Registered Nurse / Delaware
2026 data Delaware board official source

Delaware Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

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 Delaware data shows for Registered Nurses

Delaware's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,554 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. Delaware folds the credential into its broader occupational licensing statute, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $115, with renewal running $80 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 4 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. The license also carries an ongoing 30-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 Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
42/100
Registered Nurse · Delaware

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,554 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$172
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden D
$60/yr
$119 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Delaware

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,554 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$172
Renewal Fee
$119
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Delaware? ▼
Delaware requires 2554 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $172. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Delaware? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Delaware, you must meet the state's requirements including 2554 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Delaware licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Delaware 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 Delaware licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Delaware require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in Delaware. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Delaware? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Delaware must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $119.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Delaware? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Delaware is $115. The renewal fee is $80 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Delaware? ▼
In Delaware, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Delaware, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Delaware's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Delaware's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Delaware overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Delaware licensing board before making career decisions.

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

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

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