Rhode Island nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Rhode Island license by endorsement: the application fee ($135 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Rhode Island |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $135 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $45 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. National criminal records check with FBI fingerprints through the Bureau of Criminal Identification; applicant pays fees. |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 90 days. Fee schedule lists a 90-day temporary permit for endorsement applicants (RN $135, LPN $45); eligibility conditions not verified. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $135 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 10 contact hours. 10 contact hours related to nursing practice in the preceding two years; licensee attests at renewal, keeps records 4 years, subject to audit. |
How to get your Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island without applying again. If you move your residence to Rhode Island, you apply for a Rhode Island license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Send license verification. Ask each state where you are or were licensed to verify your license to the board. Follow the board's instructions for how it wants to receive it.
- 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 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 $135 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 Rhode Island
- Licenses expire March 1 of every other year; LPN renewal fee is $45.
- Endorsement requires a good-standing statement from the licensing agency of each state where the applicant holds or held a license.
- Regulation requires the Board to act on each application within 90 days of submission.
What RNs earn in Rhode Island
The BLS median for registered nurses in Rhode Island is $48.06 per hour, about $99,960 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Rhode Island.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Providence-Warwick, RI-MA | $46.74 | $97,220 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Rhode Island · Rhode Island state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-40-05-3 (endorsement application, background check, renewal, continuing education, state notes)
- rules.sos.ri.gov/regulations/part/216-10-05-2 (fees, temporary license, renewal fee, state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Rhode Island nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education lists an application fee of $135 for an RN and $45 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Rhode Island a nurse licensure compact state?
Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 90 days. Fee schedule lists a 90-day temporary permit for endorsement applicants (RN $135, LPN $45); eligibility conditions not verified. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Rhode Island nurses need?
RN renewal requires 10 contact hours of continuing education. 10 contact hours related to nursing practice in the preceding two years; licensee attests at renewal, keeps records 4 years, subject to audit. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Rhode Island license?
The Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education 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 Rhode Island 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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