Texas nurse licensing and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Paloma Talent · Updated October 6, 2026In Texas, registered nurses (RNs) and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) are licensed by the Texas Board of Nursing. Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so a nurse with a multistate license from another compact state can practice in Texas without a separate Texas license.
Who issues nursing licenses in Texas
The Texas Board of Nursing licenses RNs, LVNs and advanced practice registered nurses. Employers verify a nurse’s license directly with the board.
How the Nurse Licensure Compact works
- A nurse’s primary state of residence issues the license.
- If that state is a compact member and the nurse meets the uniform requirements, the license is multistate.
- A multistate license lets the nurse practice in any other compact state, in person or by telehealth.
- When a nurse moves their primary residence to another compact state, they apply for a license in the new home state.
Moving to Texas from a non-compact state
Nurses licensed in a state that is not in the compact apply to the Texas Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before working in Texas.
LVN and LPN
Texas uses the title licensed vocational nurse (LVN). Most other states use licensed practical nurse (LPN). The compact covers both RN and LPN/LVN licenses.
Questions
Is Texas a compact state?
Yes. Texas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Can a Texas nurse work in another state?
With a Texas multistate license, a nurse can practice in other compact states. Non-compact states require their own license.