Registered Nurse / Maine
2026 data Maine board official source

Maine 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Maine data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in Maine, the state licensing board requires 2,027 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 Maine's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Budget $75 to get started, plus $75 at each renewal on a 2-year cycle; processing typically runs about 4 weeks once your application is complete. The license also carries an ongoing 15-hour continuing-education requirement per 2-year cycle that adds to the true cost of staying licensed.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C
Licensing Ease Score
58/100
Registered Nurse · Maine

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
2,027 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee B
$80
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B+
$27/yr
$53 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 Maine

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,027 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$80
Renewal Fee
$53
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 Maine licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Maine licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Maine? ▼
In Maine, the license path calls for 2027 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $80 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Maine? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Maine, you must meet the state's requirements including 2027 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Maine licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Maine from another state? ▼
Reciprocity for registered nurses nationally works like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Beyond that baseline, interstate compacts exist for many professions and may smooth a transfer into Maine. Verify the specifics with the Maine licensing board.
Does Maine require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in Maine. 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 Maine? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Maine must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $53.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Maine? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Maine is $75. The renewal fee is $75 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Maine? ▼
In Maine, 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 Maine, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Maine'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 Maine's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Maine overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Maine 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.