How to Get a Nursing License by Endorsement: Steps & Costs

Moving to a new state usually means getting a nursing license by endorsement. You apply to the new state's board of nursing, have your current license verified through Nursys, complete a background check, and pay the board's fees. If you hold a compact nursing license and your new state is also in the Nurse Licensure Compact, you may not need endorsement at all, unless you're changing your primary state of residence.

How do you get a nursing license by endorsement in another state?

Every state sets its own process, but most follow the same basic sequence. Read the new state's board of nursing website before you start, because small differences in paperwork cause most delays.

Step 1: Check whether your compact nursing license already covers the new state

If your home state is in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) and you hold a multistate license, you can already practice in other compact states. Confirm that the new state has implemented the compact, not just passed legislation. If you're relocating permanently, the rules change (see below).

Step 2: Submit an endorsement application to the new state's board of nursing

Most boards take applications online. Typically you will:

1. Create an account on the board's licensing portal.
2. Choose "licensure by endorsement" for your license type (RN or LPN/LVN).
3. Answer the personal, education, and disciplinary history questions.
4. Upload any required documents.

Step 3: Verify your current license through Nursys

Most boards accept license verification through Nursys, the national database run by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). You request verification on Nursys.com, and it goes electronically to the new board. A few states that don't fully participate may require verification directly from the original board.

Step 4: Complete fingerprinting and a criminal background check

Nearly every state requires a fingerprint-based state and federal (FBI) background check. Depending on the state, you'll use an approved electronic vendor (Live Scan or similar) or mail ink fingerprint cards. Follow the board's instructions exactly, because results sent to the wrong agency won't count.

Step 5: Meet any state-specific requirements and pay the fee

Some states require a jurisprudence exam, specific continuing education courses, or extra forms. Pay the application fee when you submit, since most boards won't review an unpaid application.

Step 6: Track your application and receive your new license

Check the board's online portal for "deficiency" notices, which flag missing items. Once the board approves you, the license usually appears in the state's online verification system before any paper copy arrives, and employers generally rely on that online verification.

Do you need endorsement if you have a compact nursing license?

It depends on where you're going and whether you're moving there.

How the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) works

The NLC lets a nurse whose primary state of residence is a compact state hold one multistate license. That license allows practice, in person or remotely, in all other compact states. You hold the license from your home state and follow the nurse practice act of whatever state the patient is in.

Which states accept a multistate nursing license

More than 40 U.S. jurisdictions have enacted the NLC. Some have passed legislation but not fully implemented it. Membership changes, so check the current map on NCSBN's Nurse Licensure Compact website before relying on it.

When compact nurses still need endorsement (non-compact states)

A multistate license gives you no privilege to practice in non-compact states. To work in one, for example California, New York, Illinois, Oregon, Nevada, or Minnesota, you must apply for that state's license by endorsement like any other nurse. Many travel nurses hold a multistate license plus several single-state licenses.

What happens to your multistate license when you move your primary residence

Your multistate license is tied to your primary state of residence. If you move to another compact state, you must apply for licensure by endorsement in the new home state. You can generally keep practicing on your existing multistate license until the new one is issued, and then the old one is deactivated. If you move to a non-compact state, your multistate license changes to a single-state license valid only in the former home state.

What are the requirements for a nursing license by endorsement?

Requirements vary by state, but most boards ask for the items below.

Active, unencumbered RN or LPN license

You need a current, active license in good standing in at least one U.S. state or territory. Past or pending discipline doesn't automatically disqualify you, but the board will review it, and that review takes longer.

Proof of passing the NCLEX

Endorsement assumes you've already passed the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN. Your Nursys verification usually confirms this. Nurses licensed before the NCLEX existed, or licensed through other routes, may need extra documentation.

Education transcripts and graduation verification

Some boards require official transcripts or a verification form sent directly from your nursing program. Others accept Nursys data or skip this step entirely for experienced nurses. If your school has closed, contact the board early about acceptable alternatives.

Background check and fingerprint cards

Expect to provide:

• Fingerprints through the board's approved vendor or on cards
• Disclosure of any criminal history, including dismissed or expunged charges if the application asks
• Court documents and personal explanations for any "yes" answers

Jurisprudence exams, CE hours and other state-specific rules

Some states add requirements on top of the basics. Texas, for example, requires applicants to pass the Texas Nursing Jurisprudence Exam. Other states require specific continuing education topics, recent practice hours, or proof of identity or residency. Check the new board's endorsement checklist line by line.

Extra steps for internationally educated nurses

If you were educated outside the U.S. but already hold a U.S. license, many boards treat you like any other endorsement applicant. Some states, however, require a credentials evaluation (often through CGFNS International), proof of English proficiency, or additional transcript review. Requirements differ significantly here, so contact the board directly.

How long does it take to get a nursing license by endorsement?

Typical processing times by state

Processing times range from a few days to several months, depending on the state, the time of year, and how complete your application is. Many boards post current processing times on their websites. Large states with high application volume often take longer.

Common causes of delays and how to avoid them

• Incomplete applications. Check your portal regularly for deficiency notices.
• Fingerprint problems. Rejected prints or prints sent to the wrong agency mean starting over.
• Missing Nursys verification. Confirm you selected the correct receiving board.
• Unanswered disclosure questions. Submit court records and explanations up front.
• Name mismatches. Make sure your name matches across your license, ID, and transcripts, or include proof of name change.

Temporary nursing permits while you wait

Many states issue a temporary permit or temporary license to endorsement applicants who meet certain conditions, often after the background check clears or verification arrives. These permits are time-limited and may carry restrictions. Not every state offers one.

States with faster or expedited endorsement

Some boards process endorsement applications quickly, and many states offer expedited processing for military spouses. Several states have also adopted "universal licensure" laws that simplify recognition of out-of-state licenses. Check your new state's board for any expedited pathway you qualify for.

How much does a nursing license by endorsement cost?

Total cost depends on the state and your circumstances, so budget for several separate fees.

Board of nursing application fees

Each board sets its own endorsement fee, and the amounts vary widely. Some states charge separately for temporary permits. Fees are typically non-refundable, even if the application is withdrawn or denied.

Nursys verification fees

Nursys charges a fee for each license verified, for each board you send it to. The current amount is listed on Nursys.com. If your original state doesn't use Nursys, that board will charge its own verification fee instead.

Fingerprinting and background check costs

Expect to pay the fingerprinting vendor's service fee plus the state and FBI processing fees. Some boards collect the background check fee with your application. Others have you pay the vendor directly.

Whether employers or travel agencies reimburse licensing costs

Many travel nursing agencies and some hospitals reimburse licensing costs, especially for hard-to-fill roles. Policies vary by employer, so ask before you apply and keep your receipts. If you're comparing offers in different states, look at reimbursements alongside pay. Pay varies by state and experience, and you can compare it with our nurse pay data. You can also browse travel nurse jobs to see which employers mention licensure support.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in a new state while my endorsement application is pending?

Only if you hold a valid authorization to practice there: a multistate license covering that compact state, a temporary permit, or the full license. Practicing without one is unlicensed practice, regardless of your license elsewhere.

Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in another state?

No. Endorsement exists so that nurses who have already passed the NCLEX and hold an active license don't have to test again. Some states do require a separate jurisprudence exam on state law.

Can I hold nursing licenses in multiple states at once?

Yes. Nurses commonly hold several single-state licenses, or one multistate license plus single-state licenses for non-compact states. You can only hold one multistate license, issued by your primary state of residence.

What's the difference between licensure by endorsement and licensure by examination?

Licensure by examination is for new graduates or nurses who haven't yet passed the NCLEX in the U.S. Licensure by endorsement is for nurses who already hold an active U.S. license and want one in another state.

Does a multistate nursing license work for telehealth nursing across state lines?

Generally, you must be licensed in the state where the patient is located. A multistate license covers telehealth patients in other compact states, but patients in non-compact states require that state's license. Some employers and states have additional telehealth rules.

Ready for your next move? Browse travel nurse jobs on NurseTide.

Related Reading

• How a Multistate (Compact) Nursing License Works