Obtaining a registered nurse license in the United States involves meeting educational, examination, and regulatory requirements established by the state where a nurse intends to practice. Although the NCLEX RN examination is used throughout the country, licensing procedures, fees, renewal requirements, and processing times vary by jurisdiction.
This guide summarizes the licensing process across all 50 states and the District of Columbia, with links to the official nursing board websites where applicants can find application instructions and forms.
The information is based on NurseJournal’s Registered Nurse Requirements by State and resources from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Because fees and regulations can change, applicants should verify the current requirements before submitting an application.
Understanding the licensing process
Most applicants follow one of two pathways.
Licensure by examination is generally for people seeking their first RN license. It involves completing an approved nursing education program, applying to the relevant board, satisfying background screening requirements, and passing the NCLEX RN examination.
Licensure by endorsement is generally for nurses who already hold a license and want authorization to practice in another state. Applicants typically need to verify their existing license and meet the receiving state’s requirements.
Internationally educated nurses may also need credential evaluations, English language proficiency examinations, or additional educational documentation. Licensing and immigration authorization are separate processes.
State by state requirements and application links
Alabama
The Alabama Board of Nursing oversees initial RN licensure, endorsement, and renewal. Applicants generally need approved nursing education, examination eligibility, and the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and satisfy Alabama’s professional eligibility requirements. Nurses should confirm current renewal and continuing education requirements directly with the board.
Official licensing board and applications: Alabama Board of Nursing
Alaska
The Alaska Board of Nursing processes applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must provide educational records, complete the required background screening, and meet the applicable examination or endorsement criteria. Temporary permits may be available in certain circumstances. Nurses should verify current application fees, processing estimates, renewal fees, and competency requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Alaska Board of Nursing
Arizona
Arizona participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the state’s application and fingerprinting procedures. Nurses applying for endorsement must verify their existing license. Eligibility for a multistate license depends on meeting compact requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Arizona State Board of Nursing
Arkansas
The Arkansas State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure by examination and endorsement. Applicants must satisfy educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must provide license verification and meet Arkansas’s eligibility requirements. Arkansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Arkansas State Board of Nursing
California
The California Board of Registered Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet the state’s educational requirements, pass the NCLEX RN examination where applicable, and complete fingerprinting and background screening. Nurses licensed elsewhere must apply for California licensure before practicing in the state. California does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: California Board of Registered Nursing
Colorado
The Colorado Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing through the Department of Regulatory Agencies. Applicants must satisfy educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Colorado participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, and eligible nurses may qualify for multistate practice privileges.
Official licensing board and applications: Colorado Board of Nursing
Connecticut
The Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing oversees RN licensure. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and provide the required supporting documentation. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Connecticut participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Connecticut Registered Nurse Licensing
Delaware
The Delaware Board of Nursing administers RN licensing through the Division of Professional Regulation. Applicants generally provide educational records, background screening documentation, and examination results where applicable. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet Delaware’s requirements. Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Delaware Board of Nursing
District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing in the district. Applicants must satisfy the applicable educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must provide license verification and supporting documentation. Applicants should confirm the current renewal fee, renewal interval, and continuing education requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: DC Board of Nursing Online Licensing Applications
Florida
The Florida Board of Nursing oversees initial licensure, endorsement, and renewal. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete criminal background screening. Internationally educated applicants may need additional educational documentation. Florida participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Florida Board of Nursing
Georgia
The Georgia Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet the state’s educational and examination standards and complete fingerprint based criminal background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and demonstrate eligibility. Georgia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Georgia Board of Nursing
Hawaii
The Hawaii Board of Nursing administers RN licensing through the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Applicants must provide educational documentation and meet examination and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Hawaii does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Hawaii Board of Nursing
Idaho
The Idaho Board of Nursing regulates applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Idaho Board of Nursing
Illinois
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation administers RN licensing. Applicants must meet the applicable educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and satisfy Illinois’s requirements. Applicants should confirm current compact implementation and eligibility before assuming multistate practice privileges are available.
Official licensing board and applications: Illinois Nursing Licensing
Indiana
The Indiana State Board of Nursing oversees RN licensure. Applicants must submit the appropriate application, meet educational and examination requirements, and complete required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet Indiana’s eligibility criteria. Indiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Indiana Professional Licensing Agency
Iowa
The Iowa Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Iowa participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has continuing education requirements for renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: Iowa Board of Nursing
Kansas
The Kansas State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and provide the required background screening documentation. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet the state’s competency requirements. Kansas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Kansas State Board of Nursing
Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational requirements, complete background screening, and satisfy any required jurisprudence examination conditions. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Kentucky participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Kentucky Board of Nursing
Louisiana
The Louisiana State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must satisfy educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must provide license verification and meet Louisiana’s professional eligibility standards. Louisiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Louisiana State Board of Nursing
Maine
The Maine State Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must submit educational records, complete the required background screening, and satisfy the applicable examination or endorsement criteria. Maine participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Applicants should verify current renewal and continuing education requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Maine State Board of Nursing
Maryland
The Maryland Board of Nursing oversees RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and submit the required background screening documents. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Maryland participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Maryland Board of Nursing
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing regulates RN licensure. Applicants must complete the applicable educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must provide license verification and satisfy Massachusetts’s eligibility criteria. Massachusetts does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing
Michigan
The Michigan Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Nurses should check Michigan’s current continuing education requirements and renewal rules before applying.
Official licensing board and applications: Michigan Nursing Licensing
Minnesota
The Minnesota Board of Nursing administers RN licensure. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and provide the required application and background screening documents. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet Minnesota’s competency requirements. Minnesota does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Minnesota Board of Nursing
Mississippi
The Mississippi Board of Nursing oversees RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must satisfy educational, examination, and background screening requirements. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet Mississippi’s eligibility standards. Nurses should confirm the current renewal interval and continuing education requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Mississippi Board of Nursing
Missouri
The Missouri State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Missouri participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Missouri State Board of Nursing
Montana
The Montana Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Montana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Montana Board of Nursing
Nebraska
The Nebraska Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and provide the required background screening documentation. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Nebraska has renewal competency requirements that may involve practice hours, continuing education, or approved alternatives. Nebraska participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Nebraska Nurse Licensing
Nevada
The Nevada State Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required fingerprinting and background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Nevada has continuing education requirements that applicants should confirm before renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: Nevada State Board of Nursing
New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing regulates RN licensure through the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. New Hampshire participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: New Hampshire Board of Nursing
New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Nursing administers RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must provide license verification and satisfy New Jersey’s eligibility standards. New Jersey does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: New Jersey Board of Nursing
New Mexico
The New Mexico Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet the state’s competency requirements. New Mexico participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: New Mexico Board of Nursing
New York
The New York State Education Department’s Office of the Professions regulates RN licensure. Applicants must satisfy educational and examination requirements and demonstrate good moral character. Additional coursework may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances. Internationally educated nurses should review the specific rules for foreign nursing education. New York does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: New York State RN Licensing
North Carolina
The North Carolina Board of Nursing administers RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and submit the required background screening documentation. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. North Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: North Carolina Board of Nursing
North Dakota
The North Dakota Board of Nursing oversees RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. North Dakota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has requirements for demonstrating continued competency.
Official licensing board and applications: North Dakota Board of Nursing
Ohio
The Ohio Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete criminal background screening. Eligible applicants may qualify for temporary authorization under the state’s rules. Ohio participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has continuing education requirements for renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: Ohio Board of Nursing
Oklahoma
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Oklahoma participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Oklahoma Board of Nursing
Oregon
The Oregon State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete fingerprint based background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and meet Oregon’s competency requirements. Oregon does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Oregon State Board of Nursing
Pennsylvania
The Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing oversees RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Additional education, including child abuse recognition and reporting training, may apply. Pennsylvania has enacted Nurse Licensure Compact legislation, so applicants should verify the current implementation status and eligibility requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing
Rhode Island
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education administers RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Rhode Island participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has specified continuing education requirements.
Official licensing board and applications: Rhode Island RN Licensing
South Carolina
The South Carolina Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Eligible graduates may qualify for temporary authorization under applicable rules. South Carolina participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: South Carolina Board of Nursing
South Dakota
The South Dakota Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. South Dakota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has practice or competency requirements for renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: South Dakota Board of Nursing
Tennessee
The Tennessee Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must satisfy educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Tennessee participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Tennessee Board of Nursing
Texas
The Texas Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Texas participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact and has continuing competency requirements for renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: Texas Board of Nursing
Utah
The Utah Division of Professional Licensing manages RN applications. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license and satisfy Utah’s competency requirements. Utah participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Utah Nursing Licensing
Vermont
The Vermont Board of Nursing administers RN licensing by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Vermont recognizes several continuing competency pathways, subject to its current rules. Vermont participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Vermont Board of Nursing
Virginia
The Virginia Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete fingerprint based criminal background screening. The state provides separate application pathways for first time applicants, nurses licensed elsewhere, and internationally educated applicants. Virginia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Virginia Registered Nurse Application Wizard
Washington
The Washington State Nursing Commission oversees RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Nurses should confirm current continuing education and health equity requirements before renewal.
Official licensing board and applications: Washington State Nursing Commission
West Virginia
The West Virginia RN Board regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. West Virginia participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: West Virginia RN Board
Wisconsin
The Wisconsin Board of Nursing administers applications by examination and endorsement. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Wisconsin participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Wisconsin Board of Nursing
Wyoming
The Wyoming State Board of Nursing regulates RN licensing. Applicants must meet educational and examination requirements and complete the required background screening. Endorsement applicants must verify their existing license. Wyoming participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact.
Official licensing board and applications: Wyoming State Board of Nursing
Additional resources for internationally educated nurses
Nurses educated outside the United States should review the requirements of their intended state before beginning an application. Depending on the jurisdiction, they may need credential evaluations, English language proficiency examinations, verification of previous licenses, and additional educational records.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing provides a centralized resource that directs applicants to the relevant state’s licensing instructions.
Official resource: NCSBN Nurse Licensure Guidance
This tool is particularly useful for internationally educated nurses because it identifies state specific requirements and links to relevant application information. Licensing approval does not, however, provide immigration authorization. Visa and employment eligibility must be addressed separately.
References
- NurseJournal. Registered Nurse Requirements by State. Original article.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Nurse Licensure Guidance. Official guidance tool.
- National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Licensure. Licensing and regulatory resources.
- NurseCompact. Nurse Licensure Compact. Compact information.
Important: The application links above lead to official regulatory websites. Some boards may require applicants to navigate to the relevant application form rather than opening the form immediately. Fees, processing times, compact participation, and renewal requirements should be confirmed with the relevant board before publication or application.
