How to Transfer a Nursing License to Another State
Transferring an RN or LPN license to another state is done through licensure by endorsement — unless a Nurse Licensure Compact privilege already covers you. This guide walks through the full sequence: verification, background checks, the application, fees, and how long each step takes.
No transfer needed
Your primary state of residence and the destination are both NLC compact states. Your multi-state license already grants a privilege to practice.
Endorsement required
The destination is a non-compact state, or you are changing your primary state of residence. Follow the endorsement steps below.
Step-by-Step Transfer Process
- 1
Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered
A transfer by endorsement requires your existing RN or LPN license to be active, unencumbered, and in good standing with your current board. A suspended, lapsed, or disciplined license will stall or block the application, so resolve any holds, expired renewals, or unpaid fees before you apply.
- 2
Check whether your destination is an NLC compact state
Before paying for an endorsement application, check the destination state’s Nurse Licensure Compact status. If both your primary state of residence and the destination are NLC members, your multi-state license already grants a privilege to practice there and no transfer is required. If the destination is non-compact, or you are changing your primary state of residence, you must apply for licensure by endorsement.
- 3
Request license verification (NURSYS or paper)
Order primary-source verification of your current license through NURSYS or the destination board’s verification form. Most states require electronic NURSYS verification; a few still accept a paper verification mailed directly from your original board. Verification costs roughly $30 and must be sent directly to the destination board, not to you.
- 4
Complete the criminal background check and fingerprinting
Most states require an FBI fingerprint-based criminal background check. Schedule fingerprinting only after the board issues your application tracking number — prints captured without one are routinely rejected. Some states use Live Scan vendors such as Identogo, Fieldprint, or MorphoTrust; others accept an ink fingerprint card from out-of-state applicants.
- 5
Submit the endorsement application and pay the fee
Submit the endorsement application with transcripts, proof of graduation, license verification, and background check results, then pay the application fee. Fees range from roughly $40 to $350 by state. Incomplete submissions are the single most common cause of delay, so work from the board’s own checklist.
- 6
Request a temporary permit if the state offers one
Many states issue a temporary practice permit that lets you work while the full application is processed. You usually must request it at the time of application, pay a separate fee, and have verification and a clean background check on file. Permits are commonly valid for 90 to 120 days and are voided if disqualifying information appears.
- 7
Track processing and complete CEUs for your first renewal
Endorsement processing averages 3 to 5 weeks, ranging from 1 to 2 weeks in fast-track states to 8 to 12 weeks in higher-volume states. Track your application in the board’s portal, and once licensed, complete the continuing education required before your first renewal — requirements range from 0 to 36 hours depending on the state.
Typical Timeline & Cost at a Glance
| NURSYS license verification | ~$30 |
| Endorsement application fee | $40–$350 |
| Fingerprinting / background check | $40–$60 |
| Temporary permit (where offered) | $25–$100 |
| Processing time | 1–12 weeks |
For the exact requirements in your destination, see our nursing background check & fingerprint guide and the Nurse Licensure Compact guide.
Start With Your Destination State
Select a state for its endorsement fee, background check rules, processing timeline, required documents, and the official board application portal.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to transfer a nursing license to another state?
Processing averages 3 to 5 weeks. Fast-track states issue an endorsement license in 1 to 2 weeks, while states with high application volumes, such as California and Illinois, can take 8 to 12 weeks. Ordering NURSYS verification early, submitting a complete application, and avoiding fingerprint delays are the fastest ways to shorten the timeline.
How much does it cost to transfer a nursing license?
Total cost is typically $120 to $400. The endorsement application fee runs from about $40 to $350 depending on the state, NURSYS verification costs roughly $30, fingerprinting runs $40 to $60, and a temporary permit, where offered, adds about $25 to $100.
Do I need to transfer my license if I only work in another state temporarily?
It depends on compact status. If your primary state of residence is an NLC compact state and the state where you are working temporarily is also a compact member, your multi-state license already grants a privilege to practice there — no transfer is needed. If the work state is non-compact, you must obtain a license by endorsement there even for a short assignment.
Can I practice in the new state while my application is pending?
Only if the destination state issues a temporary permit or your existing compact privilege covers you. Most states will not allow you to practice on an application alone, and working before a license is issued can jeopardize the application and your existing license. Confirm the temporary permit rules for your destination state before accepting an assignment or start date.