Transfer Your Nursing License to Kansas: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my nursing license transfer to Kansas?
Kansas is a Nurse Licensure Compact state: a multistate license from another compact state works in Kansas immediately, with no new application while you live in that other state; moving your residence to Kansas means applying by endorsement. Nurses from non-compact states (California, New York, and the other non-members) apply to the Kansas State Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement — the NCLEX is not retaken.
Moving to Kansas 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 — Kansas requires nothing from you. If you are actually moving to Kansas, you are changing your primary state of residence, and that means an endorsement application to the Kansas State Board of Nursing to re-home your multistate license.
NLC member — a multistate license from another compact state is honored without a Kansas application unless Kansas becomes the primary state of residence.
Kansas requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Fees | $100–$125 ($100 single-state / $125 multistate application; + $57 KBI background check) |
| Processing time | no published timeframe; board says allow 7-10 business days before checking status online; application stays active 6 months awaiting documents; board notes applications needing a Board member's review may see slight delays during its HB 2528 transition to an interim Board |
Comparing Kansas with other states? Check RN endorsement requirements by state in the Endorsement Requirement Finder.
Step by step
- Confirm Kansas's current requirements on the Kansas State Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Kansas State Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Official nursing transcripts sent directly to KSBN.
- Verification of your original state of licensure sent to KSBN (available through Nursys).
- Submit fingerprints and the background check fee for a criminal background check.
- Provide proof of a Kansas driver's license and meet the 11 NLC uniform licensure requirements if applying for a multistate license.
- 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 Kansas:
Nearby states
Nursing license transfer into the states bordering Kansas:
Kansas for other professions
- Cosmetology / Barber in Kansas
- Real Estate in Kansas
- Contractor in Kansas
- Teaching in Kansas
- CPA / Accounting in Kansas
- Electrician in Kansas
- Plumber in Kansas
- Engineering in Kansas
- Pharmacy in Kansas
- Physical Therapy in Kansas
- Psychology in Kansas
- Counseling in Kansas
- Social Work in Kansas
- Occupational Therapy in Kansas
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Kansas?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
Is Kansas in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
Yes — Kansas is an NLC member as of 2026-10-29. A multistate license from another member state is valid in Kansas 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 2026-10-29.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Endorsement Application ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Kansas State Board of Nursing — home page (HB 2528 implementation update) ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- Nursys — Verification for Endorsement participating jurisdictions ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-10-29
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