Arkansas Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Arkansas RN License Overview

Arkansas is an NLC member state. Nurses with a multistate license from another NLC state can practice in Arkansas without an Arkansas license, and a nurse who moves to Arkansas from another NLC state may keep practicing on that multistate license while the Arkansas multistate application is processed. Nurses with a single-state license must apply for an Arkansas license by endorsement.

For travelers, this means you can begin an Arkansas assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. If you make Arkansas your primary state of residence, you must apply for an Arkansas license by endorsement.

How to Get an Arkansas RN License by Endorsement

Arkansas uses an online 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 $125 application fee.

1. Submit the endorsement application online through the Arkansas Nurse Portal
2. Request endorsement certification (license verification) from your state of original licensure (can run concurrently)
3. Complete the state and federal criminal background checks and send their fees to the board with your application (can run concurrently)
4. Await board review; the permanent license is not issued until your state and federal background check results are received

License verification is handled through Nursys or direct verification from your state of original licensure (Arkansas accepts endorsement certification from that state only). Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: State and federal criminal background checks by the Arkansas State Police and the FBI; no initial license application is considered without them. Start it as early as possible.

Check the Arkansas State Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.

Arkansas RN License Fees

Endorsement application, renewal, and temporary license: from our records; confirm with the board.

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Arkansas Temporary RN License

Arkansas issues temporary nursing licenses valid for up to 6 months (nonrenewable), allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed.

Eligibility requirements:

• Meet all other qualifications for licensure by the board
• Completed application filed with the Arkansas State Board of Nursing, with temporary permit fee submitted with the application
• State and federal criminal background checks submitted with your application; no initial license application is considered without them

Issuance timeline:

• Applicant meets all other qualifications for licensure by the board; temporary permit fee submitted with application
• Board administrative processing of temp permit request

Denial risks:

• State or federal background check information showing an offense listed in Arkansas Code § 17-3-102
• A license, privilege or certificate that was revoked, suspended or placed on probation and not reinstated by the state that took the action (the board may refuse a license)
• Falsifying your criminal record history, which is grounds for disciplinary action by the board

Important for travelers: The temporary permit lasts no more than 6 months and cannot be renewed. Issuance of permanent license automatically revokes temporary permit. The permit becomes invalid immediately if state or federal background check information shows an offense listed in Arkansas Code § 17-3-102.

Arkansas RN License Processing Time

Arkansas registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 2-6 weeks; 2 weeks for temporary license to process.

Common sources of delay:

• Endorsement verification is accepted only from your state of original licensure
• State and federal background checks must have been completed no earlier than 12 months before you apply
• State and federal background check results must be received before a permanent license is issued

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing's site. 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.

Arkansas RN Continuing Education

Arkansas requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Practice hour model: Continuing education is one of three ways to qualify each renewal period (the contact hours above, a certification or recertification by a national certifying body the board recognizes, or an academic course in nursing or a related field)

Arkansas RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $100 via Arkansas State Board of Nursing portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month in even years.
• Late penalty: License lapses and practicing on it is illegal practice, and to renew, file a renewal application and pay the current renewal fee plus the late fee

Arkansas Licensing Board and Resources

Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (501) 686-2700

Email: [email protected]