What is a Multistate License?

Under the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC), a Multistate Delaware license allows a Registered Nurse (RN) or Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) to care for patients in other eNLC states without having to obtain licensure in those states. A nurse who holds a Multistate license in an eNLC state such as Delaware but practices in one or more non-eNLC states must hold a license in each non-eNLC state.

For more information about the eNLC, see eNLC Rules and eNLC Implementation FAQs.

Currently, Delaware does not have multistate Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) licenses. To practice as an APRN in Delaware, an APRN must hold a Delaware-issued APRN license regardless of whether he/she holds an APRN license in another eNLC.

Compact Status of States

The implementation date for the eNLC in Delaware is January 19, 2018. Not all states are eNLC states starting on that date. As of this writing, some are still Original Compact states, while others are Non-Compact states. Some of the eNLC states, like Delaware, were in the Original Compact while others were Non-Compact. A few states have eNLC legislation pending as of this writing. For the up-to-date compact status of each state, see NLC Member States.

How eNLC Affects Your Delaware License

• If you held an RN or LPN Multistate license issued by any Original Compact state (including Delaware) before July 20, 2017, and if that license is still in good standing as of January 19, 2018, your Multistate license will be grandfathered – that is, it will continue to be a Multistate license. You don’t have to do anything to keep it Multistate.

• If you apply for an original Delaware license after January 19, 2018, you must meet 11 uniform licensure requirements (ULRs) that apply to all eNLC states in order to receive a Multistate license. However, if you don’t meet all ULRs, you may still receive a Delaware license but it will be a Single-State license valid only in Delaware.

• If you hold a Delaware Multi-State license that was issued or reinstated on or after July 20, 2017 but before January 19, 2018, your license was based on the Original Compact rules that were in effect during this interim period. You will continue to qualify for a Multistate license starting January 19, 2018 only if you meet all 11 eNLC ULRs. Otherwise, your Delaware license will change to a Single-State license valid only in Delaware on January 19, 2018. If you do not have Multistate privileges in your state of legal residence, you must hold a separate license in each state where you practice even if it is an eNLC state.

• If you have an active Delaware Single-State RN or LPN license and Delaware is your primary state of residence, you may apply for Multistate licensure. Complete the Application to Upgrade to Multistate Licensure.

How Moving To or From Delaware Affects Your RN or LPN License

Whether you are qualified for a Multistate license under eNLC depends in part on which state is your legal primary state of residence. Changing your legal state of residence may affect the RN or LPN license(s) you already hold.

• If you are an RN or LPN practicing in Delaware under a Multistate license from another eNLC state and you change your primary residence to Delaware, you must obtain a Delaware Multistate license within 90 days of establishing residence here. You must meet all ULRs and prove that you are a resident of Delaware by providing a copy of:
  • driver’s license
  • state-issued identification card, or
  • voter’s registration card

If you do not quality for a Delaware Multistate, you may receive a Single-State license valid only in Delawawre.

• If you hold an unrestricted Delaware Multistate RN or LPN license and you change your state of residence to another eNLC, you must obtain a Multistate license in the new eNLC state within 90 days of establishing residence there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I have a license (RN or LPN) in Delaware and Maryland at the same time if my legal residence is in Pennsylvania?

Answer: Yes. Since Pennsylvania is not an eNLC state, you must obtain a license in each state where you practice. The Delaware license would have “Valid only in Delaware” printed on it.

Do I need a Delaware license (RN or LPN) if I’m moving to Delaware, but I’ll be working only in Maryland?

Answer: Your license must be issued by the state where you reside. Since your legal residence is Delaware, you need a Delaware Multistate license, not a Maryland license, to practice in Maryland. If you don’t qualify for a Delaware Multistate because you don’t meet all the ULRs, you would need a Maryland Single-State license to practice in Maryland.

Do I need a Delaware license (RN or LPN) if I’m moving to Delaware, but will be working only in Pennsylvania?

Answer: You would need a Pennsylvania license. Since Pennsylvania is not an eNLC state, you do not need a Delaware license of any kind unless you are practicing in Delaware or another eNLC state.

If I move to Delaware but I just renewed my Multistate license from another eNLC state, do I have to obtain a Delaware license right away or can I wait until my license needs to be renewed?

Answer: If you move from one eNLC state to another, you have 90 days from the time you establish residency in the new eNLC state to obtain a license in the new state. Continuing to work/practice beyond that 90-day limit constitutes practice without a license and is subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Nursing.

How do I obtain a Multistate license?

Answer: If you have an active Delaware single state RN or LPN license, and claim Delaware as your primary state of residence, you may apply for Multistate licensure status. Complete the Application to Upgrade to Multistate Licensure form.