Nevada Compact Nursing License 2026: NLC Status & Requirements
If you are asking “is Nevada a compact nursing license state?”, the short answer is no for current practice authority. Nevada nurses and out-of-state nurses should plan around Nevada’s single-state licensure rules unless the Nevada State Board of Nursing or the official NLC map shows a future change.
Is Nevada a Compact Nursing License State in 2026?
No. Nevada is not currently an active Nurse Licensure Compact state for RN/LPN multistate practice privileges. The Nevada State Board of Nursing has published information about efforts to pursue NLC legislation, but nurses should not rely on compact privilege in Nevada unless official Nevada Board guidance and the official NLC map show Nevada as active.
This matters because Nevada’s endorsement instructions state that a nurse or nursing assistant must hold an active Nevada license or certificate to practice in Nevada. If you are licensed in another state and want to work in Nevada, the usual route is a Nevada license by endorsement.
Nevada Nursing License Route Finder
Select your situation to see the likely next step.
Nevada License Requirements for Out-of-State Nurses
If you are already licensed as an RN or LPN in another state, Nevada generally uses the license by endorsement process. The Nevada State Board of Nursing directs applicants to use the Nevada Nurse Portal and submit the required documentation after creating a portal account.
| Requirement | What Nevada asks for |
|---|---|
| Application | Apply through the Nevada Nurse Portal for RN or LPN endorsement. |
| Current licensure | You must be licensed in another state if applying by endorsement. |
| Education evidence | Submit proof of graduation, such as an official transcript or diploma showing degree and graduation date. |
| Original license verification | Submit official verification from the original state where you were licensed by examination. If that state participates in Nursys, use Nursys license verification for endorsement. |
| Fingerprint background check | Submit fingerprints. Nevada notes that permanent licensure will not be issued until required state and federal reports are received and reviewed. |
| SSN or ITIN | Nevada requires a valid U.S. Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number for the application. |
| Recent practice | You must have practiced nursing within the previous five years, or Nevada may require a refresher course or NCLEX retesting. |
| Temporary license | Board staff may determine eligibility for a one-time temporary license after you apply. Nevada states the temporary license is valid for six months and is not extended or reissued. |
Nevada RN and LPN Endorsement Fees
| Application type | Nevada Board fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RN license by endorsement | $100 | Paid to the Nevada State Board of Nursing; fees are listed as non-refundable. |
| LPN license by endorsement | $90 | Paid to the Nevada State Board of Nursing; fees are listed as non-refundable. |
| License verification | Separate fee may apply | If your original state uses Nursys, complete the Nursys endorsement verification process. Nursys fees are paid separately. |
| Fingerprinting | Separate vendor or agency fee may apply | Fingerprint costs depend on the method and provider used. |
Fingerprinting and Background Check Timing
Nevada’s endorsement instructions recommend completing fingerprints promptly because permanent licensure cannot be issued until the Nevada Department of Public Safety and FBI reports are received and reviewed. The Board notes that the fingerprint process can take up to four months in some cases.
Applicants should check application status through the Nevada Nurse Portal and allow processing time before contacting the Board.
What Nevada Nurses Should Know About the NLC
| Scenario | What it means |
|---|---|
| You live in Nevada and want a compact license | Nevada is not an active NLC state, so Nevada residents cannot receive a Nevada-issued multistate compact license at this time. |
| You hold a compact license from another state | That license does not automatically authorize practice in Nevada while Nevada remains outside active compact status. |
| You are moving from a compact state to Nevada | Plan to apply for Nevada licensure if you intend to practice in Nevada. |
| You work telehealth across state lines | Confirm the patient location and each state’s practice authority rules before providing care. |
Nevada State Board of Nursing Contact and Map
The Nevada State Board of Nursing provides licensing services through its Reno and Las Vegas offices. Hours are listed as 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Pacific time, Monday through Friday.
6005 Plumas St., Suite 100
Reno, NV 89519
Fax: (775) 687-7707
5820 S. Eastern Ave., Suite 200
Las Vegas, NV 89119
Fax: (702) 486-5803
Official Nevada Nursing License Links
FAQ: Nevada Compact Nursing License
Is Nevada a compact nursing license state in 2026?
No. Nevada is not currently an active Nurse Licensure Compact state for multistate RN/LPN practice privileges.
Can I work in Nevada with a compact nursing license from another state?
No, not by compact privilege alone. If you want to practice nursing in Nevada, you generally need an active Nevada nursing license.
How do I get a Nevada nursing license if I am licensed in another state?
Apply by endorsement through the Nevada Nurse Portal, submit the required fee, education documentation, official original-state license verification, fingerprints, and any additional information requested by the Nevada State Board of Nursing.
How much is Nevada RN or LPN endorsement?
Nevada lists the RN endorsement application fee as $100 and the LPN endorsement application fee as $90. Separate costs may apply for verification and fingerprinting.
Does Nevada issue paper nursing licenses?
Nevada states that it does not issue hard card licenses. License information can be printed from the Board website, and Nursys e-Notify can be used for primary-source equivalent monitoring.