Nursing License from Ohio to Alaska: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Alaska Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from Ohio to Alaska by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing, verify your Ohio license, and meet Alaska's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Moving from Ohio into Alaska means leaving the compact's coverage: Alaska does not participate, so the multistate privilege that made Ohio easy stops at the border. File Alaska'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 Ohio, your multistate license keeps working in the compact states; you only lose it when you establish residence in Alaska.
What changes, Ohio → Alaska
| Ohio (current) | Alaska (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $75 (non-refundable endorsement (reciprocity) application; + eLicense system transaction fee and BCI/FBI fingerprinting costs paid to vendors) | $300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)) |
| Processing time | board does not publish a stated range; application is void and fee forfeited if incomplete for one year | board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed |
| Licensing authority | Ohio Board of Nursing | Alaska Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Alaska sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Alaska's current requirements on the Alaska Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Alaska Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based state (Alaska DPS) and FBI criminal background check via FD-258 card.
- License verification via Nursys (or sent directly) from both the state of initial licensure and the state of current licensure.
- Hold a current license in another state or Canadian province (inactive status does not qualify).
- Employer verification of at least 320 hours of nursing practice within the past 5 years, or complete a board-approved refresher course.
- Submit a notarized signature page.
- Pay the fees ($300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application))) and allow board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Alaska accept a Ohio nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Ohio to Alaska by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Alaska Board of Nursing, verify your Ohio license, and meet Alaska's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Ohio to Alaska?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)) ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)).
How long will it take?
board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed — board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Alaska BON — Initial Application for RN License by Endorsement, Online Instructions (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Ohio BON — RN Licensure by Endorsement application instructions (official sample application, eLicense) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nursys — participating boards of nursing (Ohio listed) ↗ (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]