Applying for Licensure

Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs) who live in a compact state and meet the uniform licensure requirements may be eligible for a multistate license. Applying for a multistate license must be done through your board of nursing (BON). Multistate licensure applications are available from your BON's website. This includes applications for:

  • License by Exam (new graduates seeking to take NCLEX)

  • License by Endorsement (when you need a license in another state; "transferring your license")

  • Renewal

  • Upgrading/converting a single state license into a multistate/compact license

  • License for graduates of an international nursing program

Find a BON Website

Access licensure applications from your BON's website.

Application Questions

License application questions must be directed to your BON. This includes questions related to:

  • Application status
  • Application fees
  • Continuing education (CE) hours
  • Criminal background check (CBC), including past criminal history or disciplinary action
Contact your BON

ULR Requirements

  • Meets the requirements for licensure in the home state (state of residency)

  • a. Has graduated from a board-approved education program; or
    b. Has graduated from an international education program (approved by the authorized accrediting body in the applicable country and verified by an independent credentials review agency)

  • Has passed an English proficiency examination (applies to graduates of an international education program not taught in English or if English is not the individual's native language)

  • Has passed an NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN Examination or predecessor exam

  • Is eligible for or holds an active, unencumbered license (i.e., without active discipline)

  • Has submitted to state and federal fingerprint-based criminal background checks

  • Has not been convicted or found guilty, or has entered into an agreed disposition, of a felony offense under applicable state or federal criminal law

  • Has no misdemeanor convictions related to the practice of nursing (determined on a case-by-case basis)

  • Is not currently a participant in an alternative program

  • Is required to self-disclose current participation in an alternative program

  • Has a valid United States Social Security number