RN Warehouse

New Jersey nursing license rules

Compact state

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

New Jersey is a compact state (since November 2021). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in New Jersey in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in New Jersey, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle30
RN endorsement fee$200
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
May 31 of odd-numbered years (inferred from board renewal page showing May 31, 2015)
Renewal fee
$125
$120 active renewal fee + $5 surcharge
Continuing education
30 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Organ and tissue donation (1 hr, one time, unless covered in nursing education)
  • Explicit/implicit bias (1 hr, only for nurses giving perinatal care; rule proposed 2024, adoption not confirmed)
Endorsement fee
$200
$120 license fee + $75 application fee + $5 surcharge
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Temporary Courtesy License application exists; terms not confirmed
How to apply
Endorsement now filed through the online RN/LPN Candidate application; multistate license if eligible (requires state and federal fingerprint background check), otherwise single-state NJ license.

Moving or traveling

Moving to New Jersey 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

New Jersey Board of Nursing (Division of Consumer Affairs)

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement
This page summarizes New Jersey'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 Spotted something out of date?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