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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

Website: http://cca.hawaii.gov/pvl/boards/nursing/

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