Hawaii Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Hawaii RN License Overview

Hawaii does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). All practice requires a Hawaii-issued RN license via endorsement or initial exam. Compact license holders cannot practice under multi-state privilege in Hawaii—endorsement is mandatory.

How to Get a Hawaii RN License by Endorsement

How registered nurses already licensed in another state apply in Hawaii: Standard license-by-endorsement and the standalone temporary permit CAN be filed online via MyPVL with electronic (credit card/eCheck) payment and email status tracking. Only the combined Act 95 temporary permit + endorsement application must be submitted by mail or in person. Out-of-state RNs/LPNs may instead use the Act 95 (SLH 2024) combined Temporary Permit + License by Endorsement pathway (form NSG-02): one application, one nonrefundable fee, granting a temporary permit to bridge practice while the full endorsement is pending. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $254.00 if the license is issued between July 1 of an odd-numbered year and June 30 of an even-numbered year; $186.00 if issued between July 1 of an even-numbered year and June 30 of an odd-numbered year application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Complete FBI and State of Hawaii fingerprinting at Fieldprint (code FPHIBrdNursing) within 30 days of filing (can run concurrently)
4. Obtain and submit an original NPDB self-query report (the mailed hard copy or the emailed PDF) (can run concurrently)
5. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Background check: FBI national + State of Hawaii criminal history record check via electronic fingerprinting at Fieldprint (code FPHIBrdNursing), PLUS an original National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) self-query report. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

Check the Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA-PVL) website for status updates on your application.

Hawaii RN License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Hawaii Temporary RN License

Hawaii issues temporary nursing licenses valid for up to 3 months, until the board receives the verification of your license from your original state (the board may extend it if that verification is delayed), 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:

• Completed endorsement application submitted to Hawaii Board of Nursing
• A completed original Verification of Employment form (NSG-05), signed by your employer in Hawaii; letters of hire are not accepted
• Current active RN license in good standing from another US jurisdiction

Issuance timeline:

• Endorsement application is determined complete by board staff
• Verified employment documentation is received and confirmed by board
• A self-query report from the NPDB is filed; the board may require additional background checks from an independent background check service it approves, at the applicant's cost

Denial risks:

• Prior disciplinary action or conviction, which has not been expunged, must be reviewed by the board
• Employment verification cannot be confirmed with named Hawaii facility

Important for travelers: Only one temporary permit is allowed; you may practice only for the employer named on your Verification of Employment form, and the permit is not reissued for another employer. Temporary permit expires after 3 months or upon permanent license issuance/denial, whichever comes first; it cannot be renewed or extended beyond initial 3-month term.

Hawaii RN License Processing Time

Hawaii registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 15-20 working days to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 18-21 days (if current state board verifies within 5 business days and application is complete and submitted early in board review cycle).

Common sources of delay:

• Verification requests to out-of-state nursing boards often take 1-3 weeks; delays beyond this standard range can extend total processing past the typical 3-4 week window
• Mail-based application submission lacks immediate confirmation or status tracking; lost documents or incomplete submissions require resubmission, adding 1-2 weeks per cycle
• Board review and issuance is sequential (not concurrent with verification); applications cannot move to final approval until step 2 is complete, creating bottlenecks if verification is delayed

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Hawaii 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.

Hawaii RN Continuing Education

Hawaii requires 30 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 several learning activity options. You complete one option each renewal period (options cannot be combined), unless you qualify for an exemption

Hawaii RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring June 30 of odd years — $196.00 (active status); $12.00 (inactive status) via Hawaii DCCA portal
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License is forfeited and you cannot practice, and you can restore it within 2 years by meeting the restoration requirements

Hawaii Licensing Board and Resources

Hawaii Board of Nursing (DCCA-PVL)

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (808) 586-3000

Email: [email protected]