RN Warehouse

Kentucky nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

Kentucky is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Kentucky in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Kentucky, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery year
RN CE hours per cycle14
RN endorsement fee$165
Renewal cycle
Every year
When it expires
October 31 each year (window opens Sept 15); no grace period
Renewal fee
$65
Continuing education
14 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (1, one-time; by Oct 31, 2027 if licensed as of July 15, 2024, else within 3 years of licensure)
  • Suicide prevention (2, one-time within 3 years, if out-of-state or pre-Aug 2025 KY program)
  • Domestic violence (3, one-time within 3 years, if out-of-state or pre-May 1988 KY program)
  • Pediatric abusive head trauma (1.5, one-time within 3 years, if out-of-state or pre-Dec 2011 KY program)
Endorsement fee
$165
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Temporary work permit up to 6 months while awaiting license verification (after FBI report received); no separate fee stated
How to apply
Apply via Kentucky Nurse Portal; pass jurisprudence exam (80%+); KSP/FBI background check through IdentoGO; Nursys verification ($30 to Nursys); application valid 1 year.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Kentucky from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Kentucky Board of Nursing (KBN)

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Kentucky's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email hello@lawfrogrnesq.com.

Sources