License Renewal

[Sara Anderson]

I'm licensed with a multi state license in TX.  I moved to OK a while ago but we didn't finally get rid of our tx address until a couple months ago.  At that time I got an OK DL and called Tx BON.  I explained to her my situation and she said Tx doesn't care where you live if you have a multi state license.  Now I go to renew my Tx license, which expires in a week, and I get this (see attachment).  I don't know what to do as I don't think I can get an OK license in a week andI can't mark I'm a resident of Tx.  What is the purpose if a multi state license if I can't live and use it in other states?  

[Sue Demonas, BSN, MSN, PhD, RN]

The multi state license is predicated upon the fact that you have a permanent address in a compact state, which is considered your "home" state, for licensing, fees, and discipline, if needed. What is not clear until you read the fine print is that if you move, and no longer have a license originating in the state where you reside, you then need to get the multistate license (or single state, your choice) activated in the state where you now live. It's not as flexible as it sounds, but works well for travel nurses, and faculty who teach in online programs to students who reside in other states. There may be some difference in states that I am not aware of.