RN License Requirements by State

Registered nurse (RN) licensure is nearly uniform across the country: completion of an approved nursing program, passage of the national NCLEX-RN exam, and approval by the state board of nursing. Most states belong to the Nurse Licensure Compact, so a single multi-state license authorizes practice in every member state. The exact hours, fees and exams are set by each state's board - here is the state-by-state breakdown, sourced from official licensing authorities.

Last updated August 7, 2026. Licensing rules change - confirm with the official board before applying.

National exam basics

The NCLEX-RN is a single national exam; passing it qualifies you for licensure in any state that uses the exam, with the state issuing the license.

RN License requirements by state

AlabamaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…AlaskaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…ArizonaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…ArkansasGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…CaliforniaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…ColoradoGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…ConnecticutGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…DelawareGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…District of ColumbiaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…FloridaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…GeorgiaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…HawaiiGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…IdahoGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…IllinoisGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…IndianaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…IowaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…KansasGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…KentuckyGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…LouisianaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MaineGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MarylandGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MassachusettsGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MichiganGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MinnesotaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MississippiGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MissouriGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…MontanaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…NebraskaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…NevadaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…New HampshireGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…New JerseyGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…New MexicoGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…New YorkGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…North CarolinaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…North DakotaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…OhioGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…OklahomaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…OregonGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…PennsylvaniaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…Rhode IslandGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…South CarolinaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…South DakotaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…TennesseeGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…TexasGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…UtahGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…VermontGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…VirginiaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…WashingtonGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…West VirginiaGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…WisconsinGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…WyomingGraduation from an approved ADN, BSN, or diplo…

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FAQ

What education do I need for RN licensure?

Graduate from a board-approved diploma, associate, or bachelor of science nursing program, pass a criminal background check, and file the state application so you can be cleared to sit for NCLEX-RN.

What is the NCLEX-RN and how hard is it?

It is a computer-adaptive test of 75-145 questions that ends in a pass or fail decision. First-time pass rates for US-educated candidates run roughly 80-95%, and retakes are allowed per board schedule.

Can an RN license cross state lines?

Yes. The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) grants a multi-state license valid in all member states; nurses in non-compact states can still apply by endorsement for a single-state license.

How often do I renew an RN license?

Most boards renew every 1-2 years, and a majority require 15-45 hours of continuing education per cycle; a few states require no CE at all.