Registered Nurse / Missouri
2026 data Missouri board official source

Missouri Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

State-board requirements, fees, and renewal cycle drawn from official regulator records.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Missouri data shows for Registered Nurses

Becoming a licensed registered nurse in Missouri means clearing a defined set of hurdles: 2,338 training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a background history check once the applicant turns 18. Missouri regulators place this credential inside their licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $55, with renewal running $55 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 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.

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

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
47/100
Registered Nurse · Missouri

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
2,338 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$134
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C
$46/yr
$92 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 Missouri

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,338 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$134
Renewal Fee
$92
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 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 Missouri licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Missouri licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Missouri? ▼
Missouri requires 2338 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $134. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Missouri? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Missouri, you must meet the state's requirements including 2338 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Missouri licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Missouri 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 Missouri licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does Missouri require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
A criminal background check is mandatory for registered nurse licensing in Missouri. The state licensing board sets the disqualifying-offense criteria and review process.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Missouri? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in Missouri must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $92.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Missouri? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Missouri is $55. The renewal fee is $55 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Missouri? ▼
In Missouri, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 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 Missouri, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

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

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