Welcome to the Tar Heel State!

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" 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 33 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

North Carolina is a compact state. If you are moving to North Carolina 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 North Carolina. General instructions are listed below.

• Graduation from a nursing program that was approved where you originally received your licensure.
• You must have passed the NCLEX or the SBTPE.
• Unencumbered license anywhere you have held a license.
• Your license must be current. If it has been inactive or expired for five years or longer, you must take a refresher course.
• Criminal background check ($38).
• US Social Security Number.
• Completed online application. Fee is $150.

• Verification of licensure through Nursys website.

  • For those states that do not participate in the Nursys verification system, use the verification forms included on your confirmation page.

Click here to view the North Carolina Board of Nursing Endorsement Page.

Renewals occur every two years on the last day of your birth month and cost $100. Click here to go to the Board’s Renewal Requirements page. Click here to go to the online renewal application.

For foreign educated nurses please see the page for Internationally Educated Applicants.

Continuing competency

You must complete one of the following continuing competency activities to renew your license:

• 640 hours of practice and 15 contact hours of continuing education (CE) during the last two years.
• Certification or re-certification by a Board recognized national credentialing organization.
• 30 contact hours of CE.
• Refresher course that is approved by the Board.
• Two semester hours of nursing-related academic coursework.

To view other options, click here to go to the Continuing competency Requirements page.

This state requires nurses to hold current ACLS certification.

Contact information

Web Address: www.ncbon.com

Physical Address

North Carolina Board of Nursing
4516 Lake Boone Trail
Raleigh, NC 27607

Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Mail Correspondence

North Carolina Board of Nursing
Post Office Box 2129
Raleigh, North Carolina 27602-2129

Phone number: (919) 782-3211

Fax Number: (919) 781-9461

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FAQ

Click here for endorsement FAQ.

Click here for renewal FAQ.

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