Nurse Licensure Applications & Fees by State

Nurse Licensure: Getting Your Nursing License in Different States 

If you want to be a travel nurse, the first step is to become an RN, but there’s more than just filling out the nurse license application and then jumping straight into traveling. There’s a little planning involved, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you through each step of the way. Let’s dive in. 

How to Get a Nursing License For the First Time

First, you’ll have to go through an accredited nursing school program. This could be an associated degree in nursing, a bachelor’s degree in nursing or a nursing diploma from an accredited nursing program.  

Once you graduate, you’re not quite done. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX test. Most people take four to eight weeks after graduation to study for the NCLEX exam. If you’re worried about passing, know that more than 80% of graduates pass the NCLEX on the first try. If you struggle with the first test, there are a number of study guides and programs that you can use to help you get through the test. Unofficial results are available in as little as two business days if your state participates in the Quick Results Service, otherwise, it can be up to six weeks. Depending on your degree, you may sit for the RN or LPN test. Cost is the same, though the tests are different.  

Once you’ve received official notification that you’ve passed, you can actually start the nursing license application. To apply for a nursing license, you’ll need to first decide which state you want to work in. Most of the time, this is the state where you have a driver’s license and your permanent home address. Each state’s Board of Nursing website and contact info is on this page above. 

While requirements for nursing licenses by state can vary, it’s not uncommon for a license application to include a background, including FBI fingerprints, self-reporting of addiction concerns or past legal troubles, proof of English proficiency and references from professors or supervisors.  

The time it takes for your license to be processed and approved varies by state. Some will grant a temporary license quite quickly, while others can take a few weeks. The best way to determine how long it will take is to look at each state’s Board of Nursing site to see if they give a timeframe.  

Once you have that piece of paper in your hands, you can work as a nurse. You’ll likely be under supervision for a few months and go through a lengthy orientation at the facility. Take full advantage of the training and experience of your coworkers—this is how you’ll learn! 

After two years, you can finally start traveling. It may take a bit longer to get your first assignment under your belt, just because you’re competing with experienced travel nurses. Work with your Triage recruiter and understand that you may have to be a little flexible with this first assignment. It’s possible that you might have to compromise a little on location, but your Triage recruiter will do all they can to get you as close as possible to your perfect assignment.  

How to Apply For a Nursing License in Different States

If you’re new to nursing, the thought of a multiple state nursing license might be daunting. That’s because there are different requirements based on where the license is being granted. Some states have temporary licenses for travel nurses, while others require a full license and require you to go through the entire process, including fingerprints and recommendations. Because many states aren’t standardized, you’ll need to determine which state you want to work in and then apply for that license. Your Triage recruiter will likely have a good idea of how long each state takes to process a license and can help time your assignment appropriately.  

What Is Compact Nurse Licensure?

As you work through applying for nursing licenses in different states, you will probably hear about the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact. The eNLC is an agreement between a number of states that means they agree to honor each other’s nursing licenses.  

There are 11 standard license requirements that nurses need to meet to qualify for an eNLC. Each state may implement its own requirements, but all eNLC states agree to these standards.  

• Meets the requirement for licensure in their state of residency  
• Has graduated from a board-approved program OR an approved international educational program  
• Has passed an English proficiency exam if English is not their native language or they graduated from an international program  
• Has passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN  
• Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license  
• Has submitted to federal and state fingerprint-based criminal background checks  
• Has no state or federal felony convictions  
• Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing  
• Is not currently a participate in an alternative program  
• Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program  
• Has a valid Social Security Number 

Currently, there are 36 states, plus Guam that grant compact privileges. These states are: 

• Alabama 
• Arizona 
• Arkansas 
• Colorado 
• Delaware 
• Florida 
• Georgia 
• Guam 
• Idaho 
• Indiana 
• Iowa 
• Kansas 
• Kentucky 
• Louisiana 
• Maine 
• Maryland 
• Mississippi 
• Missouri 
• Montana 
• Nebraska 
• New Hampshire 
• New Jersey 
• New Mexico 
• North Carolina 
• North Dakota 
• Ohio 
• Oklahoma 
• South Carolina 
• South Dakota 
• Tennessee 
• Texas 
• Utah 
• Vermont 
• Virginia 
• West Virginia 
• Wisconsin 
• Wyoming 

Pennsylvania also passed legislation to become a member of the eNLC, but the implementation date has not been set.  

Eight additional states have introduced legislation, but it has not been advanced or passed. These states are Alaska, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Rhode Island and Washington.  

Another five states (plus Washington D.C.) have no plans or pending legislation to join the eNLC. These states are California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Nevada and Oregon.  

How Much Does a Nursing License Cost?

The cost of a nursing license varies by state and can vary wildly. For instance, in Arkansas, a permanent license only costs $125, while Alaska’s permanent license costs $375. When you’re trying to determine what each state’s license will cost, the best thing to do is to go to the source directly. Use the directory above to look up the costs of each state’s nursing license.

When Should You Renew a Nursing License?

Like costs, when you need to renew a nursing license depends on the state. Some states require renewals every year, while others require annual renewal. Once you have your primary nursing license, keep track of that state’s expiration date.  

If you’re ready to take the plunge into travel nursing, connect with a Triage recruiter or check out our board full of travel nurse jobs. Once you find a location that meets your requirements, your recruiter can help you through the steps of getting a license so you’re ready to go.