Transferring License?

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Mar 24, 2017

If you hold a licence in a compact state and live in that compact state, you have a multi-state license. If you move to another compact state, you maintain your multi-state license. If you move to a non-compact state, your multistate license converts to a single state. For example, I live KY and have a KY license. Since it is a compact state, I have a multi-state license. I plan on building a house across the river in Indiana (non-compact). Once I change my address, my multi-state KY license converts to a single state KY license.

You do not lose any licenses you currently have. You can hold as many state licenses as you want. Travel nurses have many licenses.

ComeTogether, LPN · Mar 26, 2017

Ohhh, OK. Thats perfect because I'm moving to RI, which is a compact state but I'm going to be working in MA which is a non compact state.

quiltynurse56, LPN, LVN · Mar 26, 2017

I live in Iowa which is a compact state. So I could take assignments in Minnesota, non compact, I applied for and received a Minnesota license. So, I have a multi-state license, where I live as well as take assignments, and a single state license so I can work across the state line.

elkpark · Mar 26, 2017

Ohhh, OK. Thats perfect because I'm moving to RI, which is a compact state but I'm going to be working in MA which is a non compact state.

Just to be clear, though, be aware that you'll need to apply for licensure in RI. If you move from a compact state to a non-compact state, your previous license loses its "compact privileges" and becomes a traditional, single-state license, but, if you move to another compact state, your previous compact state license becomes invalid 90 days after you move to the new state (unless you are maintaining a permanent legal residence in the previous state).

The compact rules state that one can only hold licensure in one compact state at a time, and it must be from your home state.

Of course, if you don't plan on working in RI and don't care about letting the SC license lapse, you don't have to be licensed in RI. But you won't be able to use your SC license to work in RI (past the 90 day grace period).