Moving your nursing license across state lines
You cannot use your RN license from one state to practice in another state without taking action first. Each state's nursing board controls who can practice within its borders, and they do not automatically recognize licenses from other states. The fastest path depends on whether you want to move permanently or work temporarily, and whether your current state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact — a multistate agreement that lets you hold one license and practice across member states.
If your state is part of the Compact, you may already have what you need. If not, you will need to go through your new state's nursing board and submit official verification of your current license, your exam scores, and sometimes additional paperwork. The whole process typically takes four to eight weeks, though some states are faster.
Key Takeaways
- The Nurse Licensure Compact lets you hold one multistate license and practice in any of the 39 member states without getting a separate license in each one.
- If your current state is not in the Compact or your new state is not, you must explore for licensure by endorsement through your new state's nursing board.
- You will need official transcripts from your nursing school, verification of your current license sent directly from your current state's board, and proof of passing the NCLEX exam.
- Some states charge $100 to $300 for licensure by endorsement and may require fingerprinting or a background check.
- You cannot legally practice as an RN in your new state until your new state's board issues you a license number.
Check whether the Nurse Licensure Compact covers your move
The Nurse Licensure Compact is an agreement between 39 states (and the District of Columbia) that lets you hold a single multistate license instead of separate licenses in each state. If both your current state and your new state are members, you do not need to do anything — your license already works there. You can find the current list of member states on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) website under "Nurse Licensure Compact."
If your current state is in the Compact but your new state is not, or vice versa, you will need to explore for licensure by endorsement in your new state. If neither state is in the Compact, you also need to explore for endorsement. Check both states' nursing boards to confirm their Compact status, because the list changes occasionally as states join.
Gather documents before you contact your new state's board
Your new state's nursing board will ask for the same core documents no matter which state you are coming from. Start collecting these before you submit anything, because delays in getting them will delay your entire process.
You need official transcripts from your nursing school showing you completed an accredited RN program. Contact your school's registrar and ask them to send transcripts directly to your new state's nursing board — do not send them yourself, because most boards will not accept copies you hand-deliver. You also need official verification that you hold a current, unencumbered license in your current state. This is not a copy of your license card. Instead, contact your current state's nursing board and request that they send official verification of licensure directly to your new state's board. This document proves you are licensed, in good standing, and have no disciplinary history.
Finally, you need proof that you passed the NCLEX exam. Your current state's nursing board has this on file, and when you request official verification of licensure, ask them to include your NCLEX results. Some states also require fingerprinting for a background check; your new state's board will tell you if this applies.
Submit your process to your new state's nursing board
Go to your new state's nursing board website and look for "licensure by endorsement" or "explore for RN license." Each state's board has its own process form and process. Some states let you explore online; others require a paper form mailed in. The board's website will specify which documents to send with your process and where to send them.
When you submit, include a cover letter with your current license number, the state that issued it, and the date it expires. This helps the board match your process to your verification documents when they arrive. If your new state requires fingerprinting, the board will tell you where to go and how to submit those prints — usually through a third-party vendor they contract with.
Keep copies of everything you send and note the date you submitted your process. Some states assign you a reference number; write that down. You will need it if you have to follow up.
Pay the licensure fee and wait for processing
Most states charge a fee for licensure by endorsement, typically between $100 and $300. Some states charge less if you are moving from a Compact state; a few charge more if you are moving from a non-Compact state. The fee is usually non-refundable even if your process is denied. Your new state's board will tell you the exact amount and whether you pay when you submit your process or after approval.
Processing time varies widely. Some states process endorsement applications in two to three weeks; others take six to eight weeks. States with high process volume or those that require fingerprinting tend to be slower. During this time, you cannot legally work as an RN in your new state. If you have a job offer with a start date, tell your employer the expected timeline and ask whether they can delay your start or have you begin in a non-clinical role while you wait.
Receive your new license and update your records
When your process is approved, your new state's nursing board will issue you a new license number and send you a license certificate or card. Some states mail this; others let you print it from your online account. Your new license will have an expiration date — usually two or three years from the issue date — and you will need to renew it according to that state's schedule, not your old state's schedule.
Once you have your new license number, update it with your employer, your professional liability insurance company, and any credentialing services your hospital or clinic uses. If you are keeping your old license active in your previous state (which you can do in most cases), you will need to maintain both licenses and renew both on their separate schedules. If you want to let your old license expire, contact your original state's nursing board and request that they place it on inactive status or allow it to lapse.
What to do if your process is denied or delayed
If your new state's board denies your process, they will send you a written explanation. Common reasons include incomplete documentation, a disciplinary action on your record in another state, or failure to pass the background check. If the denial is due to missing documents, you can usually resubmit once you provide them. If it is due to a disciplinary issue, you may need to contact the board directly to understand what happened and whether you can appeal.
If your process is taking longer than the stated processing time, contact your new state's nursing board and reference your process number. Ask whether they are still waiting for documents from your old state's board or whether there is an issue with your process. Sometimes verification documents get lost in the mail, and a follow-up call can speed things up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work as an RN in my new state while my process is being processed?
No. You cannot legally practice nursing in a state without a license issued by that state's nursing board. Working without a license is a criminal offense in most states. If you have a job offer, ask your employer whether you can start in a non-clinical role or delay your start date until your license arrives.
Do I need to take the NCLEX again to move to another state?
No. You take the NCLEX once, and the score is valid in all states. Your new state's board will verify your NCLEX results through your current state's board or through the NCSBN database. You do not retake the exam.
What if I have a disciplinary action on my nursing license?
You must disclose it when you explore for licensure by endorsement. Some disciplinary actions do not prevent you from getting a license in another state, but hiding one will. Contact your new state's nursing board before you submit your process and ask how they handle applicants with disciplinary history. They can tell you whether you are likely to be approved.
Can I hold licenses in multiple states at the same time?
Yes. You can hold an active license in your old state and your new state simultaneously. You will need to renew both on their separate schedules and pay renewal fees to both states. Many nurses do this if they plan to work across state lines or keep the option open to return to their original state.
How long does my new license last before I have to renew it?
Most states issue RN licenses that are valid for two or three years. Your new state's board will tell you the expiration date when they issue your license. Mark that date in your calendar and start the renewal process a few months before it expires, because renewal timelines vary by state.