New York Nursing License

New York is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. Practicing in New York requires an individual New York nursing license, even with a multistate compact license.

How to get your New York nursing license

  1. Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
  2. Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
  3. Apply to the New York State Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
  4. Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.

New York licensing at a glance

Initial license fee$143
Renewal fee$73 / 3 years
Continuing educationNo general CE (infection-control course every 4 years)
Compact (NLC) memberNo

Initial $143; New York renews on a 3-year (triennial) cycle ($73). No general continuing-education hours are required, but an infection-control course is required every 4 years. Not an NLC member — an individual New York license is required even with a multistate compact license.

New York nursing license FAQ

Does my compact nursing license let me work in New York?
No. New York is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so you must hold an individual New York nursing license even if you carry a multistate compact license.
How much does a New York nursing license cost?
The initial RN licensure fee in New York is $143, and renewal is $73 / 3 years.
How many continuing-education hours does New York require?
New York requires No general CE (infection-control course every 4 years) for RN license renewal.
How do I verify a New York nursing license?
Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.