When you’re a travel nurse, you might be confused about the different nursing licenses needed in different states. There are different time frames by the state for nursing licensures; this can be confusing when looking at other states’ jobs. But, worry not, here’s everything you need to know about nursing licenses in different states.
Types of Licenses
When you’re ready to get your nursing license, you’ll notice you have two different options. Each one has its pros and cons, but you want to choose the one that makes sense to you.
- By Examination: this is for nurses seeking licensure for the first time. To obtain this license, you need to have a nursing degree and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX).
- By Endorsement: this is for nurses who are already working as Registered Nurses within the united states. This is for those who want to apply for licensure to be eligible to work in another jurisdiction.
The Nurse Licensure Compact (Multi-State License)
Thankfully, we do have what we know as compact nursing states. This agreement allows nurses to have a single license that permits them to practice in multiple states. And obtaining a compact state license isn’t as difficult as you might think.
Thankfully, over 50% of the states are members of the eNLC legislation, which means you’ll have plenty of opportunities to move across states.
Temporary Permits
Some states can grant temporary permits for nurses seeking licensure. Some states give these within 48 hours; however, these expire within six months. Also, these permits are only available for nurses who already have a license in another state. The idea is to help nurses to start working in a different jurisdiction while they process their license.
Basics to Know About Nursing Licenses by State
While a nationwide licensure process would be amazing, we’re not there yet. From state to state, application fees, length of the process, renewal timelines, and even requirements continue to vary. There are even differences on whether a nursing education program has to be nationally accredited or only state board-approved.
Alabama
Temporary License Timeframe: 48 hours
Application Requirements: Proof of citizenship, official transcripts, and license verification
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Alaska
Temporary License Timeframe: 10 business days
Application Requirements: Proof of citizenship, official transcripts, and license verification
Renewal Date: November 30th
Arizona
Temporary License Timeframe: walk-ins 48 hours or 2 weeks by mail
Application Requirements: One of the following: 960 practice hours as a nurse; or graduated from a nursing program within the past 5 years; or completed an Arizona Board-approved refresher course in the past 5 years; or obtain an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years.
Renewal Date: Every 4 years
Arkansas
Temporary License Timeframe: 3-5 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
California
Temporary License Timeframe: 8-10 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years on your birthday
Colorado
Temporary License Timeframe: 4-5 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years by September 30
Connecticut
Temporary License Timeframe: 2-3 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year
Delaware
Temporary License Timeframe: 4-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Florida
Temporary License Timeframe: 30 days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Georgia
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 15 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Hawaii
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 15-20 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years by June 30
Idaho
Temporary License Timeframe: Not set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years on August 31
Illinois
Temporary License Timeframe: 2 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years by May 31
Indiana
Temporary License Timeframe: 2 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year on October 31
Iowa
Temporary License Timeframe: 5-10 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 3 years
Kansas
Temporary License Timeframe: 7-10 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Kentucky
Temporary License Timeframe: Not set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year on October 31
Louisiana
Temporary License Timeframe: No set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year
Maine
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 1-2 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Maryland
Temporary License Timeframe: 48-72 hours
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Massachusetts
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 4-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Michigan
Temporary License Timeframe: 4-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Minnesota
Temporary License Timeframe: 1 business day
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Mississippi
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 7-15 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Missouri
Temporary License Timeframe: same-day in-person or 2 weeks by mail
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Montana
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 30-60 days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Nebraska
Temporary License Timeframe: Not set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year on October 31
Nevada
Temporary License Timeframe: 7-10 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
New Hampshire
Temporary License Timeframe: Not set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year
New Jersey
Temporary License Timeframe: No set timeline
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
New Mexico
Temporary License Timeframe: 2-3 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
New York
Temporary License Timeframe: 6-8 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 4 years
North Carolina
Temporary License Timeframe: 1-2 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
North Dakota
Temporary License Timeframe: 3-5 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year
Ohio
Temporary License Timeframe: 4-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Oklahoma
Temporary License Timeframe: Varies
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Oregon
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 3-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years on your birthday
Pennsylvania
Temporary License Timeframe: 10-14 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years on April or October
Rhode Island
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 1 week
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
South Carolina
Temporary License Timeframe: 1 day
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
South Dakota
Temporary License Timeframe: 2-3 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Tennessee
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Texas
Temporary License Timeframe: 2 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Utah
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 2-4 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Vermont
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 3-5 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Virginia
Temporary License Timeframe: Unavailable, permanent license 4-6 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Washington
Temporary License Timeframe: 3 weeks
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 3 years
West Virginia
Temporary License Timeframe: 7-10 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every year on October 31
Wisconsin
Temporary License Timeframe: 10-15 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
Wyoming
Temporary License Timeframe: 10-14 business days
Application Requirements: None
Renewal Date: Every 2 years
We know that this can be slightly confusing, but have no fear – the Stability Healthcare team is ready to help. Head to our job portal to view open positions and set up an interview today!
