Maryland Nursing License
How to get your Maryland nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Maryland Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Maryland, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Maryland licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $187 |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $191 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | 30 hours / 2 years |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Initial $187; biennial renewal $191 (includes a $26 Maryland Health Care Commission fee; rates effective July 1, 2025). Continuing competency requires 30 CE contact hours per 2-year renewal, or 1,000 practice hours over 5 years, or completion of an academic nursing degree. eNLC member.
Official resources
- Maryland 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)
Maryland nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Maryland?
- Yes. Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Maryland without a separate application.
- How much does a Maryland nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Maryland is $187, and renewal is $191 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Maryland require?
- Maryland requires 30 hours / 2 years for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Maryland nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.