RN Licensure Requirements by State

Submitted by admin on Thu, 03/21/2024 - 13:26
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If you’d like to practice nursing in multiple states, there have never been more opportunities—but first, you’ll need to understand how nursing licensure requirements vary by state.

Some states require specific education modules and others require additional fees for nursing students educated out-of-state. The list below is meant to help you stay informed on what each state requires when applying for a nursing license.

The information in this resource is up to date as of March 2024. Remember that state-specific requirements for licensure change often, so you should also check the official nursing board website for your state to verify the current standards.

What is the Nurse Licensure Compact?

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows registered nurses (RNs) to practice in multiple states.

Nurses with an NLC license can practice in their home state and any other Compact state or US territory that honors the Compact.

The NLC keeps nurses from having to apply for a separate license in every state where they want to practice. It also benefits patients by expanding access to care providers.

In 2018, the original NLC agreement was replaced with a new one called the eNLC. The eNLC mandated that nurses applying for this type of license get a state and federal background check, even if their home state did not require it for nursing licensure.

Forty-one US states and multiple US territories currently participate in the NLC, and many of the remaining states or territories have legislation pending that could soon make it legal.

All Compact states require that applicants establish proof of residency in the state they claim as their primary state of residence (PSOR).

NLC states require a fee for first-time applicants, although those fees vary from state to state. These application fees are typically separate from background checks and fingerprinting costs. First-time applicants should also be prepared to pay $200 for the NCLEX-RN Examination.

What are the Uniform Multistate Licensure requirements?

Compact states have a set of universal standards for nursing licensure that all participating nurses must meet. These requirements allow nurses to practice across any participating state lines.

These requirements include:

  • Graduation requirement. Approved applicants must hold a degree from a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse program that is board-approved in their primary state of residence.
  • Examination requirement. Approved applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN exam.
  • Legal requirement. Approved applicants must complete a state and federal background check, including submitting their fingerprints. The legal record must be free of any felony conviction, state or federal, and any misdemeanor offense related to nursing.
  • Residency requirement. Approved applicants must provide proof of a primary state of residence (PSOR) within the United States by submitting approved documentation, like a state ID or voter registration card. Approved applicants must also provide a valid social security number.

Nursing License FAQs

What education do you need to become a nurse?

To practice as a registered nurse (RN), you must complete a board-approved nursing education program. Some RNs have an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN); however, most employers prefer (and many require) a Bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN).

What do I need to know about the NCLEX?

The NCLEX-RN examination is the test that all registered nurses in the United States must pass to apply for licensure in any state.

Only candidates who have completed an approved nursing program will be eligible to take the exam.

The test costs $200, and candidates typically pay their registration fees and submit their application to the nursing board of their primary state of residence before they take the exam.

Some states have a limit on how many times a candidate can take the NCLEX-RN without passing.

Can you hold a nursing license in multiple states?

Yes, you can hold a nursing license in multiple states.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) allows candidates who meet a set of uniform standards to hold a license in 41 states and several US territories.

An NLC license is also called a multistate license or an MLS. The terms are used interchangeably.

How do you transfer your license to another state?

You can transfer your license to another state if you move to a new state of residence and apply for licensure by endorsement.

If you move from a Compact state to a Non-Compact state, your license will become a single-state license.

If you move from a Non-Compact state into a Compact state, you can apply for a multistate license.

If you move from one Compact state to another, you still need to change your primary state of residence within sixty days.

Nursing License Requirements by State

The following information applies to the fees and requirements for single-state nursing licenses in each state.

Keep in mind that the multistate license application processes varies by state. For information on these processes, see the individual state board of your primary state of residence for a full breakdown of application requirements and fees. Additional fees may be required if you are applying for an NLC/multistate license.

Jump to Your State:

 

Alabama

According to the Alabama Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation from a state-approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $125
  • Criminal background check

Alabama is an NLC state.

 

Alaska

According to the Alaska Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • $200 license fee
  • Criminal background check

Despite most RNs in Alaska voting to adopt the compact, Alaska is not yet an NLC state. Legislation is currently pending.

 

Arizona

According to the Arizona Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $150
  • Criminal background check

Arizona is an NLC state.

 

Arkansas

According to the Arkansas Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Arkansas is an NLC state.

 

California

According to the California Board of Registered Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Completion of prerequisite coursework in communication and science
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $300 (in-state) or $350 (out-of-state)
  • Criminal background check

California is not yet an NLC state. Legislation is currently pending.

 

Colorado

According to the Colorado Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $88
  • Criminal background check

Colorado is an NLC state.

 

Connecticut

According to the Connecticut Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $180

Connecticut is not currently an NLC state.

 

Delaware

According to the Delaware State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $170
  • Criminal background check

Delaware is an NLC state.

 

Florida

According to the Florida State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $110
  • Criminal background check

Florida is an NLC state.

 

Georgia

According to the Georgia Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $40
  • Criminal background check

Georgia is an NLC state.

 

Hawaii

According to the Hawaii Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $60
  • Criminal background check

Hawaii is not yet an NLC state. Legislation is pending.

 

Idaho

According to the Idaho Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $118.25
  • Criminal background check

Idaho is an NLC state.

 

Illinois

According to the Illinois Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $50
  • Criminal background check

Illinois is not currently an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Illinois.

 

Indiana

According to the Indiana Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $50
  • Criminal background check

Indiana is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Indiana.

 

Iowa

According to the Iowa Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $143
  • Criminal background check

Iowa is an NLC state.

 

Kansas

According to the Kansas Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Kansas is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Kansas.

 

Kentucky

According to the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $125
  • Criminal background check

Kentucky is an NLC state.

 

Louisiana

According to the Louisiana State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Louisiana is an NLC state.

 

Maine

According to the Maine State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $75
  • Criminal background check

Maine is an NLC state.

 

Maryland

According to the Maryland Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Maryland is an NLC state.

 

Massachusetts

According to the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $230
  • Meet a legal standard of “good moral character” as defined by their state law

Massachusetts is not an NLC state.

 

Michigan

According to the Michigan Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $212.90
  • Completion of a one-time training on identifying the signs of human trafficking
  • Completion of a one-time Implicit Bias training
  • Establish a “good moral character” as defined by a questionnaire

Michigan is not an NLC state.

 

Minnesota

According to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $105
  • Criminal background check

Minnesota is an NLC state.

 

Mississippi

According to the Mississippi Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Mississippi is an NLC state.

 

Missouri

According to the Missouri Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application (there is no fee for first-time applicants)
  • Criminal background check

Missouri is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Missouri.

 

Montana

According to the Montana Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Montana is an NLC state.

 

Nebraska

According to the Nebraska Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $123
  • Criminal background check

Nebraska is an NLC state.

 

Nevada

According to the Nevada State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

Nevada is not an NLC state.

 

New Hampshire

According to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $148
  • Criminal background check

New Hampshire is an NLC state

 

New Jersey

According to the New Jersey Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

New Jersey is an NLC state.

 

New Mexico

According to the New Mexico Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $150
  • Criminal background check

New Mexico is an NLC state.

 

New York

According to the New York State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $143
  • Be of “good moral character,” as defined by state guidelines
  • Complete required coursework on infection control and child abuse reporting, unless graduated from a NYSE-approved program

New York is not an NLC state.

 

North Carolina

According to the North Carolina Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $75
  • Criminal background check

North Carolina is an NLC state.

 

North Dakota

According to the North Dakota Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $145
  • Criminal background check

North Dakota is an NLC state.

 

Ohio

According to the Ohio State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $75
  • Criminal background check

Ohio is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Ohio.

 

Oklahoma

According to the Oklahoma State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $85
  • Criminal background check

Oklahoma is an NLC state.

 

Oregon

According to the Oregon State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $160
  • Criminal background check

Oregon is not an NLC state.

 

Pennsylvania

According to the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $95 (if educated in-state) or $115 (if educated in another state)
  • Three hours of training on recognizing child abuse from an approved provider

Pennsylvania is not an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Pennsylvania.

 

Rhode Island

According to the Rhode Island Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are: 

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $135
  • Criminal background check

As of January 1, 2024, Rhode Island has rejoined the NLC.

 

South Carolina

According to the South Carolina Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $90
  • Criminal background check

South Carolina is an NLC state.

 

South Dakota

According to the South Dakota Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $100
  • Criminal background check

South Dakota is an NLC state.

 

Tennessee

According to the Tennessee Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application (as of 2019, there is no application fee)
  • Criminal background check

Tennessee is an NLC state.

 

Texas

According to the Texas Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are;

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application (as of 2019, there is no application fee)
  • Criminal background check

Texas is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Texas.

 

Utah

According to the Utah Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $90
  • Criminal background check

Utah is an NLC state.

 

Vermont

According to the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $60
  • Criminal background check

Vermont is an NLC state.

 

Virginia

According to the Virginia Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $190
  • Criminal background check

Virginia is an NLC state.

Learn More About The Outlook For Nursing Careers in Virginia.

 

Washington

According to the Washington State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $138
  • Criminal background check

As of July 2023, Washington is an NLC state.

 

West Virginia

According to the West Virginia RN Board, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $70
  • Criminal background check

West Virginia is an NLC state.

 

Wisconsin

According to the Wisconsin State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $73
  • Criminal background check

Wisconsin is an NLC state.

 

Wyoming

According to the Wyoming State Board of Nursing, the state’s nursing licensure requirements are:

  • Graduation and transcripts from an approved ADN or BSN program
  • Passing score on the NCLEX exam
  • Application and application fee of $130
  • Criminal background check

 

What to do next

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