each travel company is different. you normally are given a test in the area you want to work, med surg, icu etc. Then you normally send them your license or you submit your paper work for license in that state if not a compact state, application, references, immunizations, physical etc. Same as if you were applying locally for a job. some agencies will re-imburse you for what ever you paid for license. some states are walk through states like southcarolina and california. you can get a temporary license to practice when you arrive in the state. this way you can start your assignment right away. Most agencies stipulate how long you have to be an Rn before you can start traveling.