Transfer of License

[mollyz]

I would like to know if nursing licenses transfer easily from state to state. MUST you be certified in the state you work in? What if you live on a state line border?

[Katnip, RN]

Each state requires that you get a license for that state in order to practice there. You don't retake the test, you just apply for a new license. Living close to the border doesn't count.

The exceptions:

Compact states. If your state is a member of the compact states then you can work under your home state's license. Your home BON site should tell you whether or not you are a member and the other participating states.

I live in Maryland. It is a Compact State. However, at least until 2005, I cannot work in Virginia (which is closer than where I am working in state) because VA won't be a member yet. I CAN work in Arizona, Maine, Mississippi, or Iowa if I choose. There are 15 states so far I think and several more pending.