Welcome to the Peace Garden 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.
____nurse.org
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.
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 recieved 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.
US Social Security Number
Completed online application. Fee is $150
Verification of licensure through Nursys website.
Click hereto 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 hereto go to the Board’sRenewal Requirements page. Click hereto go to the online renewal application.
For foreign educated nurses please see the page for Internationally Educated Applicants.
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 during 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 hereto go to the Continuing Competency Requirements page.
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
Hours of Operation: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday
Click herefor endorsement FAQ.
Click herefor renewal FAQ.