license lapsed in NC; just moved to NM: How to get it again?

Jedrnurse, BSN, RN · Jan 21, 2020

Did you just let it go, or switch to "inactive" status? I would think it'd be easier to deal with NC then look for reciprocity in NM then start from scratch in the new place.

chare · Jan 21, 2020

Have you already moved? Or are you planning on moving? If not, and you can still provide the NCBON required proof of residency, I concur with Jedrnurse that this option would be easiest. After your NC license is reactivated, you would be permitted under it in NM while that license is being processed.

Best wishes.

https://www.ncbon.com/licensure-listing-apply-reinstatement-rn-lpn

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jan 21, 2020

17 hours ago, myojin said:
I'm planning on moving to New Mexico but I'm still a resident of North Carolina officially.

I would definitely do it while you're still a permanent resident of NC. Once you stop having NC residency, the process gets a little more tricky (a theme with some compact states).

Just as an FYI, even though NC and NM are both compact, your NC license won't be multi-state once you permanently move to NM, so you should endorse your license right away.

https://www.ncbon.com/licensure-listing-nurse-licensure-compact

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 21, 2020

I know in my home state, if my license was lapsed... it would be MANY hoops to reinstate the license. Check with your current BON.

Good luck.

chare · Jan 21, 2020

20 minutes ago, adventure_rn said:
[...]
Just as an FYI, even though NC and NM are both compact, your NC license won't be multi-state once you permanently move to NM, so you should endorse your license right away.
[...]

He or she will be allowed to work on the NC license throughout the licensure process. After the NM license is issue, it should grant multi-state privileges. The NC license will then be place on inactive status, as you can only be licensed in one eNLC state at any given time.

adventure_rn, MSN, NP · Jan 21, 2020

19 minutes ago, chare said:
He or she will be allowed to work on the NC license throughout the licensure process.

I wonder if it varies by state. When I moved from compact state to compact state, I was told that my multi-state status immediately ended when I changed my place of residency, and I needed to wait for my temporary license in the new state in order to begin practicing. I was under the impression that if I'd continued to work with my old compact state license (even while the new license was being processed), I'd be practicing without a license.

chare · Jan 21, 2020

14 minutes ago, adventure_rn said:
I wonder if it varies by state. When I moved from compact state to compact state, I was told that my multi-state status immediately ended when I changed my place of residency, and I needed to wait for my temporary license in the new state in order to begin practicing. I was under the impression that if I'd continued to work with my old compact state license (even while the new license was being processed), I'd be practicing without a license.

Under the original NLC you could work for either 30 or 90 days, depending upon which state you moved to. Under the eNLC, assuming you apply for licensure as soon as you relocate, you are allowed to work under your current eNLC license. When you receive your new license, and update your address and residency status for you original license, it will be placed on inactive status.

Jory, MSN, APRN, CNM · Jan 28, 2020

I'm going to be honest, you may have to take the NCLEX again.

In my state if you don't renew it after six months, you have to re-demonstrate competency. Some places will make you take NCLEX again.

chare · Jan 28, 2020

2 hours ago, Jory said:
I'm going to be honest, you may have to take the NCLEX again.
[...]

North Carolina allows an RN up to 5 years to reinstate a lapsed license. Where the OP is going to run into trouble is with residency. If he or she has already established residency in NM, NC will not reinstate the NC license, and I am unsure as to whether NM will allow her or him to endorse an inactive license.

This is why encourage maintaining active licensure in at least one state.

myojin · Apr 25, 2020

Thanks everyone for the responses... I'm still in the same boat; I still technically have residence in North Carolina but I will be switching to New Mexico soon... I'm actually living in New Mexico but still using my family's address in North Carolina.

The responses all make sense but after looking at the NCBON website, it looks complicated. Also I would have to pay 130 for the license I would never use... its not alot of money but I'm starting to wonder why apply for two licenses when I only need one... I've looked all over the NMBON website and don't see a mention of my situation. Anyway I wrote the licensing supervisor in New Mexico and we will see what she says.