" The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license but the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.
Originally developed in 2000, in 2024 the license has grown to include 39 states. To help streamline the process for nurses the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure which the original compact license was lacking.
Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of it’s citizens. However, the requirements for some health care professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.
South Carolina is a compact state. If you are moving to South Carolina or claiming it as your primary state of residence, you will need to apply for application by endorsement in order to use your license in South Carolina. General instructions are listed below.
Graduation from an approved nursing program and passing licensure exam results within three years of graduation
Proof of English language proficiency if your native language is not English. Click here.
Complete, notarized application with fees
$100 application fee
$110 if requesting temporary permit
2x2 passport style photograph (recent)
Birth Certificate or passport. The Board does not accept hospital birth certificates
Proof of continuing competence
Proof of residence
Driver’s license
Voters Registration
State ID
Proof of lawful presence. See page 8 and 9 of the application.
Criminal back ground check with applicable fee made payable to MorphoTrust USA. See page 4 of application for information.
Verification of Original Licensure
submit verification form, or
Utilize Nursys if your original state participates in Nursys
Your license must be renewed every even numbered year on the 30th of April. License renewal cost is $75. Click here for more information.
Continuing competency requirements are as follows:
30 Contact hours from a Board recognized provider
Certification or recertification of a Board recognized national certifying organization
Completion of an academic, nursing or nursing related program. The program must be Board recognized
Your employer may verify your competency and the number of hours you have practiced
Verification must be on a Board approved form
Click here for more details.
To view other options, click here to go to the Continuing competency Requirements page.
Web Address: www.llr.state.sc.us/pol/nursing
Physical Address
Synergy Business Park Kingstree Building 110 Centerview Drive, Suite 202 Columbia, SC 29210
Phone Number: 803.896.4550
Fax Number: 803.896.4515
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.