Nursing License from New York to Oklahoma: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Oklahoma Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from New York to Oklahoma by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, verify your New York license, and meet Oklahoma's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
This direction has a silver lining. New York is outside the compact, so you have been carrying a single-state license — but Oklahoma is a member. Endorse into Oklahoma, establish it as your primary residence, meet the uniform licensure requirements, and the license you receive is multistate: one application turns into practice privileges across the whole compact.
What changes, New York → Oklahoma
| New York (current) | Oklahoma (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) | $85–$150 ($85 single-state / $150 multistate endorsement; + $10 optional 90-day temporary license; fingerprint processing fee paid separately to vendor; fee waived for qualifying military/military spouses) |
| Processing time | NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications | no fixed range stated; OSBI background results typically reach the board in 1-2 weeks; 90-day single-state temporary license available |
| Licensing authority | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions | Oklahoma Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Oklahoma sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Oklahoma's current requirements on the Oklahoma Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based OSBI and FBI criminal background check, initiated only after the application is submitted.
- Verification of licensure, education, and examination from your original state of licensure via Nursys or directly from that board.
- Evidence of continued qualifications for practice within the last 5 years (e.g., 520 employment hours, 24 CE contact hours, Board-approved refresher course, or current specialty certification).
- Upload a notarized Evidence of Status (citizenship/qualified alien) form.
- Pay the fees ($85–$150 ($85 single-state / $150 multistate endorsement; + $10 optional 90-day temporary license; fingerprint processing fee paid separately to vendor; fee waived for qualifying military/military spouses)) and allow no fixed range stated; OSBI background results typically reach the board in 1-2 weeks; 90-day single-state temporary license available.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Oklahoma accept a New York nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from New York to Oklahoma by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Oklahoma Board of Nursing, verify your New York license, and meet Oklahoma's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from New York to Oklahoma?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$85–$150 ($85 single-state / $150 multistate endorsement; + $10 optional 90-day temporary license; fingerprint processing fee paid separately to vendor; fee waived for qualifying military/military spouses) ($85 single-state / $150 multistate endorsement; + $10 optional 90-day temporary license; fingerprint processing fee paid separately to vendor; fee waived for qualifying military/military spouses).
How long will it take?
no fixed range stated; OSBI background results typically reach the board in 1-2 weeks; 90-day single-state temporary license available — no fixed range stated; OSBI background results typically reach the board in 1-2 weeks; 90-day single-state temporary license available.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Oklahoma BON — Instructions for Single-State Licensure by Endorsement (Form RS-04, rev. 12/1/25) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Oklahoma BON — Instructions for Multistate Licensure by Endorsement (Form RS-51, rev. 12/1/25) ↗ (accessed 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)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
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