Nursing License from Delaware to Alabama: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Alabama Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Delaware and Alabama are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Delaware is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama 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 Delaware and Alabama are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Alabama while living in Delaware — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Alabama means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Alabama and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Delaware → Alabama
| Delaware (current) | Alabama (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $181 (RN application fee via DELPROS; + Delaware/FBI fingerprint fee; optional temporary permit $40) | $125–$225 ($125 single-state or $225 multistate license + $3.50 transaction fee; fingerprint fee paid to vendor, amount not published by board) |
| Processing time | board publishes no processing time; a temporary permit may be issued while the application is pending | board FAQ states there is no timetable — license issues when all requirements are complete; 180-day temporary permit available |
| Licensing authority | Delaware Board of Nursing | Alabama Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alabama 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 Alabama: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Alabama Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Alabama as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Alabama'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 Alabama accept a Delaware nursing license?
Yes — both Delaware and Alabama are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Delaware is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Alabama now; if you are moving your residence to Alabama, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Alabama your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Delaware to Alabama?
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 Alabama: $125–$225 ($125 single-state or $225 multistate license + $3.50 transaction fee; fingerprint fee paid to vendor, amount not published by board) ($125 single-state or $225 multistate license + $3.50 transaction fee; fingerprint fee paid to vendor, amount not published by board).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (board FAQ states there is no timetable — license issues when all requirements are complete; 180-day temporary permit available).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Alabama BON — Endorsement Basic Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Alabama BON — Licensing FAQs ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Delaware DPR — RN/LPN License by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Delaware Board of Nursing — Fee Schedule ↗ (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]