Nursing License from Arkansas to Ohio: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Ohio Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Arkansas and Ohio are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Arkansas is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Ohio now; if you are moving your residence to Ohio, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Ohio your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
This is the move the compact was built for. Both Arkansas and Ohio are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Ohio while living in Arkansas — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Ohio means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Ohio and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Arkansas → Ohio
| Arkansas (current) | Ohio (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $125 (endorsement application; + state/FBI background-check fee paid in the separate CBC system plus Live Scan vendor fee (amounts not published on board pages); optional $30 temporary permit) | $75 (non-refundable endorsement (reciprocity) application; + eLicense system transaction fee and BCI/FBI fingerprinting costs paid to vendors) |
| Processing time | no processing timeframe stated by the board; temporary permit available while the application is pending | board does not publish a stated range; application is void and fee forfeited if incomplete for one year |
| Licensing authority | Arkansas State Board of Nursing | Ohio Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Ohio sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing (check it in the verification system).
- If you are moving your primary residence to Ohio: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Ohio Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Ohio as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Ohio's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Ohio accept a Arkansas nursing license?
Yes — both Arkansas and Ohio are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Arkansas is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Ohio now; if you are moving your residence to Ohio, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Ohio your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Arkansas to Ohio?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
If you are only working across the border, nothing. If you are relocating your residence to Ohio: $75 (non-refundable endorsement (reciprocity) application; + eLicense system transaction fee and BCI/FBI fingerprinting costs paid to vendors) (non-refundable endorsement (reciprocity) application; + eLicense system transaction fee and BCI/FBI fingerprinting costs paid to vendors).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (board does not publish a stated range; application is void and fee forfeited if incomplete for one year).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Ohio BON — RN Licensure by Endorsement application instructions (official sample application, eLicense) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nursys — participating boards of nursing (Ohio listed) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Arkansas SBN — RN Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Arkansas SBN — Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Arkansas SBN — Criminal Background Check Instructions (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]