How to Transfer RN State Licenses

To work as a registered nurse (RN), you must be licensed by the state. This prevents unqualified individuals from dispensing medical care. It gives the state nursing board the opportunity to screen all registered nurses for the correct education and background. Once you receive a state RN license, it's only valid in the issuing state. If you'd like to practice another state you can apply for reciprocity in that state. The reciprocity procedure grants you another state license based on the good standing of your current RN license.

Instructions

1. Ask a local law enforcement agency, such as a police station, to document your fingerprints. Pay the fees associated with the service and take the fingerprint cards with you when you leave.

2. Download the RN Reciprocity License from the state nursing board's website. Print or type the requested information into the application, including your personal information, your educational background and your results from the national nursing exams.

3. Mail the fingerprint cards and the application to the address indicated on the application. Include a check or money order for the application fees made out to the state nursing board.

4. Use the National Council of State Boards of Nursing's (NCSBN) Nursys website to send verification of your current RN license to the state you want to transfer it to. Search the database for your license and select the state you want to send verification to. Pay the fees associated with the verification process using a credit or debit card.

5. Receive your RN credentials by mail within 30 days of submitting all of your information to the nursing board.

Tips & Warnings

• With the Nursys website, you can send your credentials to several states at the same time. If you are applying for reciprocity in several states just select each state during the setup process. The pricing will change according to how many states you've selected.

• Each state has its own reciprocity procedure and these instructions can vary from state to state. The best source for a particular state's nursing regulations is that state's nursing board (see Resources).

References

• Florida Board of Nursing: Endorsement Application Instructions
• Nursys Help: License Verification Process

Resources

• NCSBN: Nursys
• Nurse Universe: State Boards of Nursing