New Hampshire

" 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 has grown to include 39 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 original compact license was lacking.

Each state needs a competent medical workforce to meet the needs of its 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.

Endorsements

New Hampshire is a compact state. If you are moving to New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire. General instructions are listed below.

Canadian-educated nurses can use this link for application and foreign nurses can use this one.

• Minimum of 400 hours working as a nurse over the last four years and 30 continuing education contact hours in the last two years, or
• Passing NCLEX scores within the last two years
• $49.75 for criminal background check
• Authorization Form for Criminal Background Check is included in the endorsement packet.
• $120 application fee
• Application link
• Verification of original licensure
• You may use www.nursys.com if your original state of licensure participates in Nursys
• You may use the request form in the paper application.

You may renew your license online. Licenses must be renewed every two years.

This state requires nurses to hold current ACLS certification.

Continuing competency

You must complete 30 contact hours of continuing education in order to renew your license. Click here for more information on continuing competency.

Contact information

Web address: https://www.oplc.nh.gov/contact-us

For general questions use this email:
boardquestions@nursing.state.nh.us

Address:
121 S. Fruit Street
Concord, NH 03301

Phone: 603.271.2323

Fax: 603.271.6605

FAQ

Click here for New Hampshire Board of Nursing FAQs.