Licensing Time Frames By State

Get started with our nursing license lookup guide by state and find out how long it takes to obtain your RN license.

Got your heart set on a travel nursing job in California or Florida? You'll facilitate a smooth assignment if you obtain your nursing license in advance. Some states take longer than others, but with planning and the support of your recruiter, you’ll make it to your dream destinations.

The following chart provides information on the expected time frames for RN licensing by endorsement in each state. Rules may vary by facility and by state. Your recruiter can give you the up-to-the-minute details on licensure at the facilities that you are considering. You should also check with the B.O.N. in each state where you wish to practice.

Several states participate in what is called the Nurse Licensure Compact. Getting a license in a means that you can work in other compact states without needing an additional individual state license. This may affect your decision on where you take assignments, especially if you are working with tight time frames.

The time frames below are an estimated reference to the time it takes to secure an RN license by endorsement (reciprocity). The time frame varies due to the volume of requests the state BON is handling at the moment and upon the completeness of your licensure application. If the B.O.N. requests additional documentation, or explanations of encumbrances, the time frame is longer. You can see why having a Compact License is so key!

In many states travelers have the option of temporary licensure. It can take as little as a few days or as long as a few weeks to have a temporary license issued, provided you have a valid RN license in another state. These licenses are usually valid for 30 days up to 6 months. Again, you can see why having a Compact Nursing License is so handy!

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 1 - 3 weeks

Time Frame: 8 - 16 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 8 - 12 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 weeks

Time Frame: 10 - 12+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Time Frame: 4 - 8+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 8 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 6 weeks

Time Frame: 7 - 9 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 8 weeks

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 8 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 10 weeks

Time Frame: 3 - 8 weeks

Time Frame: 6 - 8 weeks

Time Frame: 4- 12 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 8 - 12 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 10 weeks

Time Frame: 2 - 16 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 16 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 8 - 12 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4+ weeks

Time Frame: 6 - 8+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 6+ months

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Time Frame: 4 - 8 weeks

Compact? Yes*

Time Frame: 3+ months

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 7 - 10 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 6+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 6 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2+ weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 6 - 8 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 3 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 2 - 4 weeks

Compact? Yes

Time Frame: 4 - 8 weeks

*Partial Implementation