New Jersey Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

New Jersey RN License Overview

New Jersey is an NLC member. Nurses who hold active, unencumbered multistate licenses issued by NLC member states have a privilege to practice in New Jersey under their multistate license.

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

How to Get a New Jersey RN License by Endorsement

How registered nurses already licensed in another state apply in New Jersey: Online application (Candidate). You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $200 application fee.

1. Submit Candidate application online
2. Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Get fingerprinted when the Board sends its background check letter after the first review; results arrive about 1-3 weeks after the appointment
4. 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: Fingerprint-based criminal history check. Submit your fingerprinting authorization as early as possible.

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

New Jersey RN License Fees

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

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

New Jersey Temporary RN License

We have not found a temporary license option on the New Jersey Board of Nursing's site. Confirm with the board before planning a start date.

New Jersey RN License Processing Time

New Jersey registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 8-12 weeks to process.

In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 6-7 weeks if primary state verification completes within 1 week and no additional documentation is required.

Common sources of delay:

• Primary state verification delays: New Jersey relies on Nursys or direct board verification from your current state; if your home state board is slow to respond, NJ processing extends well beyond 12 weeks
• Fingerprint background check timing: the Board sends fingerprint instructions after its initial review, and results arrive 1-3 weeks after the fingerprint appointment; the Board says this step cannot be expedited
• Board meeting review: applications needing further Board review go on the next available agenda; the Board says this generally takes no longer than 4-6 weeks, with a decision letter 10-15 days after the meeting
• Criminal history disclosures: all arrests and convictions must be reported, even dismissed ones, and court documents uploaded right away, or the Board says the process will be delayed

We have not found an expedited processing option on the New Jersey 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.

New Jersey RN Continuing Education

New Jersey requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.

• Mandatory topics: opioid prescribing and pain management — 1 hour, explicit and implicit bias (perinatal care nurses) — 1 hour

New Jersey RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring May 31 of odd or even years (varies by license) — $120 via New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs portal
• CE topics: opioid prescribing and pain management — 1 hour and explicit and implicit bias (perinatal care nurses) — 1 hour
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: your license expires, and renew within 30 days with $50 late fee, or it is suspended and must be reinstated

New Jersey Licensing Board and Resources

New Jersey Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (973) 504-6430

Email: [email protected]