Free Guide to Getting Your RN License in Another State
Understanding RN Licensure Reciprocity Across State Lines
Registered Nurses who hold a license in one state often want to practice in another state. The process of moving your nursing license to a new state is called reciprocity or licensure by endorsement. Each state has its own nursing board that sets rules about who can practice nursing within its borders. Currently, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) reports that 38 states participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), which creates a pathway for nurses to hold a multistate license. This means a nurse licensed in one NLC state can practice in any other NLC state without obtaining separate licenses in each location.
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However, not all states are part of this compact. States like California, New York, and Florida operate outside the NLC system and have their own individual licensure processes. This creates two different pathways depending on where you want to practice. If you want to move to a compact state and you already hold a license in another compact state, the process is generally more streamlined. If you're moving to a non-compact state, or from a non-compact state to another state, you'll go through a state-specific endorsement process with that state's nursing board.
Understanding which category your current and target states fall into is the first step. The NCSBN website maintains an updated list of compact states. Some states have recently joined the compact (Texas joined in 2023), while others have announced intentions to join in coming years. The rules within the compact also continue to evolve, particularly around criminal background checks and other verification requirements. Nurses should verify current information directly from their state nursing board rather than relying on outdated information, as regulations can shift.
Practical Takeaway: Visit the NCSBN website to determine if both your current state and target state are part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, or if you'll need to follow individual state endorsement procedures. This single piece of information determines which pathway you'll follow.
Requirements You'll Likely Encounter Across States
While states have different specific requirements, most states share common baseline expectations for nurses seeking to move their licenses across state lines. Nearly every state requires verification that you currently hold an active RN license in good standing from your original state. This means your license cannot be expired, suspended, or revoked. States conduct thorough background checks, typically including criminal history verification. According to the American Nurses Association, most states will examine any criminal convictions, though minor infractions may not result in denial. States also check for any disciplinary actions taken against your license by any nursing board, including administrative actions, restrictions, or complaints.
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Most states require official transcripts from the nursing program where you earned your initial RN credential. Some states specify that these transcripts must show you completed an approved nursing program—either an associate degree or bachelor's degree in nursing. States verify your original RN licensure exam results, typically through NCSBN records. The NCLEX-RN (National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses) is the standard licensing exam used across all 50 states, so scores are typically already on file with NCSBN and accessible to state boards.
Many states require fingerprint-based background checks submitted through state law enforcement channels. Some states use FBI fingerprinting, while others use state-specific systems. The cost for this varies from $25 to $100 depending on the state. Several states require proof of a current CPR/BLS certification from an organization like the American Heart Association. Some states mandate specific continuing education hours completed within a certain timeframe before you move your license. For example, some states require 30 continuing education units within the past two years, while others don't specify any particular number.
A few states still require in-person interviews or phone interviews with the nursing board, though this has become less common. Some states ask about gaps in employment or practice history. If you've been out of nursing for several years, some states may require refresher courses or supervised practice hours before granting your license. This requirement varies significantly—some states have no grace period, while others allow nurses to return after years away without additional requirements if they meet other standards.
Practical Takeaway: Request the specific requirements document from your target state's nursing board website or contact them directly. Create a checklist of each requirement and begin gathering documents like your official transcripts and verification of your current license status. Having this information organized before you start the formal process saves time.
The Nurse Licensure Compact Process for Streamlined Moves
If you're moving between two states that are both part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, you have access to a significantly simplified pathway. The NLC allows a nurse to hold one multistate license that permits practice in all participating states. You don't need separate licenses for each state. When both your current state and destination state are compact participants, you typically only need to notify your state nursing board of your intention to establish residency in the new state and request a multistate license.
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The actual steps generally involve submitting a form through your current state's nursing board—often available online through their portal system. You'll declare your new state of residence. The board verifies your current license status and, if everything is in order, converts your single-state license to a multistate license. This conversion often takes anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Some states process this through their online licensing portals, while others still require paper submissions. Fees for this conversion typically range from $50 to $150, though some states don't charge additional fees.
The key advantage of the compact system is that you don't need to pass another licensing exam or submit new documentation to multiple boards. Your existing license record serves as verification across all compact states. However, you still must comply with each state's practice laws and regulations. For example, if you move to a compact state with stricter continuing education requirements, you must meet those requirements to maintain your multistate license. Similarly, if one state takes action against your license—such as issuing a discipline—that action appears on your multistate license and affects your ability to practice in all compact states.
The NLC also includes provisions about background checks and criminal history. Compact states share information about any disciplinary actions through a database called the Nursys system. This means if you have any disciplinary history, all compact states have access to that information. The compact does allow states some flexibility in how they evaluate criminal histories—some factors that might disqualify you in one state may not in another. However, violent felonies and drug-related convictions typically result in license denial across all compact states.
Practical Takeaway: If both states are compact participants, contact your current state board and ask for their multistate license conversion process. Most states now handle this entirely online. You'll likely complete the process much faster than going through individual state endorsement—often in 2-4 weeks rather than 2-3 months.
Navigating Individual State Endorsement for Non-Compact States
If you're moving to a state outside the Nurse Licensure Compact—such as California, Florida, or New York—or moving from a non-compact state to another state, you'll follow an endorsement process specific to that state's nursing board. This process is more involved than the compact conversion. Each state maintains its own rules, fees, and timelines. California, for instance, has particularly stringent requirements and charges substantial fees—often exceeding $400 for the entire licensure process. New York requires submission of official transcripts from your nursing program and charges around $130 for the license itself, plus additional fees for processing.
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The endorsement process typically begins with obtaining official documents from your source state. You'll need an official verification of your current license status, sometimes called a license verification or license status letter. This is different from simply photocopying your license card—it's an official document issued by your state nursing board that confirms your license is active and in good standing. You can request this directly from your current state's nursing board, usually through their website. Many states offer this online and mail it directly to you or to your target state's board. The cost is typically $10 to $25.
You'll submit an endorsement application to your target state's nursing board, along with supporting documents. These almost always include official transcripts from your nursing program (request these directly from your nursing school's registrar), verification of your original license, and results of your NCLEX-RN exam. You'll also need to submit to a background check, which typically involves fingerprinting. Some states allow you to submit fingerprints at a local law enforcement office, while others direct you to a specific service. Many