The first state board of nursing came into being in 1903. It was not until about 1980, however, that the last state passed legislation mandating licensure for all RNs. Traditionally, RNs had been licensed to practice only within their state licensure and were required to be re-licensed for every other state in which they wished to practice. This article examines multistate licensure and how this practice will open up wider opportunities for today's registered nurses.