Noncompact to Compact: The nurse is responsible for applying for licensure by endorsement in the new primary state of residence (PSOR)*. A multistate license may be issued if residency and eligibility requirements are met. If the nurse holds a single state license issued by the noncompact state, it is not affected. The nurse must hold an active license in the state where they are practicing.
Compact to Noncompact: The nurse is responsible for applying for licensure by endorsement in the new PSOR. The multistate license of the former state of residency is changed to a single state license upon changing legal residency to a noncompact state. The nurse is responsible for notifying the board of nursing (BON) of the former state of residency. The nurse must hold an active license in the state where they are practicing.
Compact to Compact: When relocating PSOR to another compact state, it is the nurse’s responsibility to apply for licensure by endorsement. This should be completed within 60 days of relocation. You must have a license in the state where you reside. Proof of residency such as a current driver’s license may be required. The nurse may practice on the former home state license only UNTIL the multistate license in the new PSOR is issued. Upon issuance of a new multistate license, the former license will be deactivated.
Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is the state (also known as the home state) in which a nurse declares a primary residence for legal purposes. Sources used to verify a nurse’s primary residence may include driver’s license, federal income tax return or voter registration. PSOR refers to legal residency status and does not pertain to home or property ownership. Only one state can be identified as the primary state of legal residence for NLC purposes.
This information can also be on the Moving Scenarios Fact Sheet.