Nurse Licensure Guidance

Need guidance on applying for a nursing license in the U.S. as a registered nurse (RN) or licensed practical/vocational nurse (LPN/VN)? Use this tool for state-specific details, based on where you will be living and where you want to practice.

In the U.S. you need to be authorized to practice by a board of nursing. Practice is where the patient is, and it includes the direct care of patients, telehealth, care via telephone, and distance education of nursing students. Licensure requirements can vary by state.

To begin, please select if you were educated within the U.S. or outside the U.S.

 

Domestically Educated Nurses

This tool will help you learn about the licensure requirements in the state where you plan to live and practice. You will be asked whether you are an RN or LPN/VN, where you plan to live in the U.S., and where you want to practice. Once you submit your responses, you will be guided to the state’s license application and their Nurse Practice Act. Under the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), qualified nurses can apply for a multistate license, which allows for practice in other compact states without having to obtain additional licenses. This map shows you which states are currently in the NLC. Licensure requirements vary by state. Complete the form below for state-specific nurse licensure guidance based on where you plan to live and practice.