Transfer Your Nursing License to Arizona: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my nursing license transfer to Arizona?
Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact state: a multistate license from another compact state works in Arizona immediately, with no new application while you live in that other state; moving your residence to Arizona means applying by endorsement. Nurses from non-compact states (California, New York, and the other non-members) apply to the Arizona State Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement — the NCLEX is not retaken.
Moving to Arizona from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
NLC member — multistate license honored
Whether you need to do anything at all depends on the license in your pocket. If you hold a multistate license and your primary residence stays in another compact state — a travel contract, a border commute, telehealth — Arizona requires nothing from you. If you are actually moving to Arizona, you are changing your primary state of residence, and that means an endorsement application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing to re-home your multistate license.
NLC member — nurses whose primary state of residence is another compact state practice in Arizona on their multistate license and should not apply unless declaring Arizona as their primary state of residence.
Arizona requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Fees | $150 (RN/LPN endorsement application; + $50 background-check fee; optional $50 temporary license; card payments add a $2 or 2.2% processing fee) |
| Processing time | 4–12 weeks (permanent license issues only after fingerprint results — approx. 30 days electronic, 8-12 weeks hard card; temporary license approx. 30 business days) |
Comparing Arizona with other states? Check RN endorsement requirements by state in the Endorsement Requirement Finder.
Step by step
- Confirm Arizona's current requirements on the Arizona State Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Arizona State Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based state and federal criminal background check.
- Request license verification from your original state of licensure via Nursys.
- Upload citizenship/lawful-presence documentation.
- Meet a practice requirement: 960 hours of nursing practice, a nursing degree, a board-approved refresher course, or an advanced nursing degree within the past 5 years.
- Pay the fees listed above, and allow for the processing time shown there.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Arizona:
Nearby states
Nursing license transfer into the states bordering Arizona:
Arizona for other professions
- Cosmetology / Barber in Arizona
- Real Estate in Arizona
- Contractor in Arizona
- Teaching in Arizona
- CPA / Accounting in Arizona
- Electrician in Arizona
- Plumber in Arizona
- Engineering in Arizona
- Pharmacy in Arizona
- Physical Therapy in Arizona
- Psychology in Arizona
- Counseling in Arizona
- Social Work in Arizona
- Occupational Therapy in Arizona
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Arizona?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
Is Arizona in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes — Arizona is an NLC member as of 2026-07-21. A multistate license from another member state is valid in Arizona without any application, as long as your primary residence stays in a member state.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Arizona BON — Apply for a License (RN/LPN endorsement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Arizona BON — Agency Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · Corrections log · spot an error? hello@licensereciprocity.com