Time Frames for Nursing License in each State

What are “compact” states?

Compact nursing states refers to the Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC), which is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one compact state nursing license that gives them the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement. Several states participate in what is called the extended Nurse Licensure Compact. Getting a license in a compact state means that you can work in other compact states without needing an additional license. 
 

What are “walk-through” states?

Walk-through states allow a registered nurse to be issued a temporary nursing license within one hour to one day’s time. This temporary nursing license enables an RN to practice while waiting for a permanent license. These temporary licenses are typically valid for between 30 days and six months, depending on the issuing state. Many non-walk-through states also offer temporary licenses, subject to varying qualifications. Temporary licenses are usually issued in a reduced time frame and are valid for less than a year.  

Nurse Licensure Compact Website Link

 
 
StateCompact?Walk Through?Time Frame for Permanent LicensureSpecial Fingerprints / Background Check
Alabama 2 – 4 weeks 
Alaska  8 weeks
Arizona2 – 4 weeks
Arkansas 4 weeks
California*** 3 – 6 months
Colorado 4 – 6 weeks
Connecticut  1 – 4 weeks 
Delaware 4 – 6 weeks
District of Columbia 4 – 5 weeks
Florida 2 – 4 weeks
Georgia 10 – 15 days
Hawaii 2 – 15 days
Idaho6 weeks
Illinois*** 6 – 8 weeks
Indiana 3 – 8 weeks
Iowa 2 – 8 weeks
Kansas 2 – 4 weeks
Kentucky 2 weeks
Louisiana4 – 6 weeks*
Maine 8 – 10 weeks
Maryland 10 weeks
Massachusetts*** 4 – 5 weeks
Michigan*** 6 – 8 weeks
Minnesota  2 weeks 
Mississippi 3 – 4 weeks
Missouri2 weeks
Montana 2 weeks
Nebraska2 – 10 weeks
Nevada  2 – 4 weeks
New Hampshire 2 weeks
New Jersey 6 – 8 weeks
New Mexico 3 – 4 weeks
New York *6 – 8 weeks 
North Carolina 6 – 8 weeks
North Dakota 2 – 4 weeks
Ohio** 4 – 6 months
Oklahoma 2 – 3 weeks
Oregon  3 – 6 weeks
Pennsylvania** 2 – 3 weeks
Rhode Island*** 4+ weeks
South Carolina2 weeks
South Dakota 3 – 5 weeks
Tennessee 4 – 6 weeks
Texas 4 – 6 weeks
Utah 2 – 3 weeks
Vermont4 – 6 weeks
Virginia 4 – 6 weeks
Washington  3 – 4 weeks
West Virginia 2 weeks
Wisconsin 2 weeks
Wyoming 2 – 3 weeks

* Special conditions may apply. Ask your recruiter for details.

**Pending eNLC implementation.

***Pending eNLC legislation.