Welcome to The First State!
" The Nursing Licensure Compact (NLC) is an agreement between states that allows nurses to have one license but the ability to practice in other states that are part of the agreement.
Originally developed in 2000, in 2024 the license had grown to include at least 25 states. To help streamline the process for nurses the Enhanced Nursing Licensure Compact (eNLC) was implemented in 2018 and included standards for licensure which the originally compact license was lacking.
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Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of it’s citizens. However, the requirements for some health care professions are not the same in each state. That is why it is important to find out what is required of you as a future or current registered nurse before moving across state lines. Contact information is located at the bottom of this page.
Delaware is a compact state. If you are moving to Delaware or claiming it as your primary state of residence, you will need to apply for application by endorsement in order to use your license in Delaware. General instructions are listed below.
You must hold a current, active license to apply for endorsement
Graduation from a Board approved nursing program in the last two years, or
1,000 hours of work as an RN over the last five years, or
400 hours of work as an RN over the last two years, or
You must complete a refresher course that is approved by the Board.
Complete, notarized applicationwith $141 processing fee
Proof of your home state of residence
Drivers license
tax return
Form W-2
Copy or print out of your current license (expiration date must be visible)
Criminal background check (note: form is included in the endorsement application and is mandatory even if you’ve completed one recently. Background check fee is $69)
Verification of original state of licensure (you may use www.nursys.com or a Verification of Original License form found on the application.
US Social Security Number or a Request for Exemption form
Your license will expire on odd number years on either the 28th of February, the 31 of May, or the 30th of September. You will also need to work either 1,000 hours as a nurse over the past five years or 400 hours over the past two years in order to renew.
If your license is issued by endorsement and you have had it at least one year but less than two years, you will need 15 contact hours to renew. If you have had your license over two years you will need 30 contact hours to renew. If you had your Delaware license less than a year before your first renewal, you will not need any continuing education contact hours. Visit the 1900 Board of Nursing page and read section 9.0 for rules and regulations pertaining to mandatory continuing education
If you graduated from a nursing program outside the United States (including Canada) or in Puerto Rico, you will need to provide a copy of your CGFNS certificate or CES report.
Web address: dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/
Address
861 Silver Lake Blvd, Cannon Building, Suite 203 Dover, DE 19904
Phone: 302.744.4500
Fax: 302.739.2711
Email: customerservice.dpr@state.de.us
Click herefor for Delaware Board of Nursing’s frequently asked questions.