Maryland nursing license rules
Compact stateRN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources
Maryland 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 Maryland in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Maryland, your multistate license is issued here.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- When it expires
- Expires 28th day of birth month; odd/even birth year sets renewal year (Health Occ. 8-312)
- Renewal fee
- $165
- Continuing education
- No set number of CE hours. The state may require other proof of competence (such as practice hours or a certification) or specific courses; check the board's renewal page.
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $230
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. 90-day temporary license, $70; not available to holders of an active multistate license
- How to apply
- Verify original license on Nursys; Live Scan/CJIS fingerprints (tracking number on application); transcripts sent digitally; apply in MDH CHART.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years
- When it expires
- Expires 28th day of birth month; odd/even birth year sets renewal year (Health Occ. 8-312)
- Renewal fee
- $165
- Continuing education
- No set number of CE hours. The state may require other proof of competence (such as practice hours or a certification) or specific courses; check the board's renewal page.
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $230
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. 90-day temporary license, $70; not available to holders of an active multistate license
- How to apply
- Same process as RN: Nursys verification, CJIS fingerprints, transcripts, online application.
Moving or traveling
Moving to Maryland 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.
Board of nursing
Sources
- https://www.nursecompact.com/files/NLC_Map.pdf
- https://health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/services-fees.aspx
- https://health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/two-year-renewal.aspx
- https://health.maryland.gov/mbon/pages/licensure-by-endorsement.aspx
- https://mbon.maryland.gov/Documents/FAQs-Licensure.pdf
- https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Laws/StatuteText?article=gho§ion=8-312&enactments=false
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