Transfer Your Nursing License to New York: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Does my nursing license transfer to New York?
New York is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so no out-of-state license — multistate or single-state — authorizes practice there. Every incoming RN applies to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions for licensure by endorsement: $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); NYSED's $35 limited permit is only for applicants who have never taken the NCLEX-RN, so it is not available to nurses already licensed by exam; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check), no verified processing time, and the NCLEX is not retaken.
Moving to New York from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Plan the timeline first. Because New York recognizes no outside license, you cannot legally work a single shift there until its own license (or temporary permit, where offered) is in hand — and unlike compact states, there is no shortcut for travel or telehealth work either.
Not an NLC member — nurses holding compact multistate licenses must still obtain a full New York license before practicing. Nursing licensure is administered by the NYSED Office of the Professions, not a standalone board of nursing; apply with Form 1, Form 2, and Nursys or Form 3 verification.
New York requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate) |
|---|---|
| Fees | $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); NYSED's $35 limited permit is only for applicants who have never taken the NCLEX-RN, so it is not available to nurses already licensed by exam; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) |
| Processing time | NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications |
Comparing New York with other states? Check RN endorsement requirements by state in the Endorsement Requirement Finder.
Step by step
- Confirm New York's current requirements on the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (application linked on this page).
- 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 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 New York:
Nearby states
Nursing license transfer into the states bordering New York:
New York for other professions
- Cosmetology / Barber in New York
- Real Estate in New York
- Contractor in New York
- Teaching in New York
- CPA / Accounting in New York
- Electrician in New York
- Plumber in New York
- Engineering in New York
- Pharmacy in New York
- Physical Therapy in New York
- Psychology in New York
- Counseling in New York
- Social Work in New York
- Occupational Therapy in New York
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in New York?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate). No state requires a second NCLEX.
Is New York in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. New York does not participate as of 2026-10-29, so compact multistate licenses carry no practice privilege there.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-10-29.
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN Pathway #3 (licensed in another state) ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN License Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — How do I apply for Licensure by Endorsement? ↗ (accessed 2026-10-29)
Reviewed by the License Reciprocity Editorial Team · verified against primary sources 2026-10-29
How we verify · All sources · Corrections log · spot an error? hello@licensereciprocity.com