Maine Nursing License
How to get your Maine nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Maine State Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Maine, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Maine licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $75 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $75 / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
RN licenses renew biennially on your birthday; the $75 initial and $75 renewal fees are from the board fee schedule. eNLC member since January 19, 2018.
Official resources
- Maine State Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Maine nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Maine?
- Yes. Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Maine without a separate application.
- How much does a Maine nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Maine is $75, and renewal is $75 / 2 years.
- How do I verify a Maine nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.