RN Warehouse

Arkansas nursing license rules

Compact state

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

Arkansas is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Arkansas in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Arkansas, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle15
RN endorsement fee$125
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Staggered biennial birth-date system; renewal opens 60 days before expiration
Renewal fee
$100
Continuing education
15 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
None found on the board's pages.
Endorsement fee
$125
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. One-time temporary permit for applicants with an unencumbered active license elsewhere; $30
How to apply
Apply in the Arkansas Nurse Portal; Nursys verification (or ASBN form for non-Nursys states); separate state and federal criminal background check; refresher course if out of practice over 5 years. Nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state cannot get an Arkansas license.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Arkansas from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Arkansas's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources