How to Transfer Your Nursing License to Another State

Moving to a new state usually means getting a new license there, not carrying your old one over. If both states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), you apply to make your new state your home state for a multistate nursing license. If either state is outside the compact, you apply for a nursing license by endorsement with the new state's board of nursing.

How do you transfer your nursing license to another state?

The short answer: your route depends on where you move from and to

Your path depends on whether your old state and new state participate in the NLC.

• Compact to compact: Apply for a multistate license in your new home state.
• Compact to non-compact: Apply by endorsement in the new state. Your old multistate license converts to a single-state license.
• Non-compact to compact: Apply by endorsement in the new state. If you meet the requirements, you'll receive a multistate license.
• Non-compact to non-compact: Apply by endorsement in the new state.

Compact state to compact state: change your multistate license's home state

A compact nursing license is tied to your primary state of residence. When you move permanently to another compact state, you must apply for licensure there. Once the new state issues your multistate license, your old one is deactivated. You don't retake the NCLEX, but you do complete the new state's application and background check.

Non-compact state involved: apply for a nursing license by endorsement

Endorsement is how a state licenses a nurse who already holds a license elsewhere. The new board confirms your original license and NCLEX result, runs a background check, and applies its own rules. Some states that are not in the compact, such as California, New York, Illinois, Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska, plus the District of Columbia, issue single-state licenses only.

Why you can't literally transfer a license (you get a new one)

Each state board of nursing licenses nurses under its own nurse practice act. That means no mechanism exists to move a license from one board to another. "Transferring" really means getting a new license in the new state. The NLC makes this simpler between member states, but you still apply.

What is a compact nursing license and how does it work when you move?

How the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) works

The NLC is an agreement among member states. It lets RNs and LPN/VNs hold one multistate nursing license and practice in person or via telehealth in all other compact states. It is administered by the Interstate Commission of Nurse Licensure Compact Administrators, with support from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).

To get a multistate license, you must meet the compact's uniform licensure requirements, which include:

• Graduating from an approved nursing program
• Passing the NCLEX
• Completing a fingerprint-based criminal background check
• Having no disqualifying convictions or discipline

Primary state of residence and why it decides your license

You can only hold a multistate license from your primary state of residence, which is the state where you legally live. Boards generally look at documents such as:

• Your driver's license
• Your voter registration
• The address on your federal tax return

Where you work or where you own property doesn't decide your home state. Where you legally reside does.

How long you can practice on your old multistate license after moving

Under current NLC rules, you should apply for a license in your new home state as soon as you establish residency there. You can generally keep practicing on your former home state's multistate license until the new state issues your license. At that point, the old license is deactivated. Check the specific rules with your new board, because applying late can create problems.

Which states are in the compact and which have partial or pending implementation

More than 40 jurisdictions belong to the NLC. Some states have passed compact legislation but not yet fully implemented it. In those states, nurses may be able to practice there on another state's multistate license before residents can be issued one. Membership and implementation status change often, so check the official NLC map on NCSBN's Nurse Licensure Compact website or with the state board before you move.

How do you get a nursing license by endorsement?

Step 1: Check the new state board of nursing's requirements

Go to the new state's board of nursing website and find its endorsement application. Read the full checklist before you start. Requirements, fees and accepted documents differ from state to state.

Step 2: Submit the application and pay the fee

Most boards accept applications online. You'll enter your personal details, education, current and past licenses, and answers to disclosure questions about criminal history and discipline.

1. Create an account on the board's licensing portal.
2. Complete the endorsement application for your license type (RN or LPN/VN).
3. Answer all disclosure questions honestly and attach any explanations the board asks for.
4. Pay the nonrefundable application fee.

Step 3: Verify your original license through Nursys

Most state boards verify licenses through Nursys, NCSBN's license database.

1. Go to nursys.com.
2. Select license verification for endorsement.
3. Choose the state you're applying to.
4. Pay the verification fee.

If your original state board doesn't participate in Nursys verification, you'll need to request verification directly from that board.

Step 4: Complete fingerprints and a criminal background check

Most states require fingerprint-based state and federal (FBI) background checks. Depending on the state, you may:

• Use an approved electronic fingerprinting vendor
• Mail in fingerprint cards if you're out of state

Follow the board's instructions exactly. Fingerprints taken through the wrong vendor or on the wrong form are a common reason for delays.

Step 5: Meet any state-specific requirements (jurisprudence exam, extra CE)

Some states add their own requirements. For example, the Texas Board of Nursing requires the Nursing Jurisprudence Exam on Texas nursing law. Other states require specific coursework, such as Michigan's implicit bias and human trafficking training. Your new board's checklist will list what applies.

What are the requirements to transfer a nursing license?

Exact requirements vary by state. Most boards ask for the following.

Active, unencumbered license in good standing

Your current license should be active and free of restrictions. If you have past or current discipline, you may still be eligible. However, expect extra review, and you may not qualify for a multistate license.

Proof of passing the NCLEX

Boards usually confirm your NCLEX result through Nursys verification. Nurses licensed before the NCLEX existed, or licensed by another exam, may need extra documentation.

Education transcripts and verification

Some boards require official transcripts sent directly from your nursing program. Others rely on the original state's records. Request transcripts early, because schools can be slow, especially for older graduation dates.

Proof of residency for a multistate license

To get a multistate license, you must declare the compact state as your primary state of residence and may need to show proof, such as a state driver's license. If you can't show residency in a compact state, you'll be issued a single-state license.

Extra requirements for APRNs and internationally educated nurses

APRNs need an RN license in the new state, plus a separate APRN license or recognition. The NLC covers only RNs and LPN/VNs.

Internationally educated nurses may need:

• A credentials evaluation from an approved organization, such as CGFNS International
• Proof of English proficiency

Requirements for internationally educated nurses vary widely by state.

How long does it take and how much does it cost?

Typical processing times for endorsement vs. compact applications

Processing times depend on the state, the time of year and how complete your file is. Some boards finish in a few weeks, while busy boards can take months. Compact applications follow the same basic process. The advantage is that you can usually keep working on your current multistate license while you wait. Check your new board's website for current processing estimates.

Application, Nursys verification and fingerprinting fees

Expect to pay several separate fees:

• The state's application fee
• The Nursys verification fee, charged per state you're applying to
• Fingerprinting and background check fees

Each state sets its own amounts, so check the board's fee schedule. Some employers reimburse licensing costs, especially for travel or hard-to-fill roles, so ask your recruiter or hiring manager.

Temporary permits: working while your application is pending

Many states offer a temporary permit or license to endorsement applicants. This lets you work while your full application is processed. Eligibility, cost and length vary, and some states don't offer one at all. Your employer will need to see an active license or permit before you start.

Tips to avoid delays

• Apply as soon as you know you're moving. Don't wait until you arrive.
• Order your Nursys verification right after you submit the application.
• Use the fingerprinting method your new board specifies.
• Answer disclosure questions fully, and include court documents if the board asks for them.
• Check your application portal regularly for deficiency notices.
• Keep copies and confirmation numbers for everything.

If you're job hunting while your license is pending, you can browse registered nurse jobs in your new state. Pay varies by state and experience, so compare our nurse pay data before you negotiate.

Frequently asked questions

Can I work in my new state while my license transfer is pending?

If you're moving between compact states, you can generally keep practicing on your former multistate license until your new home state issues its license. If a non-compact state is involved, you need either a temporary permit or the full license before you can work there. Check with the new board, because rules differ.

Do I need a new license if I move from one compact state to another?

Yes. A multistate license must come from your primary state of residence, so you apply for licensure in your new home state. You don't retake the NCLEX, and your old license is deactivated once the new one is issued.

What happens to my old license after I move?

A multistate license from your former compact state is deactivated when your new home state issues your license. If you move to a non-compact state, it's converted to a single-state license. A single-state license from a non-compact state stays valid if you renew it, or you can let it lapse or place it on inactive status if the board allows.

Can travel nurses keep a multistate nursing license while moving often?

Yes, as long as your primary state of residence stays the same compact state. Temporary assignments don't change your legal residence. You'll still need separate licenses for assignments in non-compact states. If you actually change your legal residence, you must apply for a license in the new home state.

Do nurse practitioners transfer licenses the same way as RNs?

Not entirely. The RN portion follows the same compact or endorsement rules, but the APRN license is separate and must be obtained in each state. A separate APRN Compact has been created but is not yet in effect. NPs should also plan for prescriptive authority, collaborative or supervisory requirements where they apply, and DEA registration in the new state.

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

Related Reading

• How a Multistate (Compact) Nursing License Works