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Healthcare license portability
Licensed Practical Nurse license reciprocity by state
Licensed Practical Nurse licenses are broadly portable across the US — 47 of the 50 states and DC offer direct recognition or licensure by endorsement, though endorsement often still requires a state-specific law or business exam. Each row below links to the state's official licensing board and lists the specific reciprocal states where we have them.
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38 states recognize
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9 via endorsement
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3 require exam
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The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) lets nurses with a multistate license practice in any other member state without a separate application. NLC membership varies by state (and by license type) — check each destination state's entry to see whether it participates.
Reciprocity tier legend
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Recognized
Existing license or national cert accepted directly.
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Endorsement
Apply for a new license — paperwork, fees, no re-exam.
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Exam required
Must retake the state exam or complete state-specific training.
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Not recognized
No reciprocity pathway. Satisfy state requirements from scratch.
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No license required
State does not license this profession.
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Unclear
State policy ambiguous or silent. Contact licensing board.
All 50 states + DC
Each row links to the full licensed practical nurse profile for that state — exam costs, application fees, licensing board contact, and the source language behind the tier classification.
| State | Reciprocity tier | Summary | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | check_circle Recognized |
Alabama is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees require endorsement with educational review.
Reciprocal states: Alabama is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Alabama. LPNs moving to Alabama from another NLC state must apply for an Alabama multistate license within 30 days. For non-NLC states, verification of licensure from the original state is required, and the nursing program must substantially meet Alabama's educational criteria.
Official state board
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| Alaska | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Alaska offers LPN licensure by endorsement, requiring verification, exam proof, and recent practice hours.
Reciprocal states: Alaska offers LPN licensure by endorsement for nurses licensed in other states. Applicants must submit verification of their current license, evidence of passing the NCLEX-PN or SBTPE, and proof of having practiced at least 320 hours in the past two years. If they cannot document 320 hours, they must satisfy continuing competency requirements or complete a Board-approved refresher course. If they haven't practiced in the last five years, a Board-approved refresher course is required. Verification of licensure from the initial state and current state is required. Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state.
Official state board
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| Arizona | check_circle Recognized |
Arizona is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Arizona. If Arizona becomes their primary state of residence, they must apply for an Arizona multistate license. LPNs licensed in non-NLC states can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires verification of their original license, a criminal background check, and meeting Arizona's educational requirements.
Official state board
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| Arkansas | check_circle Recognized |
Arkansas is a compact state; licensure by endorsement is available for nurses establishing residency or from non-compact states.
Reciprocal states: Arkansas is a compact state. Licensure by endorsement is available for nurses licensed in other jurisdictions, provided their primary state of residence is Arkansas or a non-compact state. Verification of licensure from the original state is required, often through Nursys.com.
Official state board
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| California | edit_note Exam required |
California does not participate in NLC; endorsement is available, but examination may be required if education is not met.
Reciprocal states: California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants licensed in another U.S. state, territory, or Canada must apply for licensure by endorsement and meet California's educational requirements. If educational requirements are not met, applicants must apply for licensure by examination.
Official state board
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| Colorado | check_circle Recognized |
Colorado is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Colorado is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with an active multistate license from another compact state can practice in Colorado. For those from non-NLC states, licensure by endorsement is available, requiring verification of a current license, completion of an equivalent practical nursing program, and passing the NCLEX-PN or equivalent exam.
Official state board
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| Connecticut | check_circle Recognized |
Connecticut is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Connecticut is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Connecticut. LPNs licensed in non-NLC states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Delaware | check_circle Recognized |
Delaware is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for endorsement if practice requirements are met.
Reciprocal states: Delaware is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Delaware. Those moving to Delaware from another compact state must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days of establishing residency. LPNs licensed in a non-compact state can apply for licensure by endorsement if they meet practice requirements (graduation from a board-approved program within the past two years with at least 400 clinical hours, or 1,000 hours of practice over the past five years, or 400 hours over the past two years, or completion of a board-approved refresher program).
Official state board
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| District of Columbia | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
DC does not participate in NLC; LPNs licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: The District of Columbia does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. LPNs licensed in other states may apply for licensure by endorsement. Verification of licensure is required from the original state of licensure and any current state of licensure. If the state participates in Nursys, verification should be completed through Nursys. If not, direct verification from the state board is required.
Official state board
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| Florida | check_circle Recognized |
Florida is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-NLC licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Florida is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in Florida. For non-NLC states, licensure by endorsement is available for those with an active, unencumbered license, provided the original licensure requirements were substantially equivalent to Florida's.
Official state board
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| Georgia | check_circle Recognized |
Georgia is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Georgia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state to practice in Georgia. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Hawaii | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Hawaii does not participate in NLC; nurses licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Hawaii does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Idaho | check_circle Recognized |
Idaho is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Endorsement is available for those establishing residency or from non-compact states.
Reciprocal states: Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice without additional licensure unless they declare Idaho as their primary state of residence. For endorsement, applicants need an active, unencumbered license from another U.S. jurisdiction, graduation from an accredited nursing program, and must have actively practiced nursing a minimum of 80 hours in the past three years.
Official state board
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| Illinois | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Illinois is not an NLC state; LPNs licensed elsewhere can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires meeting Illinois' eligibility requirements, including proof of current LPN licensure, official transcripts from a state-approved nursing program, passing NCLEX-PN scores, and a criminal background check.
Official state board
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| Indiana | check_circle Recognized |
Indiana is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Endorsement is available for non-NLC licensees.
Reciprocal states: Indiana offers licensure by endorsement for LPNs licensed in other states. Indiana is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs with a compact license from another NLC state to practice in Indiana without additional licensure.
Official state board
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| Iowa | check_circle Recognized |
Iowa is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Relocating NLC nurses must apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Iowa is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, allowing LPNs from other compact states to practice. Nurses relocating from another compact state must apply for a new license by endorsement in Iowa within 60 days.
Official state board
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| Kansas | check_circle Recognized |
Kansas is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Kansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multi-state license from another compact state can practice in Kansas. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Kentucky | edit_note Exam required |
Kentucky is an NLC state; relocating NLC nurses must apply for endorsement and pass a jurisprudence exam.
Reciprocal states: Kentucky is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs licensed in Kentucky may practice in other compact states with a multistate license. LPNs moving from a compact state and declaring Kentucky as their primary state of residence must apply for licensure by endorsement. Endorsement applicants must also pass the Jurisprudence Exam and complete state and federal criminal background checks.
Official state board
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| Louisiana | check_circle Recognized |
Louisiana is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Louisiana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs licensed in other NLC states with a multistate license can practice in Louisiana. LPNs licensed in non-compact states or those with a single-state license in a compact state may be eligible for licensure by endorsement if they meet Louisiana's criteria, including having a current, unrestricted LPN license, completing a Board-approved nursing education program, passing the NCLEX-PN, and undergoing a criminal background check.
Official state board
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| Maine | check_circle Recognized |
Maine is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Relocating NLC or non-compact licensees apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact state. LPNs with a multi-state license from another compact state can practice in Maine. Those moving to Maine from a compact state must submit a Declaration of Primary Residence Form upon relocation and apply for a Maine multi-state license. LPNs licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Maryland | check_circle Recognized |
Maryland is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in Maryland without further licensure, unless they plan to change their permanent residency to Maryland. LPNs licensed in a non-compact state can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires verification of their original license, a background check, and potentially an English proficiency exam for internationally educated nurses.
Official state board
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| Massachusetts | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Massachusetts does not participate in NLC; applicants licensed elsewhere must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Massachusetts does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Applicants licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Michigan | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Michigan does not participate in NLC; LPNs licensed elsewhere can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Michigan does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement. Those licensed in Canada may apply for reciprocity.
Official state board
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| Minnesota | help_outline Unclear |
The provided text is a list of states and does not describe Minnesota's reciprocity rules.
Reciprocal states: Wisconsin, Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota
Official state board
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| Mississippi | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Mississippi does not participate in NLC for LPNs; out-of-state licensees must apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Mississippi does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) for LPNs. LPNs licensed in other states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Missouri | check_circle Recognized |
Missouri is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Missouri is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in Missouri. LPNs from non-compact states must apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Montana | check_circle Recognized |
Montana is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Relocating NLC or non-compact licensees apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Montana is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Montana without a separate license. If changing primary state of residence to Montana, an LPN must apply for a Montana license within 60 days. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Nebraska | check_circle Recognized |
Nebraska is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Non-compact licensees can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Nebraska is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate NLC license from another compact state can practice in Nebraska. Those licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement, which may include a temporary permit.
Official state board
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| Nevada | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Nevada does not participate in NLC; LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Nevada does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| New Hampshire | check_circle Recognized |
New Hampshire is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice. Endorsement requires meeting practice hour requirements.
Reciprocal states: New Hampshire is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license to practice in other compact states. For endorsement, applicants must meet specific practice hour or recent NCLEX completion requirements. Some states (California, Hawaii, Louisiana (PN), Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania) require paper verification of licensure.
Official state board
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| New Jersey | check_circle Recognized |
New Jersey is an NLC state; LPNs with a multistate license can practice directly.
Reciprocal states: New Jersey is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with an active, unencumbered multistate license from another NLC state may practice in New Jersey. New Jersey residents who meet the requirements can apply for a multistate license.
Official state board
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| New Mexico | check_circle Recognized |
New Mexico is an NLC state; LPNs with a multistate license can practice directly.
Reciprocal states: New Mexico is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs holding a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in New Mexico. If New Mexico becomes the primary state of residence, a New Mexico multistate license is required.
Official state board
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| New York | edit_note Exam required |
New York offers endorsement, but requires passing the NCLEX-PN or State Board Test Pool Examination.
Reciprocal states: New York does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Licensure by endorsement is available for LPNs licensed in other U.S. states, territories, or Canada who meet New York's requirements, including passing the NCLEX-PN or State Board Test Pool Examination (SBTPE).
Official state board
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| North Carolina | check_circle Recognized |
North Carolina is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: North Carolina is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in NC. Those from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| North Dakota | check_circle Recognized |
North Dakota is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice without additional licensure.
Reciprocal states: North Dakota is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC member state to practice without additional licensure. Those moving to North Dakota and declaring it as their primary state of residence must apply for a North Dakota multistate license.
Official state board
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| Ohio | check_circle Recognized |
Ohio is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Ohio is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice. LPNs licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Oklahoma | check_circle Recognized |
Oklahoma is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Oklahoma is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice without obtaining an additional license. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Oregon | assignment_turned_in Endorsement |
Oregon is not an NLC state; LPNs licensed elsewhere can apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Oregon is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs licensed in other states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Pennsylvania | check_circle Recognized |
Pennsylvania is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Pennsylvania is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania LPNs whose primary residence is Pennsylvania can apply for a multistate license to practice in other NLC states. LPNs from non-NLC states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Rhode Island | check_circle Recognized |
Rhode Island is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Rhode Island is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state as of January 1, 2024. Eligible LPNs can obtain a multistate license to practice in other compact states. LPNs licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| South Carolina | check_circle Recognized |
South Carolina is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: South Carolina is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs licensed in other compact states to practice. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| South Dakota | check_circle Recognized |
South Dakota is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: South Dakota is a compact state, allowing multi-state licensure for nurses from other eNLC states. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires verification of original licensure, transcripts, NCLEX-PN passing score, and a criminal background check.
Official state board
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| Tennessee | check_circle Recognized |
Tennessee is an eNLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Tennessee is a member of the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC). LPNs from other compact states can practice in Tennessee without obtaining a new license. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Texas | check_circle Recognized |
Texas is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Texas is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs with a multi-state license to practice in other NLC states. LPNs from non-NLC states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Utah | check_circle Recognized |
Utah is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Utah is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC state to practice. LPNs from non-NLC states or those without a multistate license can apply for licensure by endorsement, which requires a valid LPN license, passing the NCLEX-PN, verification of current license, a clean disciplinary record, fingerprints for a criminal background check, and official transcripts.
Official state board
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| Vermont | check_circle Recognized |
Vermont is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Vermont is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice. LPNs licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Virginia | check_circle Recognized |
Virginia is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multi-state license from another compact state to practice in Virginia. For non-compact states, licensure by endorsement is available, requiring verification of licensure from the original state and meeting Virginia's requirements.
Official state board
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| Washington | check_circle Recognized |
Washington is an NLC state; LPNs with a multistate license can practice directly.
Reciprocal states: Washington is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another NLC jurisdiction can practice in Washington. LPNs with a single-state Washington license can apply to convert to a multistate license.
Official state board
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| West Virginia | check_circle Recognized |
West Virginia is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: West Virginia is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice. LPNs licensed in non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Wisconsin | check_circle Recognized |
Wisconsin is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Wisconsin is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state do not need to apply for licensure unless permanently moving to Wisconsin. LPNs from non-compact states can apply for licensure by endorsement.
Official state board
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| Wyoming | check_circle Recognized |
Wyoming is an NLC state; multistate licensees can practice, others apply for endorsement.
Reciprocal states: Wyoming is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing LPNs with a multistate license from another compact state to practice without additional licensure. For those licensed in non-compact states, licensure by endorsement is available, requiring proof of an approved nursing program, passing the NCLEX-PN, an active unencumbered license, and a background check.
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How this was compiled · Last updated 2026-07-21
Reciprocity tiers and summaries are compiled from each state's licensing board and department of professional regulation — linked per row above — and reviewed against public board guidance. Licensing rules change frequently and often depend on your license class (for example journeyman vs. master) and the specific states involved. Always confirm current requirements directly with the destination state's board before making a career or relocation decision. This page is informational and is not legal or licensing advice.
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Each profession has its own state-by-state reciprocity matrix.
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