Registered Nursing Requirements by State

Explore RN License Requirements in Your State

Alabama

Nursing Compact State

The Alabama Board of Nursing oversees LPN and RN licensure, endorsements, renewals, and reinstatements. Requirements include legal citizenship and a nursing degree from an accredited institution. To obtain licensure by examination, candidates must pay $100 for the exam application, $50 for a temporary license, and a $3.50 transaction fee.

RNs renew their licenses on even-numbered years, with a renewal cost of $103.50. Renewal candidates must clear outstanding debt and complete 24 hours of continuing education credits.

Alaska

For initial licensure through examination in Alaska, RN candidates must submit a notarized application, a completed fingerprint card, official transcripts, and nursing program verification forms to the Alaska Board of Nursing. Fees include $375 for the application, licensing, and fingerprinting, with an additional $100 for temporary license applicants.

License renewal for RNs in Alaska occurs on Nov. 30 of even-numbered years. Renewal candidates must provide proof of 30 contact hours of continuing education, 60 hours of uncompensated professional activity, or 320 working hours in the previous two years. Renewal fees range from $100 to $200, depending on when the license was issued.

Arizona

Nursing Compact State

The Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) requires candidates seeking initial licensure by examination to submit a diploma from an approved nursing program, fingerprints for a background check, and a passing NCLEX score.

Candidates from other states without licenses must also submit transcripts from their nursing programs. The application fee is $350, inclusive of fingerprinting.

Arizona licenses expire on varying dates, with renewals lasting up to four years. Renewal requirements include demonstrating 960 hours of work, graduation from a nursing program, completion of AZBN refresher courses in the past five years, or obtaining an advanced nursing degree in the past five years.

Arkansas

Nursing Compact State

In Arkansas, NCLEX eligibility requires passing a comprehensive background check, providing a valid U.S. Social Security number, and completing an approved nursing program. The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) charges $100 for most licenses and renewals, with additional fees possible. Candidates must submit full transcripts and graduation verification.

Arkansas RN licenses expire every two years on the last day of the nurse’s birth month. Renewal requirements include proof of 15 contact hours of continuing education within the previous two years.

California

RN candidates in California can submit applications to the Board of Registered Nursing (BRN) about 6-8 weeks before graduating from accredited nursing programs. Before taking the NCLEX, candidates must provide transcripts and fingerprints for a background check. Applications can be submitted online or through printed booklets.

California RNs renew their licenses every two years by the last day of their birth month. Renewal qualifications include completing 30 hours of continuing education.

Colorado

Nursing Compact State

Prospective RNs in Colorado pay $88 for an examination application or $43 for licensure by endorsement. Requirements include submitting an affidavit of eligibility, fingerprints, consent for a background check, and transcripts showing graduation from an accredited program.

Colorado participates in the NLC, allowing nurses from other participating states to work in the state without additional licensure. Colorado Board of Nursing RN licenses expire on Sept. 30 every two years.

Connecticut

The Connecticut Department of Public Health oversees nurse licensure. Candidates do not need to complete programs within the state but must earn degrees from accredited schools meeting Connecticut’s guidelines. Applicants must apply online, pay a $180 application fee, and submit transcripts and degree validation.

RN licenses expire each year on the first day of the nurse’s birth month, with renewal notifications sent 60 and 30 days before expiration. RNs from other states can apply for endorsement by providing nursing school transcripts and proof of existing licensure.

Delaware

Nursing Compact State

Delaware’s Division of Professional Regulation (DPR) manages all professional licenses, including nursing. RN candidates must complete an accredited nursing degree and at least 400 clinical hours. Qualifying petitioners submit a notarized application, a $170 payment, and a copy of their ID.

Delaware RNs renew their licenses on Feb. 28, May 31, or Sept. 30 of odd-numbered years, depending on original credential issuance. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education every two years.

Florida

Nursing Compact State

In Florida, RN candidates must complete approved nursing programs and apply for the NCLEX through Pearson Vue. After Livescan fingerprinting, candidates apply for licensure by examination through the Florida Board of Nursing. Upon approval, candidates can earn licenses within 10 days of passing the exam, along with a $110 application and licensing fee.

Florida RNs renew their licenses every two years, completing 27 continuing education hours. Requirements include 16 general education hours, one hour in HIV/AIDS education, and two hours each in medical error prevention, Florida laws, impairment in the workplace, human trafficking, and domestic violence.

Georgia

Nursing Compact State

Georgia RN candidates can apply for the NCLEX online or through mail with Pearson Vue permission. Candidates submit a $40 application fee and grant background check permission, with online processing costing $5 or $10 by mail.

Graduates from approved schools do not need to send transcripts. Georgia joined the NLC in 2017, allowing RNs to work in participating states.

Georgia RN licenses expire on Jan. 31 of odd-numbered or even-numbered years, depending on credential issuance. Renewal requires a $65 payment and proof of continuing education credits.

Hawaii

The Hawaii Board of Nursing grants candidates three attempts to pass the NCLEX in any state. Those not passing in three attempts must take remedial courses. When applying to take the NCLEX in Hawaii, graduates must also submit state IDs and Social Security cards.

Since July 2017, the state mandates a criminal background check for all new nursing candidates, with a $60 initial license fee.

Hawaii RN licenses expire on June 30 of odd-numbered years. Renewal requires completing one continuing competency requirement every two years, including 30 hours of continuing education.

Idaho

Nursing Compact State

The Idaho Board of Nursing (IBN) is part of the NLC, allowing RNs from other NLC states to work in Idaho without additional licensure. First-time Idaho nurses submit fingerprints for a criminal background check, completing the rest of the application on the Idaho Nurse Portal. The IBN charges a $118.25 application fee.

IBN RN licenses expire on Aug. 31 of odd-numbered years. Renewal candidates can log in to the nurse portal up to three months before expiration, submitting continuing education verification and paying the $90 application fee.

Illinois

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees RN licensing, providing a list of approved schools. Candidates must provide transcripts, pay the $107 exam fee, and submit fingerprints.

RN licenses must be renewed during even-numbered years, with continuing education completed through courses approved by the American Nurses Credentialing Center or IDFPR.

Indiana

The Professional Licensing Agency (PLA) in Indiana is responsible for managing all nursing licenses in the state. If you aspire to become a registered nurse (RN) for the first time, you’ll need to provide your academic records, a passport-style photo, a $50 application fee, and offer an explanation for any prior criminal history. Ensure that your nursing school sends official proof of your degree directly to the PLA.

In Indiana, RN licenses expire on odd-numbered years, specifically on October 31. The renewal process can be conveniently done either online or by mail.

Iowa

To embark on your journey as an RN in Iowa, it’s essential to graduate from an approved program or an equivalent one in another state. If you’ve attended an out-of-state school, securing approval from that state’s nursing board is a prerequisite. Alongside your Social Security number, you’ll need to furnish proof of high school graduation or a GED certificate. The associated cost amounts to $143, covering a $93 application fee and an additional $50 for a criminal background check.

RNs in Iowa must engage in the renewal process every three years, initiating it at least 30 days before the expiration date. The renewal fee stands at $99.

Kansas

The Kansas Board of Nursing recommends initiating the application process for the NCLEX through Pearson Vue. Subsequently, each candidate can submit a completed application along with a $100 payment to the board, which also covers a $48 background check fee.

Even if you’re on the verge of graduation, you can apply for the NCLEX. Upon graduation, successful completion of the NCLEX, and a satisfactory background check, the board will issue your RN license.

For renewal, Kansas RNs must provide evidence of 30 board-approved continuing credit hours every two years. Renewals can be completed either by mail or online, with the associated fee being $85.

Kentucky

Becoming an RN in Kentucky entails a $125 fee each time you apply to take the NCLEX. Additionally, you’ll need to submit fingerprints for a thorough background check. If you’ve pursued education at an out-of-state institution, it’s imperative to dispatch transcripts to the Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN) before taking the exam.

For the annual license renewal period, which spans from September 15 to October 31, there are two options: completing 14 hours of continuing education, or opting for alternative avenues such as earning a national nursing-related certification, conducting nursing research, publishing a nursing paper, delivering a continuing education presentation, or acting as a preceptor to student nurses.

Louisiana

The Louisiana State Board of Nursing extends a warm welcome to first-time RN candidates who have successfully completed an approved nursing program. The application process involves providing your Social Security number and submitting the initial application within 60 days of graduation, incurring a $100 fee. An additional $39.25 is required for a criminal background check.

Background checks should reflect an absence of investigations or holds from other medical regulatory boards, no pending criminal or civil charges, and no allegations of abuse. Louisiana RNs renew their licenses between October 31 and January 31. Initial licenses have a duration of one year, followed by renewal every two years, contingent upon meeting continuing education requirements.

Maine

For first-time RN candidates in Maine, the process involves submitting an online application to the State Board of Nursing, accompanied by a $75 fee, a passport-style photo, and transcripts demonstrating the completion of an approved nursing program.

Clarify any issues on Section II of the applications, prove primary residence in Maine, and undergo a $52 criminal background check.

RN licenses in Maine follow a biennial expiration cycle, occurring on the nurse’s birthday. Renewal mandates include providing proof of 75 continuing education credits and remitting a $75 fee.

Maryland

Candidates seeking RN licensure through the Maryland Board of Nursing must furnish federal tax identification or Social Security numbers. The board also conducts checks to verify the absence of child support payments owed and ensures no unfavorable marks on records that could impact the candidate’s ability to work. The application cost for RN licensure is $100, while the renewal fee stands at $40 every two years.

Maryland extends acceptance to candidates graduating from approved local universities or out-of-state colleges meeting the same standards. Candidates from other institutions may complete additional clinical rotation hours to qualify for licensure.

Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing welcomes candidates graduating from approved schools, emphasizing the demonstration of strong moral character. The application fee amounts to $230. RN licenses expire on birthdays during even-numbered years. Renewal prerequisites include completing a minimum of 15 continuing education hours, paying a $120 fee, and maintaining good moral character as defined by relevant laws.

Michigan

Michigan’s Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs takes charge of administering nurse licenses. Successful nursing graduates from accredited U.S. schools and those certified by the CGFNS can submit applications. The cost for the RN licensure application is $208.80.

Renewal for Michigan nurses occurs every two years, necessitating a minimum of 25 hours of approved continuing education. Recordkeeping for renewals is required for at least four years after each renewal.

Minnesota

First-time RN candidates in Minnesota have the option to apply for the NCLEX online or through mail at the Minnesota Board of Nursing. The application fee, totaling $138.25, covers the criminal background check and additional fees.

Prospective nurses must complete the fingerprinting process and provide proof of graduation before registering with Pearson Vue. License renewal for Minnesota nurses takes place every two years, with a requirement of 24 hours of continuing education credits.

Mississippi

The Mississippi Board of Nursing mandates each first-time RN candidate to submit their Social Security number along with a $100 fee. Applications cannot be submitted before graduation, and official transcripts must be sent directly from schools to the board. As a participant in the NLC, Mississippi accepts licensed nurses from numerous states, but all new candidates must undergo criminal background checks through the Mississippi system.

RN licenses in Mississippi need renewal between September 1 and December 31 of every even-numbered year, involving completion of at least 20 contact hours of continuing education.

Missouri

The Missouri Board of Nursing embraces candidates near graduation and those who have recently completed board-approved degrees. The application process can commence as early as three months before commencement by submitting a passport-style photograph, consenting to a background check, and completing fingerprinting through an approved facility.

First-time candidates for licensure by examination are exempt from application fees, but the background check costs just under $45. Missouri does not impose a requirement for RNs to earn continuing education credits for renewal, and those holding licensure in Missouri can practice in any other NLC member state.

Montana

RN candidates in Montana are required to submit transcripts verifying their graduation date to the Montana Board of Nursing. This is in addition to completing applications to Pearson Vue and the board, along with fingerprints, consent for background checks, explanations of any negative activity on records, and a $100 application fee.

Montana RNs should initiate the renewal process before December 31 of even-numbered years. Renewal prerequisites include 24 contact hours of continuing education per cycle, even for those who earned licensure in the past two years. The renewal fee is $100.

Nebraska

When submitting an application to Nebraska’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), RN candidates must include evidence of citizenship or legal presence, a passport-style photograph, appropriate name change documents, and any relevant criminal case documents.

Transcripts, background check results, and verifications of previous licenses should be sent by the proper organizations to DHHS. Nebraska, as an eNLC state, permits graduates from approved programs to apply for single-state or multistate licenses.

RN licenses in Nebraska require renewal by October 31 of even-numbered years. Each nurse must earn 20 hours of continuing education contact hours every two years to remain eligible for renewal. DHHS also establishes employment requirements.

Nevada

RN candidates in Nevada must graduate from board-approved programs, although attendance in-state is not mandatory. Online nursing students can enroll in out-of-state programs if they meet or exceed Nebraska’s standards. Candidates also need to submit their Social Security number and fingerprints.

The initial application fee for RN licensure is $100, inclusive of additional charges for the background check. Graduates meeting these standards can receive temporary permits, allowing them to practice while awaiting NCLEX results.

License renewal for Nevada nurses is required every two years. Renewal candidates must complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education and pay a $100 application fee.

New Hampshire

The New Hampshire Board of Nursing exclusively permits New Hampshire residents to apply for initial licensure but accepts RN candidates with licenses in other NLC states.

In-state candidates must complete a proof of residency form, undergo a criminal background check with fingerprinting, and preregister with Pearson Vue. Additionally, prospective nurses must submit copies of official transcripts and their driver’s licenses.

License renewal for New Hampshire nurses is mandated every two years. Renewal candidates must have worked 400 hours as an RN within the past four years, completed 30 contact hours of continuing education in the previous two years, or passed the NCLEX within the previous two years.

New Jersey

In New Jersey, the Board of Nursing, a division within the Division of Consumer Affairs, plays a crucial role in approving nursing programs and granting licenses to nurses at various levels. The board meticulously evaluates schools, only giving approval to those with NCLEX passing rates of 75% or higher.

The process of obtaining initial RN licensure in New Jersey involves several standard components, including a criminal background check and education verification. The state takes additional measures to ensure that candidates don’t have outstanding child support payments and aren’t hindered by medical conditions that might affect their ability to provide satisfactory care. To maintain active licenses, nurses must accumulate 30 continuing education credits every two years.

New Mexico

Becoming a registered nurse in New Mexico comes with the requirement of passing the NCLEX within the first three years following graduation. The New Mexico Board of Nursing offers three attempts for candidates to pass the exam. Whether you’re an in-state or out-of-state resident, the board accepts applications. Prospective nurses need to complete fingerprinting cards, pay a $150 application fee, and upload graduation verification to the board’s nursing portal, along with requesting official transcripts from accredited institutions.

RNs in New Mexico must renew their licenses biennially, involving the completion of 30 continuing education units and a payment of a $110 fee.

New York

The New York State Education Department oversees the licensure process for nurses in the state. To become a registered nurse in New York, candidates must exhibit good moral character, graduate from an approved program, and submit a passing NCLEX score. Some recent nursing graduates may qualify for temporary licenses while awaiting official exam results, with an application fee of $143 and an additional $35 for the temporary permit.

Nurses in New York can choose between licenses and registrations. Licenses remain active unless revoked by NYSED. Renewal is required every three years, and while New York is not an NLC state, professionals from other regions can apply for licensure by endorsement.

North Carolina

As a Nursing Compact State, North Carolina’s Board of Nursing has streamlined the process for candidates. Prospective nurses need to submit their information online, including a $75 fee, about 4-6 weeks before graduation. Transcript and education verification can be submitted closer to graduation, with in-state candidates able to send transcripts 30 days before graduation. Out-of-state candidates must submit finalized documents.

To maintain a license, North Carolina nurses must pay a $100 fee and fulfill continuing education requirements. The state provides various avenues to meet these requirements, such as accruing 640 work hours and 15 contact continuing education hours during the renewal period. License renewal is necessary every two years, by the last day of the nurse’s birthday month.

North Dakota

North Dakota, as a Nursing Compact State, simplifies the process for nursing school graduates applying for RN licensure. Candidates must provide their Social Security number, send official transcripts, and pay a $145 processing fee. Out-of-state students must complete nursing programs that include a similar number of clinical hours at North Dakota-approved institutions.

RNs in North Dakota must renew their licenses every two years, demonstrating at least 400 hours of work in the preceding four years and 12 contact hours in the past two years. Notably, continuing education credits do not roll over between renewal periods.

Ohio

In Ohio, RN candidates must graduate from schools approved by the Ohio Board of Nursing or the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. After graduation, school officials must send letters to the state board verifying each candidate’s degree. Alongside passing a criminal background check with fingerprinting through the state’s vendor, prospective RNs must send a $75 payment with their application.

Ohio RNs renew their licenses every two years, with the first two years after licensure not requiring continuing education credits. However, subsequent renewals necessitate 24 continuing education credits.

Oklahoma

Participating in the NLC, the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (OBN) facilitates the licensure process for nurses. Graduates applying for initial licensure must send official and final transcripts. Candidates who attended nursing school outside the state must also submit course descriptions. First-time RN candidates must submit an $85 application fee, answer questions about their fitness to serve, and undergo fingerprinting for background checks.

Oklahoma nurses renew their licenses every two years, and OBN provides various ways to remain eligible for renewal, including earning 24 continuing education credits within the previous two years.

Oregon

In Oregon, recent nursing school graduates seeking licensure need to affix a passport-style photograph to the state’s LIC-103A form and submit it to their nursing schools. The completed form, along with consent for a background check and a $160 payment, should be sent to the Oregon State Board of Nursing.

To maintain active licensure in Oregon, nurses must complete 960 hours of nursing employment every five years, along with seven hours of continuing education in pain management before their first renewal. The renewal fee stands at $145.

Pennsylvania

RN candidates in Pennsylvania use the Pennsylvania Licensing System for initial licensure and renewal. Each prospective RN must submit proof of graduation from a board-approved school, a $95 application fee, and answers to questions about their criminal and personal history.

Those opting for temporary permits can practice under licensed nurses’ supervision while awaiting official NCLEX results. Nurses must renew their licenses every two years by paying a $122 fee and accruing 30 hours of continuing education, including two hours in child abuse prevention.

Rhode Island

The Rhode Island Department of Health oversees nursing licensure in the state. First-time RN candidates fill out an online application and submit a $135 processing fee. They also need to contact their nursing schools to request official transcripts and degree verification to the state health department. Nurses can opt for a frame-worthy copy of their licenses for an additional $30.

Rhode Island RNs renew their licenses every two years, requiring 10 hours of continuing education credits, including two hours in substance misuse prevention. Nurses facing hardships during a renewal cycle can apply for a six-month extension on these requirements.

South Carolina

Being a Nursing Compact State, South Carolina’s Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) manages nurse licensing. New RN candidates must submit a passport-style photograph with their application, a notarized affidavit declaring sound moral character, and proof of citizenship or legal immigration.

LLR provides several paths for nurses in South Carolina to keep their licenses active, such as earning 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years, proving certification from a nationally recognized nursing organization, or completing an additional nursing degree.

South Dakota

The South Dakota Board of Nursing requires each first-time RN candidate to submit a completed application, a $100 processing fee, and the results of a criminal background check. Graduates of South Dakota nursing programs should send certification of nursing education documents to the board.

Candidates who attended out-of-state programs must submit official transcripts. Prospective nurses who meet these requirements, register for the NCLEX, and pay an additional $25, can receive a temporary permit.

South Dakota RNs must renew their licenses every two years, submitting a $115 processing fee and proof of adequate employment: 140 hours in one year or 480 hours in six years.

Tennessee

Being a Nursing Compact State, Tennessee mandates that each RN candidate declares it as their primary state of residency. Candidates must submit to a criminal background check, attach a passport-style photograph, confirm their United States citizenship, and provide records if they’ve ever held a professional license.

The Tennessee Board of Nursing recommends nursing students begin the criminal background check process about six weeks before graduation. Candidates should register with Pearson Vue before submitting their applications to the board. Renewal is required every two years on the final day of the nurse’s birth month.

Texas

As a Nursing Compact State, the Texas Board of Nursing exclusively approves nursing programs within the state. Unlike many states, Texas doesn’t make exceptions to this rule. However, students from other NLC states can apply for licensure in their home regions and then work in Texas. Each prospective nurse in Texas must submit to fingerprinting and an FBI-run background check.

Texas nurses must renew their license every two years, requiring them to complete 20 contact hours of continuing education. Professionals may not renew their licenses if they default on their Texas Guaranteed Student Loans or fail to complete required background check updates.

Utah

The Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL), a part of the Utah Department of Commerce, manages RN credentials within Utah. DOPL accepts graduates from any program approved by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, or the Council on Accreditation. Candidates must pay a $90 application fee and submit official transcripts, along with fingerprints for background checks.

RNs from other NLC states can practice in Utah for up to 90 days before applying for licensure by endorsement. Nurses must renew their licenses every two years, completing 400 working hours or 200 hours and 15 continuing education credits to qualify.

Vermont

As a Nursing Compact State, Vermont’s Secretary of State oversees the state’s Board of Nursing and RN licenses. A first-time candidate pays an application fee of $60, submits their Social Security number, and ensures that their school sends official and final transcripts to the state. Some candidates must send education verification forms too.

Nurses in Vermont must renew their licenses every two years. They can renew their licenses if they worked 400 hours in the past two years or 960 hours within the past five years. Renewal candidates can apply online and verify the number of hours they worked since their last applications.

Virginia

Virginia is recognized as a Nursing Compact State, and the Virginia Department of Health Professions extends a warm welcome to first-time candidates graduating from state-approved nursing programs. Those from other states are also eligible to apply, provided their nursing education encompasses a minimum of 500 hours of supervised clinical care.

Individuals who fall short of these requirements or hold degrees from foreign countries are required to reach out to the department before initiating the application process. Those applying for RN licensure in Virginia, including through endorsement, must undergo criminal background checks, with the application fee set at $190. In Virginia, nurses engage in a license renewal process every two years, meeting the criteria through various continuing education options.

Washington

In Washington, RN candidates are mandated to graduate from either approved in-state schools or out-of-state nursing programs with clinical hour RN requirements comparable to those in the state. The Washington Nursing Commission imposes a processing fee of $120 on candidates, who must register with Pearson Vue and submit education verification to gain approval.

Upon approval, candidates receive their licenses and embark on a Transition to Practice program, working under preceptors. License renewal in Washington occurs every three years, requiring nurses to affirm completing 531 hours of nursing practice and 45 continuing education hours over the preceding three years.

West Virginia

West Virginia is also part of the Nursing Compact States, and nursing students in the state typically initiate the exam application process about two months before graduation. During this period, candidates submit completed applications along with a $70 processing fee. Some candidates may request temporary permits, although the West Virginia RN Board only accepts specific requests.

Those with temporary credentials can practice for 90 days under these permits. After graduation, candidates submit official transcripts to the board and register with Pearson Vue for the NCLEX. RN licenses in West Virginia expire annually on Oct. 31, and renewal entails completing 12 hours of continuing education credit each year.

Wisconsin

Being a Nursing Compact State, Wisconsin’s Department of Safety and Professional Services grants multistate RN licenses to eligible candidates designating Wisconsin as their home state or expressing intentions to move there. Candidates graduating from state-approved programs can conveniently apply through an online system, with in-state schools and a list of acceptable out-of-state programs approved by Wisconsin.

License renewal for nurses in Wisconsin is due by the last day of February during even-numbered years. While the state doesn’t mandate continuing education for renewal, candidates must reaffirm their residency status.

Wyoming

Wyoming, as part of the Nursing Compact States, permits RN candidates to graduate from in-state programs on its approved list or similar institutions in other states. Prospective RNs pay the Wyoming State Board of Nursing a processing fee of $130 and an additional $60 for the requisite background check.

Upon approval, candidates can request their nursing schools to send official transcripts to the board for review. Subsequently, candidates may send fingerprint cards and register with Pearson Vue. RN licenses in Wyoming expire biennially, and renewal pathways include completing 500 work hours in two years, with the renewal application costing $110.