RN Licensure Requirements by State
March 21, 2024
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
Take the first step toward becoming a nurse today! If you already hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field, you may be eligible to take an accelerated BSN nursing program and become an RN in under two years.
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