Maryland Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Maryland RN License Overview

Maryland is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. Nurses with an active multistate license are not eligible for a Maryland temporary license; they are allowed to work in Maryland under their compact license until the permanent Maryland license is issued.

For travelers, this means you can begin a Maryland 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 Maryland your primary state of residence, you must apply for a Maryland license by endorsement.

How to Get a Maryland RN License by Endorsement

Maryland 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 $230 application fee.

1. Submit the RN/LPN endorsement application online (a paper application is used only if you have no U.S. Social Security number or ITIN)
2. Verify your original state of licensure through Nursys (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through Nursys verification of your original state of licensure. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Maryland Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

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

Maryland RN License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Maryland Temporary RN License

Maryland issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 90 days (not renewable, but may be extended an additional 90 days while the criminal history check is pending, or every 90 days up to 12 months total if the practice requirement is not yet met), 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:

• Endorsement application must be pending before temporary license can be requested
• Applicant must have valid, active nursing license from another state

Issuance timeline:

• Complete temporary license application submitted with proof of current state nursing license
• Implicit bias training completion verified
• Written, verified evidence that the applicant has submitted to a criminal history records check in accordance with Health Occupations Article, §8-303

Denial risks:

• Failure to provide proof of implicit bias training completion

Important for travelers: Temporary license expires 90 days after issuance and is not renewable, except it may be extended for an additional 90 days while the criminal history check is pending, or every 90 days up to 12 months if the practice requirement is not met. The Board shall revoke a temporary license if the criminal history records check reveals that the applicant has been convicted of or pled guilty or nolo contendere to an act that would be cause for discipline under Health Occupations Article, §8-316(a). Practicing outside Maryland borders on temporary license (including telehealth to other states) violates scope and risks revocation.

Maryland RN License Processing Time

Maryland registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 10-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 8 weeks.

Common sources of delay:

• Applicants without a U.S. Social Security number or ITIN must file a paper endorsement application
• Your original state of licensure must be verified through Nursys
• Board review cycle is sequential (application intake, verification request, then board review); applications submitted late in processing queue face 12+ week total timeline

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

Maryland RN Continuing Education

Maryland requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Mandatory topics: implicit bias training

Maryland RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years — $191 via Maryland Board of Nursing portal
• Renewal timing: Last day of birth month (odd or even year based on birth year).
• CE topics: implicit bias training
• Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Maryland Licensing Board and Resources

Maryland Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (410) 585-1900

Email: [email protected]