What is a Multistate License?

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

For more information about the NLC, see NLC Rules and NLC FAQs.

For NLC Rule Change FAQ regarding Rule 402(2), see New NLC Residency Rule.

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 state. A valid Registered Nurse (RN) license is also required for APRN licensure.

Applying for Multistate Licensure in DELPROS

File this request when you hold an active Delaware Registered Nurse or Practical Nurse license and:

• your license is marked “Valid Only In Delaware”,
• your primary state of residence IS Delaware, AND
• you want to have Multistate licensure privileges.

You must have a DELPROS user account to apply for the Upgrade to Multistate Nursing License service request. Follow the below steps to request the multistate upgrade:

• FIRST log in to your DELPROS dashboard.
• From your Dashboard click on SERVICE REQUEST in the blue banner at the top of the navigation bar.
• Click the APPLY FOR A NEW SERVICE REQUEST button.
• Click HERE for the instruction guide to submit a service request.
• You must enter your Delaware primary state of residence address
• You must provide a copy of your current Delaware driver’s license.
• You must get a new State of Delaware and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) criminal background check (CBC). Go to the Criminal Background Check Process page to fine the Service Code required to obtain a State of Delaware and the FBI criminal background check.  Once you have your Service Code, you will be directed to the IdentoGO website for instructions on to complete the fingerprinting process.
  • Criminal background checks completed for any other purpose (e.g., employment, licensure in other states) will not meet this requirement. 

For additional information on applying for licenses or services see our Guide to Information webpage.

Information on States Compact Status

For up-to-date information about the compact status of each state, see Current NLC States and Status.

How NLC Affects Your Delaware License

• You must meet all 11 uniform licensure requirements (ULRs) that apply to all NLC 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 have an active Delaware Single-State RN or LPN license and Delaware is your primary state of residence, you may apply for Multistate licensure.

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

Whether you are qualified for a Multistate license under the NLC 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 a RN or LPN practicing in Delaware under a Multistate license from another NLC state and you change your primary residence to Delaware, you must obtain a Delaware Multistate license when you declare your residency in Delaware. You must meet all ULRs and prove that you are a resident of Delaware by providing a copy of:
  • driver’s license,
  • voter’s registration card with home address,
  • federal tax return with a primary state of residence declaration,
  • military form no. 2058 (state of legal residence certificate), or
  • W2 form from the United States government or any bureau, division, or agency thereof, indicating residence

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

• If you hold an unrestricted Delaware Multistate RN or LPN license and you change your state of residence to another NLC, you must obtain a Multistate license in the new NLC state when you declare your residency 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 NLC 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. If your legal residence is in 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 NLC state, you do not need a Delaware license of any kind unless you are practicing in Delaware or another NLC state.

If I move to Delaware but I just renewed my Multistate license from another NLC 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 NLC state to another, you must apply for a license in the new NLC state within 60 days of when you establish your residency there.

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. Click HERE to begin the service request application in DELPROS.