Nursing License from Ohio to Nevada: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Nevada State Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from Ohio to Nevada by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Nevada State Board of Nursing, verify your Ohio license, and meet Nevada'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 Nevada means leaving the compact's coverage: Nevada does not participate, so the multistate privilege that made Ohio easy stops at the border. File Nevada'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 Nevada.
What changes, Ohio → Nevada
| Ohio (current) | Nevada (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) | $100 (RN endorsement application, non-refundable; + $40 fingerprint card processing; 50% fee reduction for military members, veterans, and spouses) |
| Processing time | board does not publish a stated range; application is void and fee forfeited if incomplete for one year | 1–16 weeks (applications processed in about one week; permanent license held until DPS/FBI fingerprint results arrive (up to 4 months) — one-time six-month temporary license available meanwhile) |
| Licensing authority | Ohio Board of Nursing | Nevada State Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Nevada sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Nevada's current requirements on the Nevada State Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Nevada State Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (fingerprint card, or electronic submission only if in Nevada).
- Nurse License Verification for Endorsement through Nursys from your original state of licensure by examination.
- Submit evidence of graduation (diploma or official transcript) from an accredited nursing program.
- Must have practiced nursing within the previous five years, or complete a refresher program or retake the NCLEX.
- Valid U.S. Social Security number or ITIN required.
- Pay the fees ($100 (RN endorsement application, non-refundable; + $40 fingerprint card processing; 50% fee reduction for military members, veterans, and spouses)) and allow 1–16 weeks (applications processed in about one week; permanent license held until DPS/FBI fingerprint results arrive (up to 4 months) — one-time six-month temporary license available meanwhile).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada accept a Ohio nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Ohio to Nevada by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Nevada State Board of Nursing, verify your Ohio license, and meet Nevada's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Ohio to Nevada?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$100 (RN endorsement application, non-refundable; + $40 fingerprint card processing; 50% fee reduction for military members, veterans, and spouses) (RN endorsement application, non-refundable; + $40 fingerprint card processing; 50% fee reduction for military members, veterans, and spouses).
How long will it take?
1–16 weeks (applications processed in about one week; permanent license held until DPS/FBI fingerprint results arrive (up to 4 months) — one-time six-month temporary license available meanwhile) — applications processed in about one week; permanent license held until DPS/FBI fingerprint results arrive (up to 4 months) — one-time six-month temporary license available meanwhile.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — RN/LPN by Endorsement Requirements (rev. 1/26, PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nevada State Board of Nursing — Fee Schedule (PDF) ↗ (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]