Registered Nurse / District of Columbia
2026 data District of Columbia board official source

District of Columbia Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Requirements, fees, and renewal timing for this license, sourced from state board records.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the District of Columbia data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in District of Columbia, the state licensing board requires 2,573 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under District of Columbia's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $125, with renewal running $100 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. The license also carries an ongoing 24-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

Reciprocity for this profession works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Requirements in District of Columbia

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,573 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$175
Renewal Fee
$122
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years

Cost & Timeline

Initial License Fee
Application + first-year license
$125
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$100
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
24 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All District of Columbia licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with District of Columbia licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, the license path calls for 2573 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $175 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in District of Columbia? ▼
District of Columbia licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2573 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the District of Columbia licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to District of Columbia from another state? ▼
Here's how reciprocity typically plays out for registered nurses: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many occupations are additionally covered by interstate licensing compacts that ease cross-state moves. Check with the District of Columbia licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does District of Columbia require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in District of Columbia. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in District of Columbia? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in District of Columbia must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $122.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in District of Columbia? ▼
The initial licensing fee in District of Columbia is $125. The renewal fee is $100 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in District of Columbia? ▼
In District of Columbia, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 5 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.