Maryland nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Maryland license by endorsement: the application fee ($230 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Maryland |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Maryland Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $230 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $230 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprint criminal history records check via CJIS required for non-compact endorsement applicants; apply within 48 hours of fingerprinting. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license, up to 90 days. Fee $70. Not renewable except limited extensions; not available to applicants holding an active multistate license. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $191 |
| Continuing education | Active renewal requires one of: 1,000 practice hours in 5 years, a recent nursing degree, or 30 CEUs in the prior 2 years. |
How to get your Maryland 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 Maryland without applying again. If you move your residence to Maryland, you apply for a Maryland 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 valid up to 90 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $230 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 Maryland
- Endorsement requires 1,000 hours of active nursing practice in the last 5 years, or a Board-approved refresher course or preceptor program.
- Implicit bias and structural racism training attestation required at first license renewal after April 1, 2026.
- Active RN renewal fee of $191 includes a $26 Maryland Health Care Commission fee; LPN renewal is $165.
What RNs earn in Maryland
The BLS median for registered nurses in Maryland is $46.55 per hour, about $96,830 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Maryland.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $46.70 | $97,140 |
| Hagerstown-Martinsburg, MD-WV | $43.93 | $91,370 |
| Lexington Park, MD | $42.29 | $87,960 |
| Salisbury, MD | $40.83 | $84,930 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Maryland · Maryland state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Maryland Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/licensure-by-endorsement.aspx (endorsement application)
- health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/2025-nurse-fee-schedule-update.aspx (fees)
- regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/10.27.01.02 (fees)
- regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/10.27.01.12 (temporary license)
- regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/10.27.01.13 (renewal)
- regs.maryland.gov/us/md/exec/comar/10.27.01.10 (state notes)
- health.maryland.gov/mhhd/Pages/Implicit-Bias-Resources.aspx (state notes)
- health.maryland.gov/mbon/Pages/chrc-index.aspx (background check)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Maryland 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 Maryland nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Maryland Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $230 for an RN and $230 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Maryland a nurse licensure compact state?
Maryland 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 Maryland while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license, valid up to 90 days. Fee $70. Not renewable except limited extensions; not available to applicants holding an active multistate license. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Maryland license?
The Maryland Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Maryland 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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