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Check Our Licenses and Certifications at NurseStar Medical Partners

What are "compact" states?

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. This may affect your decision on where you take assignments, especially if you are working with tight time frames. 

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. 

State Compact Walk Through? Time Frame for Permanent Licensure Special Fingerprints / Background Check
Alabama   2 - 4 weeks  
Alaska     8 weeks
Arizona 2 - 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
Idaho 6 weeks
Illinois ***   6 - 8 weeks
Indiana   3 - 8 weeks
Iowa   2 - 8 weeks
Kansas   2 - 4 weeks
Kentucky   2 weeks
Louisiana 4 - 6 weeks *
Maine   8 - 10 weeks
Maryland   10 weeks
Massachusetts ***   4 - 5 weeks  
Michigan ***   6 - 8 weeks
Minnesota     2 weeks  
Mississippi   3 - 4 weeks
Missouri 2 weeks
Montana   2 weeks
Nebraska 2 - 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 Carolina 2 weeks
South Dakota   3 - 5 weeks
Tennessee   4 - 6 weeks
Texas   4 - 6 weeks
Utah   2 - 3 weeks
Vermont 4 - 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.

For up to date information, please visit the American Traveler site at: https://www.americantraveler.com/nursing-license-time-frames-state