Nursing License Application Timelines

Published

So, I wanted to start this thread to help out fellow RN's who are thinking about the endorsement process to other states. I have recently endorsed my license to multiple states and want to share my experience and time frames. My original license is in MA, which is a state that participates in the Nursys verification online system.

1) California

  • This state is by far the longest and a lot of RN's seem to be running into the same problem related to the BON being backlogged and taking months to get license out. Some are even saying that it is not even worth it to pay extra for the temporary license.
  • I requested the Fingerprint Cards and received them in the mail about two weeks later
  • I mailed my application, fingerprint card, and check on July 15 and my school sent my transcripts July 14
  • My check was cashed/processed on August 11
  • Have tried calling the BON to get an update on my application status, but unable to get through. Hoping I can get the license October/November

2) Maryland

  • Order the Fingerprint cards through their BON website and received it in the mail with instructions about 2 weeks later
  • Applied online July 21 and mailed fingerprint card July 22
  • I saw on July 30 that I had been issued the temporary license
  • Still waiting for permanent license

3) Colorado

  • Easy state to apply to and fairly quick **does not require fingerprints**
  • Mailed application July 16
  • Application check cashed/processed July July 29
  • Issued permanent license July 31

4) Texas

  • Applied online July 22
  • Got my own FD-258 fingerprint card and mailed my fingerprints August 8
  • Took the nursing jurisprudence exam (50Q - easy**) August 12 -- you can be issued the temporary license before you take this exam
  • Issued the temporary license August 8
  • Permanent license under review August 13 -- Still waiting for Permanent license

5) Michigan

  • Mailed Application July 16
  • Mailed Fingerprints July 22
  • Application check cashed/processed July 24
  • Issued permanent and temporary license same day August 5

6) DC

  • Mailed application and fingerprints July 29
  • Check cashed/processed August 6
  • Issued permanent license August 15

7) Washington

  • Mailed Application July 16
  • The WA BON then sends a packet regarding fingerprint card and instructors, which I received August 12 and then mailed August 13
  • Application check cashed/processed July 23
  • Issued temporary license August 5
  • Waiting for permanent license

8) Pennsylvania

  • Just did this application the other day
  • Completed Online Application August 14
  • Doesn't look like you need to do fingerprints as long as you answer no to their criminal questions, but need to look more into it

Ill keep you updated on the states I haven't gotten licenses from yet. Feel free to ask questions!! Hope this helps someone! :yes:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in None yet..

Thank you for sharing this hard-won information. I'm curious, though - why endorse your license to so many states? Is this Extreme Travel Nursing?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Trauma, Orthopedics.

If anyone has any additional info on PA, I'd really appreciate it. I applied for endorsement about 2 weeks ago for both temporary and permanent licensure, and nothing has updated on either checklist. Hoping this doesn't take too much longer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Just to give an update:

4) Texas

- Received permanent license online on 9/2

- Total wait time from applying was 6 weeks till getting the permanent license

8) Pennsylvania

- Did not have to do any fingerprints, only need to do online application

- Received permanent license online on 9/4

- Total wait time form applying was 4 weeks till getting the permanent license

1) California -- Still waiting :/ its been 10 weeks and 5 days

2) Maryland -- Still waiting for permanent license

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hmmm, methinks I'll be taking a travel assignment in Colorado. Every other state I've applied to is taking too long.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I moved to MD in 2004 it took 9 months for them to endorse my VA license. It seemed like forever, I did communicate with them by e-mail which might help a little. Extremely frustrating!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion