New Hampshire nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a New Hampshire license by endorsement: the application fee ($116 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | New Hampshire |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | New Hampshire Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $116 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $116 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Nursing applicants need both a NH criminal history check and fingerprints for FBI records; OPLC gives separate instructions for completing fingerprinting inside NH (Option B) or outside NH (Option C). |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license (out-of-state licensee), up to 120 days. Available to out-of-state health care professionals with an active license in good standing; valid 120 days or until the board acts on the full application, whichever is first; only one temporary license per profession. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $116 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. RN and LPN endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applicants need at least 30 contact hours; current national certification may be used to satisfy it (Nur 403.01). CE is tracked in CE Broker. |
| Processing time, per the board | Allow 10-14 business days for the initial review and first communication from OPLC; no status updates before the 10th business day. |
How to get your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire without applying again. If you move your residence to New Hampshire, you apply for a New Hampshire 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 (out-of-state licensee) valid up to 120 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 $116 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 New Hampshire
- The $116 RN/LPN application and renewal fee includes a mandatory $28 Professionals Health Program fee.
- Endorsement requires Nursys verification (applicant pays Nursys $30); states not on Nursys such as CA, PA and MI also need paper verification sent to OPLC.
- A nurse holding a multistate RN license in a Compact party state is not required to apply for a NH RN license.
What RNs earn in New Hampshire
The BLS median for registered nurses in New Hampshire is $46.55 per hour, about $96,830 a year. See the full RN salary guide for New Hampshire.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Manchester-Nashua, NH | $41.93 | $87,210 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in New Hampshire · New Hampshire state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the New Hampshire Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- oplc.nh.gov/applications-rn (endorsement application)
- oplc.nh.gov/board-nursing-license-fees (fees)
- gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/plc1000.html (fees)
- oplc.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt441/files/inline-documents/nur-lpn-rn-e (Nursys verification)
- oplc.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt441/files/inline-documents/background_c (background check)
- oplc.nh.gov/temporary-licenses (temporary license)
- oplc.nh.gov/oplc-faqs (renewal)
- gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/state_agencies/nur100-800.html (continuing education)
- oplc.nh.gov/board-nursing-faqs (processing time)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire nursing license by endorsement cost?
The New Hampshire Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $116 for an RN and $116 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is New Hampshire a nurse licensure compact state?
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license (out-of-state licensee), valid up to 120 days. Available to out-of-state health care professionals with an active license in good standing; valid 120 days or until the board acts on the full application, whichever is first; only one temporary license per profession. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do New Hampshire nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. RN and LPN endorsement, renewal and reinstatement applicants need at least 30 contact hours; current national certification may be used to satisfy it (Nur 403.01). CE is tracked in CE Broker. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a New Hampshire license?
The board says: Allow 10-14 business days for the initial review and first communication from OPLC; no status updates before the 10th business day.
Does Valorem Health help with New Hampshire 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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