Nursing License from Michigan to Minnesota: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Minnesota Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from Michigan to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, verify your Michigan license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Verify this exact pair in the checker
Same data, interactive — with share link and board links.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Neither Michigan nor Minnesota participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so this is a classic endorsement move: Minnesota's board verifies the license you already hold and issues its own. Nothing about Michigan speeds it up or slows it down — the timeline below is Minnesota's standard out-of-state queue.
What changes, Michigan → Minnesota
| Michigan (current) | Minnesota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $212.9 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately) | $105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) |
| Processing time | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline | board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review |
| Licensing authority | Michigan Board of Nursing | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Minnesota sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Minnesota's current requirements on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (fingerprint packet emailed after application).
- Submit verification of licensure from your state of original licensure and, if different, the state where you most recently practiced.
- Have your most recent nursing employer complete the Confirmation of Nursing Employment form.
- Report continuing education or complete a refresher course if you have not practiced recently.
- Pay the fees ($105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee)) and allow board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota accept a Michigan nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Michigan to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, verify your Michigan license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Michigan to Minnesota?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee).
How long will it take?
board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review — board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure by Endorsement process ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA/BPL — Michigan Nursing Licensing Guide ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA — Board of Nursing ↗ (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]