Nursing License from Kentucky to New Hampshire: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: New Hampshire Board of Nursing (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) ↗
Yes — both Kentucky and New Hampshire are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Kentucky is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in New Hampshire now; if you are moving your residence to New Hampshire, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare New Hampshire 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 Kentucky and New Hampshire are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in New Hampshire while living in Kentucky — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to New Hampshire means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into New Hampshire and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Kentucky → New Hampshire
| Kentucky (current) | New Hampshire (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $165 (endorsement application, non-refundable; + IdentoGO background check fee and $30 Nursys verification fee) | $120 (RN endorsement license fee (non-refundable) per the OPLC Board of Nursing license fees page; optional temporary license available while pending) |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (board states licenses may be issued within 14 business days after all documents are received; up to 3 months with disciplinary/conviction disclosures; 6-month temporary permit available) | no timeframe published; applicants have up to 180 days to complete the application |
| Licensing authority | Kentucky Board of Nursing | New Hampshire Board of Nursing (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire: apply for licensure by endorsement with the New Hampshire Board of Nursing (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification) when you move.
- Declare New Hampshire as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete New Hampshire'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 New Hampshire accept a Kentucky nursing license?
Yes — both Kentucky and New Hampshire are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Kentucky is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in New Hampshire now; if you are moving your residence to New Hampshire, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare New Hampshire your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Kentucky to New Hampshire?
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 New Hampshire: $120 (RN endorsement license fee (non-refundable) per the OPLC Board of Nursing license fees page; optional temporary license available while pending) (RN endorsement license fee (non-refundable) per the OPLC Board of Nursing license fees page; optional temporary license available while pending).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (no timeframe published; applicants have up to 180 days to complete the application).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- NH OPLC — Board of Nursing License Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NH OPLC — Board of Nursing ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — RN Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Kentucky Board of Nursing — Fees for Licensure Applications and Services (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]