Nursing License from Pennsylvania to Minnesota: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Minnesota Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from Pennsylvania to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Moving from Pennsylvania into Minnesota means leaving the compact's coverage: Minnesota does not participate, so the multistate privilege that made Pennsylvania easy stops at the border. File Minnesota'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 Pennsylvania, your multistate license keeps working in the compact states; you only lose it when you establish residence in Minnesota.
What changes, Pennsylvania → Minnesota
| Pennsylvania (current) | Minnesota (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $120–$180 ($120 single-state endorsement / $180 multistate endorsement (multistate requires PA primary residence); + fingerprinting costs; $105 to convert an existing PA license to multistate) | $105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) |
| Processing time | board's licensure guide states no fixed timeframe; delays are reduced by having schools and boards send documents directly to the Board | board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review |
| Licensing authority | Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Minnesota sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Minnesota's current requirements on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (fingerprint packet emailed after application).
- Submit verification of licensure from your state of original licensure and, if different, the state where you most recently practiced.
- Have your most recent nursing employer complete the Confirmation of Nursing Employment form.
- Report continuing education or complete a refresher course if you have not practiced recently.
- Pay the fees ($105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee)) and allow board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Minnesota accept a Pennsylvania nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Pennsylvania to Minnesota by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Minnesota Board of Nursing, verify your Pennsylvania license, and meet Minnesota's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee).
How long will it take?
board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review — board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure by Endorsement process ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure Fees ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PA Department of State — Nurse Licensure Compact (implementation and fees) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- PA Department of State — Nursing Licensure Guide (background check, Act 31 CE, verifications) ↗ (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]