Mississippi nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Mississippi license by endorsement: the application fee ($100 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Mississippi |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Mississippi Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $100 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $60 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Criminal background check ($75) must be done through the Mississippi Board of Nursing; fingerprints from other agencies are not accepted. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary 90 Day Permit for Endorsement Applicants, up to 90 days. Board may issue a temporary permit to a qualified out-of-state applicant; permit fee not to exceed $25. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $100 |
| Continuing education per renewal | None required. Nurse Practice Law does not mandate CE for renewal; 20 contact hours in prior 2 years required only if out of practice more than 5 years. |
How to get your Mississippi 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 Mississippi without applying again. If you move your residence to Mississippi, you apply for a Mississippi 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 90 day permit for endorsement applicants 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 $100 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 Mississippi
- RN licenses renew in even-numbered years; LPN licenses renew in odd-numbered years.
- Active license in another state required; a lapsed compact-state license may qualify if unencumbered.
- LPNs with out-of-state IV therapy training must complete a Board-approved IV delineation course before performing IV therapy.
What RNs earn in Mississippi
The BLS median for registered nurses in Mississippi is $35.80 per hour, about $74,470 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Mississippi.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson, MS | $37.89 | $78,800 |
| Gulfport-Biloxi, MS | $36.05 | $74,970 |
| Hattiesburg, MS | $31.23 | $64,960 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Mississippi · Mississippi state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Mississippi Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- msbn.ms.gov/licensure-endorsement (fees, background check, Nursys verification, state notes)
- msbn.ms.gov/licensure/applications-and-forms (temporary license, renewal, renewal fee, state notes)
- msbn.ms.gov/faqs (temporary license, continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Mississippi 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 Mississippi nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Mississippi Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $100 for an RN and $60 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Mississippi a nurse licensure compact state?
Mississippi 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 Mississippi while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary 90 day permit for endorsement applicants, valid up to 90 days. Board may issue a temporary permit to a qualified out-of-state applicant; permit fee not to exceed $25. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Mississippi nurses need?
The board does not require continuing education hours for RN renewal. Nurse Practice Law does not mandate CE for renewal; 20 contact hours in prior 2 years required only if out of practice more than 5 years. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Mississippi license?
The Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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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