RN Warehouse

North Carolina nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LPN · Last checked November 4, 2026 · Sources

North Carolina 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 North Carolina in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in North Carolina, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle15
RN endorsement fee$150
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Last day of your birth month, every 2 years. No grace period: the license expires at midnight if not renewed. Renewal opens 90 days before.
Renewal fee
$100
Continuing education
15 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
None found on the board's pages.
Endorsement fee
$150
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Nonrenewable temporary license up to 6 months or until the board decides the application (G.S. 90-171.33)
How to apply
State and national fingerprint-based criminal history check through the State Bureau of Investigation (G.S. 90-171.48). Nursys verification not confirmed on an official page.

Moving or traveling

Moving to North Carolina 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

North Carolina Board of Nursing

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · CE rules
This page summarizes North Carolina's rules from the board's own pages as of November 4, 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 Spotted something out of date?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