Endorsement is the destination jurisdiction’s application route for a nurse already licensed elsewhere. It is not a simple transfer of the old license.
Identify the destination authority, submit the correct credential application, arrange license verification and required records, complete background-check steps, then wait for issued authority before practicing.
ABN Nursys Guidance is the reviewed Alabama endorsement route on www.abn.alabama.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Alabama authority.
Verification: Alabama Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with ABN Nursys Guidance. Compare those instructions with ABN License Lookup and Nursys before ordering a paid verification.
Alaska endorsement is handled through Alaska Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Alaska Board of Nursing; compare the request with Alaska official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
American Samoa endorsement is handled through American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by American Samoa Health Services Regulatory Board; compare the request with American Samoa official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Arizona endorsement is handled through Apply for a License. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN, CNA/LNA, CMA, LHA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Arizona State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Nursys for RN/LPN/APRN; AZBN verification for assistant and certificate credentials and the destination application before paying for verification.
RN endorsement is the reviewed Arkansas endorsement route on healthy.arkansas.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Arkansas authority.
Verification: Arkansas State Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with RN endorsement. Compare those instructions with ASBN Registry Search or Nursys before ordering a paid verification.
California endorsement is handled through California Board of Registered Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Anesthetist, Nurse-Midwife, Public Health Nurse application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by California Board of Registered Nursing; compare the request with DCA License Search and the destination application before paying for verification.
Colorado endorsement is handled through Colorado Nursing FAQ. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APN/RXN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Colorado Board of Nursing; compare the request with Colorado DPO License Lookup and the destination application before paying for verification.
RN licensure by endorsement is the reviewed Connecticut endorsement route on portal.ct.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Connecticut authority.
Verification: Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing / Department of Public Health directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with RN licensure by endorsement. Compare those instructions with Connecticut eLicense before ordering a paid verification.
Reciprocity/endorsement is the reviewed Delaware endorsement route on dpr.delaware.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Delaware authority.
Verification: Delaware Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Reciprocity/endorsement. Compare those instructions with DELPROS before ordering a paid verification.
District of Columbia endorsement is handled through District of Columbia Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by District of Columbia Board of Nursing; compare the request with District of Columbia official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Florida endorsement is handled through Florida Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Florida Board of Nursing; compare the request with Florida Department of Health Verify a License and the destination application before paying for verification.
Georgia endorsement is handled through GOALS. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Georgia Board of Nursing; compare the request with Georgia Secretary of State License Search in GOALS and the destination application before paying for verification.
Guam endorsement is handled through Guam Board of Nurse Examiners. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Guam Board of Nurse Examiners; compare the request with Guam official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Hawaii endorsement is handled through Hawaii Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Hawaii Board of Nursing; compare the request with Hawaii official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Idaho endorsement is handled through Idaho Board of Nursing / Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Idaho Board of Nursing / Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses; compare the request with Idaho DOPL Nursing License Search and the destination application before paying for verification.
Illinois endorsement is handled through Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN, APRN Full Practice Authority application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation; compare the request with IDFPR Professional Regulation License Lookup and the destination application before paying for verification.
Indiana endorsement is handled through Indiana Nursing Licensing Information. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Indiana State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Indiana Free Search and Verify and the destination application before paying for verification.
Licensure by endorsement is the reviewed Iowa endorsement route on dial.iowa.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Iowa authority.
Verification: Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing — Nursing & Professional Midwifery directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Licensure by endorsement. Compare those instructions with Iowa DIAL license verification before ordering a paid verification.
Endorsement application is the reviewed Kansas endorsement route on ksbn.kansas.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Kansas authority.
Verification: Kansas State Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Endorsement application. Compare those instructions with KSBN real-time license verification before ordering a paid verification.
Kentucky RN Endorsement is the reviewed Kentucky endorsement route on kbn.ky.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Kentucky authority.
Verification: Kentucky Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Kentucky RN Endorsement. Compare those instructions with Kentucky Board of Nursing verification resources before ordering a paid verification.
Louisiana endorsement is handled through Louisiana Applications. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Louisiana State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Louisiana State Board of Nursing public verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Maine endorsement is handled through Maine State Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Maine State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Maine public license search and Nursys and the destination application before paying for verification.
Licensure by endorsement is the reviewed Maryland endorsement route on health.maryland.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Maryland authority.
Verification: Maryland Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Licensure by endorsement. Compare those instructions with Maryland Board of Nursing license lookup before ordering a paid verification.
Licensure by reciprocity is the reviewed Massachusetts endorsement route on www.mass.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Massachusetts authority.
Verification: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Licensure by reciprocity. Compare those instructions with Massachusetts Health Profession License Verification before ordering a paid verification.
Michigan endorsement is handled through MiPLUS. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, Specialty Certification application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Michigan Board of Nursing; compare the request with Michigan LARA license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Apply by endorsement is the reviewed Minnesota endorsement route on mn.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Minnesota authority.
Verification: Minnesota Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Apply by endorsement. Compare those instructions with Minnesota Board of Nursing license verification before ordering a paid verification.
Licensure by endorsement is the reviewed Mississippi endorsement route on www.msbn.ms.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Mississippi authority.
Verification: Mississippi Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Licensure by endorsement. Compare those instructions with Mississippi Board of Nursing license verification before ordering a paid verification.
Missouri endorsement is handled through MOPRO licensing portal. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Missouri State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Nursys QuickConfirm and the destination application before paying for verification.
Montana endorsement is handled through Montana Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Montana Board of Nursing; compare the request with Montana official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Nebraska endorsement is handled through Nurse license applications. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services — Nursing; compare the request with Nebraska License Information System and the destination application before paying for verification.
RN/LPN endorsement instructions is the reviewed Nevada endorsement route on nevadanursingboard.org. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Nevada authority.
Verification: Nevada State Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with RN/LPN endorsement instructions. Compare those instructions with Nevada License and Certificate Lookup before ordering a paid verification.
New Hampshire endorsement is handled through New Hampshire Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, LNA, MNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by New Hampshire Board of Nursing; compare the request with New Hampshire official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
New Jersey endorsement is handled through Applications and forms. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by New Jersey Board of Nursing; compare the request with New Jersey MyLicense verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
New Mexico endorsement is handled through New Mexico Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by New Mexico Board of Nursing; compare the request with New Mexico official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
New York endorsement is handled through Nursing license requirements. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, Nurse Practitioner, Clinical Nurse Specialist application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Nursing; compare the request with NYSED Online License Verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
North Carolina endorsement is handled through North Carolina Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife, CRNA, Clinical Nurse Specialist, Nurse Aide II application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by North Carolina Board of Nursing; compare the request with NCBON License Verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
North Dakota endorsement is handled through North Dakota Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, UAP application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by North Dakota Board of Nursing; compare the request with North Dakota official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Northern Mariana Islands endorsement is handled through Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Commonwealth Board of Nurse Examiners; compare the request with Northern Mariana Islands official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Ohio endorsement is handled through eLicense Applications. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN, Dialysis Technician, Community Health Worker application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Ohio Board of Nursing; compare the request with eLicense Ohio and the destination application before paying for verification.
Oklahoma endorsement is handled through Oklahoma Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, AUA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Oklahoma Board of Nursing; compare the request with Nursys QuickConfirm and the destination application before paying for verification.
LPN/RN endorsement directions is the reviewed Oregon endorsement route on www.oregon.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Oregon authority.
Verification: Oregon State Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with LPN/RN endorsement directions. Compare those instructions with Oregon Board primary-source verification before ordering a paid verification.
Pennsylvania endorsement is handled through PALS. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, CRNP, CNS, Dietitian-Nutritionist application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Pennsylvania Licensing System (PALS) and the destination application before paying for verification.
Puerto Rico endorsement is handled through Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners; compare the request with Puerto Rico official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Rhode Island endorsement is handled through Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education; compare the request with Rhode Island official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Licensure by endorsement is the reviewed South Carolina endorsement route on llr.sc.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create South Carolina authority.
Verification: South Carolina Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Licensure by endorsement. Compare those instructions with South Carolina LLR Licensee Lookup before ordering a paid verification.
South Dakota endorsement is handled through South Dakota Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by South Dakota Board of Nursing; compare the request with South Dakota official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Tennessee endorsement is handled through Tennessee LARS. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Tennessee Board of Nursing; compare the request with Tennessee Department of Health Licensure Verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Texas endorsement is handled through Texas Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LVN, RN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Texas Board of Nursing; compare the request with Texas License Verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
U.S. Virgin Islands endorsement is handled through Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Virgin Islands Board of Nurse Licensure; compare the request with U.S. Virgin Islands official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Apply for RN/LPN License is the reviewed Utah endorsement route on commerce.utah.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Utah authority.
Verification: Utah Division of Professional Licensing — Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Apply for RN/LPN License. Compare those instructions with Utah Division license verification before ordering a paid verification.
Vermont endorsement is handled through Vermont Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, LNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Vermont Board of Nursing; compare the request with Vermont official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Virginia RN/LPN Application Instructions is the reviewed Virginia endorsement route on www.dhp.virginia.gov. Apply for the exact destination credential; an existing license or compact privilege does not automatically create Virginia authority.
Verification: Virginia Board of Nursing directs applicants to the current verification instructions associated with Virginia RN/LPN Application Instructions. Compare those instructions with Virginia Department of Health Professions License Lookup before ordering a paid verification.
Washington endorsement is handled through Washington RN License Requirements. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact LPN, RN, ARNP application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Washington State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Washington Provider Credential Search and the destination application before paying for verification.
West Virginia endorsement is handled through West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by West Virginia RN Board and West Virginia LPN Board; compare the request with West Virginia official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
Wisconsin endorsement is handled through Wisconsin Licensed Practical Nurse. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN/APNP, Nurse Midwife application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Wisconsin Board of Nursing / Department of Safety and Professional Services; compare the request with Wisconsin License Search and the destination application before paying for verification.
Wyoming endorsement is handled through Wyoming State Board of Nursing. Because a separate direct endorsement URL is not recorded, start from that reviewed authority route and choose the exact RN, LPN, APRN, CNA application type.
Verification: Follow the current verification instructions shown by Wyoming State Board of Nursing; compare the request with Wyoming official license verification and the destination application before paying for verification.
No. The destination jurisdiction evaluates a new application; the original license remains subject to its own status and renewal rules.
No. Wait until the destination authority issues the required license or other valid practice authority.
Generally no. APRN authority is jurisdiction-specific and should be confirmed with the destination regulator.
