs/Nursing.asp
Indiana
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 2 weeks
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $10
Length to Process (perm): if home state on Nursy’s, activate a perm license, not a temp
Perm Cost: $50
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 317-234-2043
Nursing board site: https://www.in.gov/pla/nursing.htm
Kansas
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 7 business days
Valid For (temp): 120 days
Temp Cost: included in perm cost
Length to Process (perm): 1 month
Perm Cost: $123
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 785-296-4929
Nursing board site: https://ksbn.kansas.gov/
Louisiana
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 2-3 weeks
Valid For (temp): 90 days
Temp Cost: $250.75
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $250.75
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 255-755-7500
Nursing board site: https://www.lsbn.state.la.us/
Massachusetts
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $275, plus $30 verification fee per license
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 617-973-0800 or 800-414-0168
Nursing board site: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-nursing
Michigan
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 1 year
Temp Cost: $64
Length to Process (perm): N/A
Perm Cost: $54
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 517-373-8068
Nursing board site: http://www.michigan.gov/lara/0,4601,7-154-72600_72603_27529_27542—,00.html
Minnesota
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 3-5 business days
Valid For (temp): 60 days
Temp Cost: $137
Length to Process (perm): 3-5 days
Perm Cost: $137
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 612-317-3000
Nursing Board Site: https://mn.gov/boards/nursing/
Nevada
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 1-2 weeks
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: included in perm cost
Length to Process (perm): 2-4 months
Perm Cost: $105 + $51.25 fingerprints
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 702-486-5800
Nursing board site: http://nevadanursingboard.org/
New Jersey
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 6-8 weeks
Perm Cost: $263.19
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 973-504-6430
Nursing board site: http://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/nur/pages/applications.aspx
New York
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $35
Length to Process (perm): approx. 2-3 business days
Perm Cost: $143
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 518-474-3817 ext 120
Nursing board site: www.op.nysed.gov/prof/nurse/
Ohio
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): 6 months
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 5-30 business days
Perm Cost: $75
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 614-466-3947
Nursing Board Site: http://www.nursing.ohio.gov/
Oregon
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): N/A
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: N/A
Length to Process (perm): 4-6 weeks
Perm Cost: $247
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 971-673-0685
Nursing board site: http://www.oregon.gov/OSBN/pages/index.aspx
Pennsylvania
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 12-14 business days
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $30
Length to Process (perm): 12-14 business days
Perm Cost: $100
Nursy’s: No
Phone: 717-783-7142
Nursing board site: http://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx
Rhode Island
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 6-8 weeks
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $135
Length to Process (perm): 6 months
Perm Cost: temp fee gets both
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 401-222-5700
Nursing Board Site: http://health.ri.gov/licenses/detail.php?id=231#
Vermont
Walk Through State: Yes
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 7-10 business days
Valid For (temp): N/A
Temp Cost: $150
Length to Process (perm): 7-10 business days
Perm Cost: $150
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 802-828-2396
Nursing board site: https://www.sec.state.vt.us/professional-regulation/list-of-professions/nursing.aspx
Washington
Walk Through State: No
Compact License: No
Length to Process (temp): 2-3 weeks
Valid For (temp): until next birthday
Temp Cost: $88
Length to Process (perm): 8 weeks
Perm Cost: $88
Nursy’s: Yes
Phone: 360-236-4700
Nursing Board Site: https://www.doh.wa.gov/LicensesPermitsandCertificates/NursingCommission/NurseLicensing
