Alaska nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Alaska license by endorsement: the application fee ($300 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Alaska |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Alaska Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Not in the compact |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $300 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $300 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. FD-258 fingerprint card sent to the Board for state and FBI check; $75 fingerprint processing fee is separate. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit. Valid six months, nonrenewable, no fee; issued once application, fees, fingerprints and license verification are processed. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $200 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. Renewal needs two of three: 30 CE contact hours, 30 hours professional activities, or 320 nursing practice hours in prior two years; alternatives by Board approval. |
| Processing time, per the board | You can expect an update regarding the status of the initial application within 4-6 weeks. |
How to get your Alaska license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Alaska is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Alaska Board of Nursing for licensure by endorsement before working here, even with a multistate license.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary permit while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $300 for an RN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Alaska
- Endorsement fee is $200 nonrefundable application plus $100 initial license fee; fingerprint fee ($75) extra.
- Endorsement requires 320 nursing practice hours in the past five years, or continuing competency or a refresher course.
- Application must be signed and notarized; applicant must hold a current license in another state when Alaska issues the license.
What RNs earn in Alaska
The BLS median for registered nurses in Alaska is $53.22 per hour, about $110,690 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Alaska.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Anchorage, AK | $53.22 | $110,690 |
| Fairbanks-College, AK | $49.36 | $102,660 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Alaska · Alaska state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Alaska Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing (board website)
- commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/nur4016.pdf (endorsement application, fees, background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, renewal, state notes)
- commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/nur4014.pdf (fees)
- akleg.gov/basis/aac.asp (renewal fee)
- commerce.alaska.gov/web/Portals/5/pub/NursingStatutes.pdf (continuing education)
- commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofNursing/ApplicationsF (processing time)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Alaska Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Alaska nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Alaska Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $300 for an RN and $300 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Alaska a nurse licensure compact state?
Alaska is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A license by endorsement is the route for nurses licensed elsewhere.
Can I work in Alaska while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit. Valid six months, nonrenewable, no fee; issued once application, fees, fingerprints and license verification are processed. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Alaska nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. Renewal needs two of three: 30 CE contact hours, 30 hours professional activities, or 320 nursing practice hours in prior two years; alternatives by Board approval. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Alaska license?
The board says: You can expect an update regarding the status of the initial application within 4-6 weeks.
Does Valorem Health help with Alaska licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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