Nursing License from Kansas to Maine: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Maine State Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Kansas and Maine are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Kansas is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maine now; if you are moving your residence to Maine, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maine 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 Kansas and Maine are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Maine while living in Kansas — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Maine means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Maine and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Kansas → Maine
| Kansas (current) | Maine (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $100–$125 ($100 single-state / $125 multistate application; + $57 KBI background check) | $75 (endorsement application, non-refundable; + $52 criminal background check and $30 Nursys verification fee) |
| Processing time | no published timeframe; board says allow 7-10 business days before checking status online; application stays active 6 months awaiting documents | applications processed in the order received; no timeframe published by the board |
| Licensing authority | Kansas State Board of Nursing | Maine State Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Maine 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 Maine: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Maine State Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Maine as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Maine'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 Maine accept a Kansas nursing license?
Yes — both Kansas and Maine are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Kansas is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maine now; if you are moving your residence to Maine, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maine your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Kansas to Maine?
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 Maine: $75 (endorsement application, non-refundable; + $52 criminal background check and $30 Nursys verification fee) (endorsement application, non-refundable; + $52 criminal background check and $30 Nursys verification fee).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (applications processed in the order received; no timeframe published by the board).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Maine State Board of Nursing — Licensing by Endorsement/Reciprocity ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Maine State Board of Nursing — RN Endorsement Licensure Requirements (rev 7/2025, PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Endorsement Application ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nursys — Verification for Endorsement participating jurisdictions ↗ (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]