Compact license question

Published

Hi there,

I'm a bit confused regarding compact licensure. I know I have to declare my primary state of residency a compact state in order to obtain a compact license. My question is this: If I move to a compact state, into an apartment, live in it for 6 months to a year and in that time get a compact license and decide to do traveling nursing, then how does that work? I legally won't have a permanent residence anymore because I won't be keeping the apartment that I will no longer live in. If I need a place to stay, say between assignments, then I would go be with family who do not reside in a compact state. Also, can my mailing address be a completely different address (than my permanent residence) since I'll be a traveler? I hope I'm clear enough. I'll answer any clarifying questions needed if I'm not! Thanks so much :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you no longer maintain your legal residence in a compact state, that license loses its multi-state privileges and reverts to a single state license only.

As far as mailing address, you can use any address that you want. There is no requirement that you have to receive your mail at your legal residences.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So it would do me no good to move to a compact state in which I already work for 6 months to a year to get the compact license in order to travel with it if I gave up the apartment in which I lived?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, no advantage whatsoever without maintaining residency.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So if I were to pack up and move from where I live (renting alone) now, to start traveling nursing, and I don't own any property to consider my "permanent residence" am I able to just pick a family member and make that my permanent residence? Get a drivers license there, use that state as my taxing state, etc. Would that be a plausible option? I'm trying to figure out what to do without actually having to buy a house anywhere since I have no idea where I want to live indefinitely. I don't want to do anything that would be frowned upon or illegal without me knowing. Thank you so much for your help!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Although each state varies in what is required to establish residency, this might allow you to do so as long as you meet that state's requirements.

If you post in the travel nurse forum NedRN might be able to better answer this question.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so much!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion