Nursing · NY
Can a Registered Nurse transfer a license to New York as a military spouse?
Data as of May 2026|Source: Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) commission + DOJ Servicemembers Initiative
Published by the Honest MOS Editorial DeskVerified against DoD/.gov sourcesUpdated May 2026Editorial standards
⚠ VAEIA federal backstop
Not through the compact — New York is not currently a Nursing compact member. A military-spouse Registered Nurse relies on VAEIA 2022 / 50 U.S.C. § 4025a, which requires New York to recognize a valid out-of-state license upon relocation for military orders.
Your nursing board in New York
New York military-spouse provision
Military spouses get expedited review, a 50% reduction on initial application fees, and may obtain a temporary practice permit.
Official source ↗About the Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC)
Allows an RN or LPN/VN with a multistate license to practice in any other compact-member state without re-licensing. Largest compact in the country.
Official compact site ↗All Nursing member states
40 jurisdictions. Tap any to check that destination for this profession.