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

New York Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official source data by PlainCredential

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

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

What the New York data shows for Registered Nurses

New York's path to registered nurse licensure runs through 2,589 hours of approved instruction and a passing score on NCLEX-RN, plus a criminal history screening before applicants younger than 18 can be licensed. New York 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 $143, with renewal running $58 on a 3-year cycle. Expect roughly 5 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. The license also carries an ongoing 3-hour continuing-education requirement per 3-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 New York

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,589 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$178
Renewal Fee
$124
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
$143
Renewal Fee
Every 3 years
$58
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
5 wks
Continuing Education
Per 3-year renewal cycle
3 hrs
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in New York? ▼
New York's requirements cover 2589 hours of education or training, the NCLEX-RN exam, and an initial fee of $178. Applicants also go through a criminal background check.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in New York? ▼
New York licenses registered nurses who complete its requirements (2589 education hours) and a passing exam. Verify the latest details with the New York licensing board.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to New York 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 New York. Verify the specifics with the New York licensing board.
Does New York require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in New York. 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 York? ▼
New York ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $124 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in New York? ▼
The initial licensing fee in New York is $143. The renewal fee is $58 every 3 years. Processing typically takes 5 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in New York? ▼
In New York, 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.