Getting a new license in another State without endorsement

Rookie12 · Feb 9, 2011

I believe you can have a license in as many states as you like as long as you maintain them according to each states rules. endorsement is just the name for the process of obtaining a license in another state when you already have a license. I don't think there is a way to get a license in another state without going the endorsement route. Check the CA BON website. I live in MA and got my RI license this way..it was pretty simple and I will maintain my licenses in both states for the foreseeable future.

Coffee Nurse, BSN, RN · Feb 10, 2011

Wow, that's exactly what I did -- licensed in NH, endorsed to CA! Anyway, endorsing doesn't mean you have to give up your previous license; it just means that CA accepts your NH license as proof that you've fulfilled the CA requirements for licensure.

tinozc · Feb 10, 2011

WOW!! Thanks a lot Rookie 12 and Coffe NurseThat's exactly what I wanted to read, because don't want to give up my MULTI STATE License!!

Jolie, BSN · Feb 10, 2011

WOW!! Thanks a lot Rookie 12 and Coffe NurseThat's exactly what I wanted to read, because don't want to give up my MULTI STATE License!!

Where do you plan to live after obtaining your CA license? If you relocate from NH to CA, you will have no choice but to give up the multi-state aspect of your NH license. Compact licenses are good for multistate practice as long as you live in the state in which they are issued. If you change your legal residence from NH to CA, you may keep your NH license, but it will be good only for practice in NH, and not have compact privileges.

Compact licenses are beneficial for traveling nurses who maintain a legal residence in a compact state, and nurses who live on the border of 2 states and practice across state lines. Otherwise, they do not offer any benefit beyond the ability to practice in one's home state.