How difficult to transfer RN license from one state to another?

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I'm planning on becoming an RN in Washington--if I move to another state, is a WA license generally accepted? What is reciprocity like among states? I know for being a teacher, for example, CA won't accept any other states' credentials without taking several additional classes in CA. Is it very difficult to transfer an RN license, or do you generally just need to have a valid license in one state and have passed the NCLEX by the minimum passing score of the new state? Thanks!

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With NCLEX, you either pass or you do not pass. Actual scores are notgiven, only pass or not pass. There is no standard for different states, it is a national licensing exam. Once you have your license, you can endorse to another state by paying their fees to do so. Just follow what it says to "endorse" your license.

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cardinalgal2001 said:
I'm planning on becoming an RN in Washington--if I move to another state, is a WA license generally accepted? What is reciprocity like among states? I know for being a teacher, for example, CA won't accept any other states' credentials without taking several additional classes in CA. Is it very difficult to transfer an RN license, or do you generally just need to have a valid license in one state and have passed the NCLEX by the minimum passing score of the new state? Thanks!

You need to research the state you are applying to. From experience, I can tell you it varies greatly. I have original licensure in New York, Obtained reciprocity in Texas and Florida quickly, but this year, applying to Illinois has been a long drawn out affair, requiring an extremely long and detailed application process that includes original sealed transcripts from my school of nursing ( that was fun, my school closed in 1976!). IL approaches this as if you have never been licensed anywhere... Once again, National Nursing licensure makes more and more sense every day.

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jsteine1 said:
You need to research the state you are applying to. From experience, I can tell you it varies greatly. I have original licensure in New York, Obtained reciprocity in Texas and Florida quickly, but this year, applying to Illinois has been a long drawn out affair, requiring an extremely long and detailed application process that includes original sealed transcripts from my school of nursing ( that was fun, my school closed in 1976!). IL approaches this as if you have never been licensed anywhere... Once again, National Nursing licensure makes more and more sense every day.

I have an original license from NYS and it was endorsed by Florida, in 1980. I did not renew it, in 2000, and they listed my Florida license as revoked. To get it reinstated, Florida demands $200 plus , fingerprints, criiminal background check, and CEUs. I really have nothing against the ciminal background check. fingerprints or CEUs. I object to the more then two hundred dollars to reinstate a license I have already had for twenty years. Florida may not have a state income tax but they get their ibcome from other means.

Grannynurse :balloons:

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Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.

The states currently participating in the Nurse Licensure Compact are:

Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

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I live in Florida and am in my first year of nursing school. I will be moving to Wisconsin when I am done with school. I intend to get my license here in Florida before I move. Can anyone give me any advice or tell me what or where I should look into for info about being able to work as an RN in Wisconsin. Also how long does it take and can I get started on it before I move or must I wait until after I have moved?

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Specializes in Med Surg, Tele, PH, CM.
Also how long does it take and can I get started on it before I move or must I wait until after I have moved?[/quote said:

Depends on the state. I have been licensed in 7 states due to my husband's career travel. All were easy, but some took longer than others. Most will allow you to work after you have applied and are waiting for endorsement. THe Compact has made transferring a piece of cake. I recently moved from Maryland to NC, both Compact states and I had my new license immediatly (after they received my money).

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.
grannynurse FNP student said:
I have an original license from NYS and it was endorsed by Florida, in 1980. I did not renew it, in 2000, and they listed my Florida license as revoked. To get it reinstated, Florida demands $200 plus , fingerprints, criiminal background check, and CEUs. I really have nothing against the ciminal background check. fingerprints or CEUs. I object to the more then two hundred dollars to reinstate a license I have already had for twenty years. Florida may not have a state income tax but they get their ibcome from other means.

Grannynurse :balloons:

This is an excellent example of why it is always preferable to place an unused license on "inactive" status, rather than simply not renewing it.

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Specializes in ED, PCU, Addiction, Home Health.

Don't forget you can use the phone or web to contact the Board of Nursing for the state you're in or the one you want to transfer to.

I live in Pa but will be moving to Alaska. Per their BON site, I must have a employment offer in place to start the lisence transfer.

Every state is different. Best to get informed.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

In theory, no, it should be fairly simple to get a license in another state, minus some $$$ and maybe a background check or other item(s). The NCLEX is a pass/fail exam and there are no min. standards that vary from state to state.

Some states are just easier than others to jump thru the hoops.

And check out the Nurse Compact information https://www.ncsbn.org/158.htm that website will help clarify yet another set of rules regarding your license if you happen to live in a state that participates in that.

The easiest way to find out info is to contact the SBON for the particular state you are interested in and either call and/or email them if you can't find the info on the website.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

It seems to me that it takes awhile, and then, there is the expense. I wanted to obtain a Jersey license, and they speak of a $200 application fee, fingerprints and a pretty lengthy application form. I also believe that they want CEUs. I am told that it takes about two or three months to process. I decided not to, because I only wanted to obtain it for an agency job that may not have that many assignments out there to begin with. I also agree that a National License makes more sense than what they are currently doing.

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Specializes in med-surg, MICU/SICU, Csurg ICU, HH.

I'm in the process of applying for a New Hampshire license because the agency I work for requires it since part of the territory they cover is in NH and there maybe a chance we could get sent there.

My original and current license is in Mass, but I had to pay $45 for NH fingerprints and FBI criminal check (must be done in Concord NH), $30 to NURSYS to prove I have a Mass license (which they could check on the Board of Nsg's website for free), $120 to apply for the license, and I had to complete 30 CEUs before I even applied.

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