Registered Nurse / New Hampshire
2026 data New Hampshire board official source

New Hampshire Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the New Hampshire data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in New Hampshire, the state licensing board requires 2,000 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 New Hampshire's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $100, and renewal costs $80 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 4 weeks to process once complete. Maintaining the license requires 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year cycle, an ongoing cost applicants often underestimate when budgeting the career.

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

Licensing Requirements in New Hampshire

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,000 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$75
Renewal Fee
$50
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
$100
Renewal Fee
Every 2 years
$80
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 wks
Continuing Education
Per 2-year renewal cycle
30 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in New Hampshire? ▼
New Hampshire's requirements cover 2000 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $75. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in New Hampshire? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in New Hampshire, you must meet the state's requirements including 2000 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the New Hampshire licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire licensing board for how this applies to you.
Does New Hampshire require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in New Hampshire. 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 New Hampshire? ▼
Licensed registered nurses in New Hampshire must complete 30 hours of continuing education every 2 years. The renewal fee is $50.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in New Hampshire? ▼
The initial licensing fee in New Hampshire is $100. 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 New Hampshire? ▼
In New Hampshire, 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

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.