Nursing License from Mississippi to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions ↗
A nursing license transfers from Mississippi to New York by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, verify your Mississippi license, and meet New York's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
Verify this exact pair in the checker
Same data, interactive — with share link and board links.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Moving from Mississippi into New York means leaving the compact's coverage: New York does not participate, so the multistate privilege that made Mississippi easy stops at the border. File New York's endorsement application as early as the board allows — this direction of the move is paperwork-first, and starting after you arrive is the classic way to lose weeks of income. Note that while your primary residence remains in Mississippi, your multistate license keeps working in the compact states; you only lose it when you establish residence in New York.
What changes, Mississippi → New York
| Mississippi (current) | New York (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $100 (endorsement application; + $75 criminal background check fee paid to the Board) | $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) |
| Processing time | board states there is no timetable for issuing licenses; applications are processed first-in, first-out | NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications |
| Licensing authority | Mississippi Board of Nursing | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New York sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm New York's current requirements on the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework.
- Complete an approved child abuse identification and reporting course, or qualify for an exemption.
- Have your nursing school send Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education) and official transcript directly to NYSED.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Pay the fees ($143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check)) and allow NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New York accept a Mississippi nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Mississippi to New York by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, verify your Mississippi license, and meet New York's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Mississippi to New York?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
What does the move cost?
$143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check).
How long will it take?
NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications — NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN Pathway #3 (licensed in another state) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN License Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — How do I apply for Licensure by Endorsement? ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Mississippi Board of Nursing — Licensure By Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official commission site ↗ (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]