Arizona nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Arizona license by endorsement: the application fee ($150 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Arizona |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Arizona State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprints required unless a card was submitted to the Board within the previous two years; background check fee up to $50. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license. Optional $50 fee; needs fingerprints received and no criminal or disciplinary history. 48-hour emergency version needs job offer letter. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 4 years, fee $160 |
| Continuing education | Renewal requires 960 practice hours in past 5 years, or recent graduation, refresher course, or advanced nursing degree; no CE hours listed. |
| Processing time, per the board | Temporary license applications: allow 30 business days for processing. |
How to get your Arizona license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Arizona without applying again. If you move your residence to Arizona, you apply for a Arizona license as your new home state.
- 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 license while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $150 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 Arizona
- Endorsement requires 960 nursing practice hours in past five years, or graduation, advanced degree or refresher course in that period.
- Fingerprint results take about 30 days electronically and 8-12 weeks on physical cards; permanent license waits for results.
- Card payments carry a $2.00 or 2.2% processing fee (since Sept 11, 2025); eCheck is free.
What RNs earn in Arizona
The BLS median for registered nurses in Arizona is $46.58 per hour, about $96,890 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Arizona.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Prescott Valley-Prescott, AZ | $48.55 | $100,980 |
| Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ | $47.19 | $98,160 |
| Tucson, AZ | $46.13 | $95,960 |
| Yuma, AZ | $44.23 | $92,010 |
| Lake Havasu City-Kingman, AZ | $42.79 | $89,000 |
| Sierra Vista-Douglas, AZ | $41.24 | $85,770 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Arizona · Arizona state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Arizona State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- azbn.gov/ (board website)
- azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/apply-license (endorsement application, background check, temporary license, processing time, state notes)
- azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/agency-fees (fees, renewal fee)
- azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/verification-endorsement (Nursys verification)
- azbn.gov/licenses-and-certifications/renew-your-license (renewal, continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Arizona State 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 Arizona nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Arizona State Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $150 for an RN and $150 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Arizona a nurse licensure compact state?
Arizona is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Arizona while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license. Optional $50 fee; needs fingerprints received and no criminal or disciplinary history. 48-hour emergency version needs job offer letter. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Arizona license?
The board says: Temporary license applications: allow 30 business days for processing.
Does Valorem Health help with Arizona 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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Your RN pay reportArizona · pay published by hospitals, collected October 15, 2026
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- Banner HealthArizona, AZ · 3 postings$47.24/ hr$33–$60
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