You’ve just picked up another assignment this time in Texas, while still licensed and working shifts in Florida. Everything is nearly in place, until a critical detail surfaces: your Basic Life Support (BLS) certification has just expired. Without it, you can’t renew your license or step into that next hospital rotation.
This isn’t uncommon. As of July 2025, there are 6,861,884 actively licensed nurses in the U.S., according to the NCSBN. Many of them work across multiple states under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). But juggling multi-state compliance is challenging, especially when each license comes with its own renewal rules, and BLS certification is often at the center of it. To stay license-ready and legally compliant, a valid BLS certification is required.
Keep reading to learn how to maintain your multi-state license with BLS certification online, and how to make sure your credentials never hold you back.
Why BLS Certification Matters When You’re Licensed in Multiple States
If you’re working across state lines, whether through a travel nurse contract, a per diem agency, or simply holding multiple active licenses, you already know how much coordination it takes.
In compact states under the NLC, you only need to renew your license through your primary state of residence. But that doesn’t make the process simple. Your home state’s Board of Nursing may require proof of current BLS certification at the time of renewal. Other states might not mandate it directly, but employers still expect it for eligibility, meaning an expired BLS can keep you from working even if your license is technically active.
Outside the NLC, if you hold multiple licenses in non-compact states, each renewal may have different requirements. BLS certification often appears as a baseline, alongside continuing education and background checks.
In short: a valid, board-accepted BLS certification is one of the most universally expected elements for staying license-ready across state lines.
How to Maintain a Multi-State License With BLS Certification Online: Step by Step
When you’re juggling multiple licenses and transitioning between facilities, states, or telehealth assignments, the best defense against delays is a solid, streamlined process. Here’s how to keep your multi-state license active and your BLS certification valid without missing a beat.
1. Stay on Highest of License Renewals
Start with your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), the one listed under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). As of 2025, 43 states and jurisdictions are part of the NLC. If you live in a compact state, that license gives you multi-state privileges, but only if it’s kept current.
Each state board has its own renewal window (typically every two years), so track each one separately if you’re also licensed in non-compact states. And if you move? You’ll need to apply for a new license in your new home state within 60 days to avoid a lapse.
2. Know Your Continuing Education (CE) Requirements by State
Continuing Education (CE) requirements vary. Some states mandate specific coursework like pain management or cultural competency, while others are more general. Even if you work remotely via telehealth, you still need to meet each state’s CE standards.
To stay organized, use a CE tracker or credentialing app that lets you upload certificates and set reminders for upcoming deadlines.
3. Keep Your BLS Certification Current and Online
While BLS certification isn’t technically required to hold a compact license, it is required by nearly every hospital, clinic, agency, and telehealth platform. An expired BLS can stall onboarding or remove you from a shift schedule instantly.
The solution? Choose an online BLS certification course that’s nationally recognized and follows ECC-aligned guidelines. Most certifications are valid for two years and offer instant digital certificates. Store your certificate in the cloud so it’s always ready when HR asks.
4. Sync Your Renewal Timeline
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to align your license, CE, and BLS renewals within the same general window. While it might not always line up perfectly, partial alignment helps you avoid scattered deadlines.
Some online providers even offer bundled CE and BLS recertification packages, saving time, paperwork, and mental energy.
5. Protect Your License Status Across States
Any disciplinary action in one state can trigger a domino effect (series of problems) across all of your licenses. That means one problem in one state can cause trouble with your other licenses. Always respond promptly to board inquiries, submit renewal documents on time, and address any audits or complaints, even minor ones.
Maintain an organized digital file containing every license, CE certificate, BLS card, email confirmation, and renewal receipt. You never know when you’ll need to provide proof quickly.
6. Use the Right Tools to Stay Ready
Mobile credential wallets can store all your documentation, BLS cards, CE transcripts, and license verifications in one place, accessible from anywhere. Set digital reminders for every upcoming expiration. Most credentialing lapses don’t happen because someone forgot; they happen because professionals are too busy juggling multiple systems.
7. Keep an Eye on Changing Policies
Telehealth laws, compact agreements, and even accepted BLS providers can change. Some employers only recognize BLS certifications from specific organizations.
Before switching roles or relocating, double-check what’s required. Spending five minutes verifying requirements now can prevent lost contracts later.
Making Renewal Simple: Tips and Tools
With the U.S. expected to face a physician shortage of up to 124,000 by 2034, holding licenses in multiple states is increasingly common. But juggling different state requirements can quickly become overwhelming. A few simple habits can help you stay organized and compliant:
- Set Your Own Alerts: Don’t rely on your employer to remind you. Use your phone’s calendar or a reminder app to flag upcoming BLS and license renewal deadlines before they sneak up on you.
- Bundle When You Can: Some providers let you renew BLS certification online and earn CE credits at the same time. It’s not just easier; it cuts down on duplicate work.
- Keep Docs in One Place: Store your BLS card, CE transcripts, and license confirmations in a secure cloud folder. That way, when a new contract or audit comes up, you’re not scrambling to track anything down.
Final Check: Don’t Let BLS Expiry Disrupt Your License
You could be licensed in five states and still miss a shift because of one expired BLS certification online card. It’s the small details, stored copies, timely reminders, synced renewals that keep your credentials ready. If you’re managing several licenses, use reminder apps or calendars to track expiry dates. Create a checklist for each state’s requirements and stick to that. It keeps you eligible for various roles.
Stay ahead of it now, so your next assignment isn’t delayed by paperwork. Need to renew fast? Choose an online BLS course that’s recognized in every state where you work.