Missouri Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Missouri RN License Overview

Missouri is an NLC member; nurses with an active multistate license from another NLC state may practice in Missouri without an additional license. Verify multistate or single-state status through Nursys.

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

How to Get a Missouri RN License by Endorsement

Missouri 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 $105 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request verification of your other state nursing licenses through Nursys (www.nursys.com) (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

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

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

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

Missouri RN License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Missouri Temporary RN License

Missouri issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 6 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:

• Otherwise eligible under Chapter 335, RSMo, and the board's rules
• A complete endorsement application; if you qualify, the board issues a six-month temporary permit automatically
• Criminal records, discipline, rehabilitation and other evidence are fully evaluated before a temporary permit is issued

Issuance timeline:

• Complete application received by Missouri Board of Nursing
• Completed endorsement verification of licensure received
• The board has fully evaluated any criminal records, discipline and rehabilitation evidence

Denial risks:

• Applications with discipline or criminal history are judged case by case; the board weighs the nature, severity and recency of offenses and rehabilitation
• Misdemeanor or felony convictions must be disclosed and are judged case by case
• An incomplete application: no temporary permit or license is issued if any part of the application is left incomplete

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires 6 months from issuance with no renewal or extension option; permanent endorsement must be issued before expiration. The temporary permit ends when your license is granted or denied, or when the permit expires, whichever comes first.

Missouri RN License Processing Time

Missouri registered nurse endorsement applications typically take about 2 months to process. The board says background check results take about 2 months and recommends applying at least 3 months before you want to start work.

Common sources of delay:

• Nursys verification delays from home state if not real-time synchronized; non-Nursys states require manual board-to-board contact adding 2-3 weeks
• Application completeness issues with criminal history disclosures or disciplinary records trigger extended Board review cycles (3-4 months instead of 4-6 weeks)
• Mail-based application process creates processing bottlenecks; incomplete applications returned for correction cost 1-2 weeks per iteration

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

Missouri RN Continuing Education

Missouri does not require continuing education hours for registered nurse license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

• Practice hour model: No state-mandated CE or practice hours for RN renewal

Missouri RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring April 30 of odd years — $85 via Missouri Division of Professional Registration portal
• CE requirement: No mandatory continuing education hours — no state-mandated CE or practice hours for RN renewal
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes lapsed, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Missouri Licensing Board and Resources

Missouri State Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal

Phone: (573) 751-0681

Email: [email protected]