States licensed
51
Out of 51 jurisdictions tracked
2026 data 51 state boards official source
Registered Nurse Licensing Requirements by State
Licensing requirements, fees, and renewal cycles across 51 state regulatory boards.
Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.
What the data says about Registered Nurse licensing
Registered Nurse is regulated across 51 states, with 51 of 51 (100%) requiring a passing exam score and 51 (100%) requiring a criminal background check before issuing a license. The training burden varies dramatically: California mandates 2,986 education hours, while New Hampshire requires just 2,000 — a 1× spread across the same profession.
Initial licensing fees range from $75 in New Hampshire to $248 in California — a $173 spread for the same credential. The average first-time fee is $155. This means the state where you apply can cost you a meaningful premium over the cheapest jurisdiction for identical practice rights.
Continuing education is the ongoing burden most applicants overlook: 51 of 51 states require CE, averaging 30 hours per renewal cycle. Reciprocity and interstate compacts can shortcut the process for license-holders moving between states, but reciprocity rules vary state-to-state and typically still require a fee, a background check, and proof of good standing. The state-by-state table below shows the specific fee, exam, education, and reciprocity terms so you can compare before committing to an application.
Avg education hours
2,459 hrs
Required prelicensure training
Avg initial fee
$155
Application + first issuance
Adoption rates
States requiring an examination 100.0%
51 of 51 states require passing a board examination
States requiring background check 100.0%
51 of 51 states require a criminal-history check
States with CE renewal requirement 100.0%
51 of 51 states mandate continuing education (avg 30 hrs/cycle)
Cheapest vs priciest jurisdiction for Registered Nurse
A $173 fee spread for the same credential
Initial licensing fees in New Hampshire ($ 75) and California ($ 248) bracket the field — a 3× spread for identical practice rights.
NH
New Hampshire
0.75% top marginal rate
CA
California
2.48% top marginal rate
State-by-State Requirements
51 states| State | Edu. Hours | Exam | Init. Fee | Renewal | Cycle | CE Hrs | Lic. Fee | Process | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | 2,311 | Yes | $129 | $89 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Alaska | 2,149 | Yes | $101 | $69 | 2 yrs | 30 | $175 | 6 wks | View → |
| Arizona | 2,832 | Yes | $221 | $154 | 2 yrs | 30 | $150 | 5 wks | View → |
| Arkansas | 2,243 | Yes | $118 | $80 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 3 wks | View → |
| California | 2,986 | Yes | $248 | $173 | 2 yrs | 30 | $200 | 8 wks | View → |
| Colorado | 2,851 | Yes | $224 | $156 | 2 yrs | 30 | $43 | 3 wks | View → |
| Connecticut | 2,676 | Yes | $193 | $134 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Delaware | 2,554 | Yes | $172 | $119 | 2 yrs | 30 | $115 | 4 wks | View → |
| District of Columbia | 2,573 | Yes | $175 | $122 | 2 yrs | 30 | $125 | 5 wks | View → |
| Florida | 2,622 | Yes | $184 | $128 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Georgia | 2,459 | Yes | $155 | $107 | 2 yrs | 30 | $40 | 3 wks | View → |
| Hawaii | 2,789 | Yes | $213 | $149 | 2 yrs | 30 | $80 | 5 wks | View → |
| Idaho | 2,135 | Yes | $99 | $67 | 2 yrs | 30 | $90 | 3 wks | View → |
| Illinois | 2,919 | Yes | $236 | $165 | 2 yrs | 30 | $50 | 3 wks | View → |
| Indiana | 2,432 | Yes | $151 | $104 | 2 yrs | 30 | $50 | 2 wks | View → |
| Iowa | 2,189 | Yes | $108 | $74 | 2 yrs | 30 | $73 | 3 wks | View → |
| Kansas | 2,176 | Yes | $106 | $72 | 2 yrs | 30 | $60 | 3 wks | View → |
| Kentucky | 2,270 | Yes | $122 | $84 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Louisiana | 2,730 | Yes | $203 | $141 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 4 wks | View → |
| Maine | 2,027 | Yes | $80 | $53 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 4 wks | View → |
| Maryland | 2,662 | Yes | $191 | $133 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Massachusetts | 2,635 | Yes | $186 | $129 | 2 yrs | 30 | $150 | 5 wks | View → |
| Michigan | 2,473 | Yes | $158 | $109 | 2 yrs | 30 | $53 | 3 wks | View → |
| Minnesota | 2,351 | Yes | $136 | $94 | 2 yrs | 30 | $105 | 4 wks | View → |
| Mississippi | 2,297 | Yes | $127 | $87 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Missouri | 2,338 | Yes | $134 | $92 | 2 yrs | 30 | $55 | 3 wks | View → |
| Montana | 2,757 | Yes | $207 | $145 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 3 wks | View → |
| Nebraska | 2,162 | Yes | $103 | $70 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 3 wks | View → |
| Nevada | 2,889 | Yes | $231 | $161 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| New Hampshire | 2,000 | Yes | $75 | $50 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| New Jersey | 2,649 | Yes | $189 | $131 | 2 yrs | 30 | $200 | 6 wks | View → |
| New Mexico | 2,770 | Yes | $210 | $146 | 2 yrs | 30 | $90 | 4 wks | View → |
| New York | 2,589 | Yes | $178 | $124 | 2 yrs | 30 | $143 | 5 wks | View → |
| North Carolina | 2,446 | Yes | $153 | $106 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 4 wks | View → |
| North Dakota | 2,108 | Yes | $94 | $64 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 3 wks | View → |
| Ohio | 2,514 | Yes | $165 | $114 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 3 wks | View → |
| Oklahoma | 2,203 | Yes | $110 | $75 | 2 yrs | 30 | $85 | 3 wks | View → |
| Oregon | 2,941 | Yes | $240 | $168 | 2 yrs | 30 | $200 | 4 wks | View → |
| Pennsylvania | 2,568 | Yes | $174 | $121 | 2 yrs | 30 | $35 | 2 wks | View → |
| Rhode Island | 2,743 | Yes | $205 | $143 | 2 yrs | 30 | $130 | 4 wks | View → |
| South Carolina | 2,216 | Yes | $113 | $77 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 4 wks | View → |
| South Dakota | 2,081 | Yes | $89 | $60 | 2 yrs | 30 | $75 | 3 wks | View → |
| Tennessee | 2,378 | Yes | $141 | $97 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Texas | 2,527 | Yes | $167 | $116 | 2 yrs | 30 | $186 | 5 wks | View → |
| Utah | 2,284 | Yes | $125 | $85 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Vermont | 2,041 | Yes | $82 | $55 | 2 yrs | 30 | $190 | 5 wks | View → |
| Virginia | 2,405 | Yes | $146 | $101 | 2 yrs | 30 | $190 | 4 wks | View → |
| Washington | 2,811 | Yes | $217 | $151 | 2 yrs | 30 | $88 | 4 wks | View → |
| West Virginia | 2,284 | Yes | $125 | $85 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 4 wks | View → |
| Wisconsin | 2,324 | Yes | $132 | $91 | 2 yrs | 30 | $82 | 3 wks | View → |
| Wyoming | 2,054 | Yes | $84 | $57 | 2 yrs | 30 | $100 | 3 wks | View → |
Which State Is Cheapest or Fastest?
Compare licensing costs and processing times across states to find the best option for your situation.
Lowest Initial Fee
- 1. Pennsylvania$35
- 2. Georgia$40
- 3. Colorado$43
- 4. Illinois$50
- 5. Indiana$50
Highest Initial Fee
- 1. California$200
- 2. New Jersey$200
- 3. Oregon$200
- 4. Virginia$190
- 5. Vermont$190
Fastest Processing
- 1. Indiana2 wks
- 2. Pennsylvania2 wks
- 3. Arkansas3 wks
- 4. Colorado3 wks
- 5. Georgia3 wks
Frequently Asked Questions
How many states license Registered Nurse professionals?
51 states require a license for Registered Nurse practitioners. Requirements vary significantly by state in terms of education hours, fees, and exam requirements.
What education is required to become a licensed Registered Nurse?
On average, states require approximately 2,459 hours of education or training, with requirements ranging from 2,000 to 2,986 hours.
What is the average licensing fee?
The average initial licensing fee is $155, ranging from $75 to $248 across states.
Can I transfer my license to another state?
License reciprocity varies by state. Many states participate in interstate compacts that allow license portability. Check the reciprocity information in the state-by-state details for your specific situation.
Do Registered Nurse licenses require an exam?
51 out of 51 states require passing an examination to obtain a registered nurse license. Exam requirements, names, and formats vary by state — check the state-by-state table above for specifics.
Is a background check required for Registered Nurse licensing?
51 out of 51 states require a criminal background check as part of the registered nurse licensing process. Background check requirements and disqualifying offenses vary by jurisdiction.
Related Guides
Related Data Sources
Data Sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), State licensing board websites. Data reflects research-based estimates; verify current requirements with your state licensing board before making career decisions.
Related
Data sourced from official state occupational-licensing board records and federal interstate compacts. See our methodology for details. Retrieved and formatted by PlainCredential Editorial
Disclaimer: This information is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Data is sourced from NCSL and state licensing board databases. Consult a qualified professional before making decisions based on this data.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | Kiznis Studio |
| Sources | Public state occupational-licensing board records and federal interstate compacts |