Multiple states for license

No, you can not apply for initial licensure in multiple states; you have to decide one. After you receive you initial license you can apply for licensure by endorsement to whichever other state(s) you choose. Although there are varying opinions, I suggest that you apply for initial licensure in the state in which you wish to work as doing other than this will not only increase the cost of licensure, but the time required as well.

Best wishes as you begin your nursing career.

Why can I not apply to multiple states at once? Is there a law against that? Or would it be to just save money? I received a DUI back in 2013 in California and I know California is very strict with priors. So to increase my chances of getting my RN License I would apply to multiple states. The reason to do this now would be that if I get denied in California I'll have to state that on the application to the other states I am applying to which I want to avoid... thanks!

Why can I not apply to multiple states at once? Is there a law against that? Or would it be to just save money…

You can only apply for initial application in one state. Per the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) Application & Registration page: Submit an application for licensure/registration to the board of nursing/regulatory body (BON/RB) where you wish to be licensed/registered. This is in order to be made eligible to take the NCLEX.

The additional cost occurs not only with initial licensure, but if/when you apply for licensure in another state, later in life. Some states only require license verification from your state of initial licensure, while others require license verification from every state in which you have ever been licensed; all at additional expense and time.

…I received a DUI back in 2013 in California and I know California is very strict with priors. So to increase my chances of getting my RN License I would apply to multiple states. The reason to do this now would be that if I get denied in California I'll have to state that on the application to the other states I am applying to which I want to avoid... thanks!

I still suggest becoming licensed in the state in which you want to work. If you want to become licensed in CA and have something in your background that would prevent your obtaining initial licensure there, it will likely affect your ability to endorse your license to CA as well. Further, if it is the fact that you received a DUI this is likely to impact your ability to become licensed in another state as well.

Again, best wishes.

Even if you apply to multiple states at once, you'd need to disclose to the other states if/when Cali denies you. So... expensive route to the same location.

I'm not an expert but I believe each state board of nursing will have individual rules about DUIs and nursing licenses. I know you're not alone. I've read posts about this issue before. I know it's definitely possible to get your license! Good luck!

If you're pre-NCLEX, no, you have to choose one state to apply to for your initial licensure (doesn't have to be either the state you live in or the one you test in).