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Arizona Board of Nursing
Processing time
6–8 weeks
Temporary licenses are typically issued within two days of receiving an applicant’s fingerprint cards
Fees
License: $150
Renewal: $160
Temporary license: $50
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Arizona license
Every four years prior to May 1st
Yes
Valid for 12 months or until permanent license is issued or denied
Disciplinary action by a regulatory agency may disqualify applicants from being issued a temporary license
Temporary licenses will be emailed to applicants
There are no continuing education requirements for Arizona RNs and LPNs at this time
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
6-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$150
Renewal: $160 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
0 hours
Every 4 years
Arizona is an NLC member state; nurses with a multistate compact license and primary residence in another NLC state can practice immediately in Arizona without application. This is the fastest path for eligible travelers. Non-compact applicants must pursue endorsement (6-8 weeks with temp license option available at 48-hour issuance once fingerprints are received).
For travelers, this means you can begin an Arizona assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Arizona residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for an Arizona license through endorsement.
Arizona uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $150 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Arizona requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Arizona State Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Arizona State Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $150 |
| Renewal | $160 (every 4 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $205–$255 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Arizona issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 12 months, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.
Eligibility requirements:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
Important for travelers: Temporary license becomes invalid immediately if applicant's primary state of residence changes to Arizona; must apply for Arizona permanent license within board-specified timeframe. Temporary license cannot coexist with active compact privilege; if compact privilege is activated, temporary license is automatically revoked. Temporary license expires after 12 months regardless of permanent license status; renewal of temporary requires new application.
Arizona registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 6-8 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 3-5 days for board review if complete documentation (including fingerprints) is submitted simultaneously with application.
Common sources of delay:
Arizona does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Arizona does not require continuing education hours for registered nurse license renewal.
Arizona State Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (602) 771-7800
Email: [email protected]
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Arizona State Board of Nursing's official website.
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