Washington DC Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Washington DC issues temporary nursing licenses, 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:

• Current active RN license in another US state or equivalent jurisdiction
• Completed and submitted endorsement application to DC Health Board of Nursing
• No pending disciplinary actions or restrictions on home state license
• Applicant must be eligible for full DC licensure; temporary license not granted if issues would prevent permanent license approval

Issuance timeline:

• Endorsement application submitted and received by DC Board
• Initial background check clearance or no disqualifying criminal history identified
• Primary state verification submitted and board acknowledges receipt

Denial risks:

• Active disciplinary action or restrictions on current state license
• Conviction for crime involving dishonesty, fraud, or violence within past 5 years
• Substance abuse issues on current license record
• Incomplete or fraudulent information on endorsement application

Important for travelers: 90-day temporary license expires automatically upon issuance of permanent license or denial of full endorsement, whichever occurs first; no extensions available. Temporary license revoked immediately if permanent license is denied; applicant cannot continue working and must cease practice on temporary license effective date of denial. License revoked if applicant fails to maintain eligibility status (e.g., primary state license lapses or is suspended during 90-day temporary period). Criminal charges filed or conviction occurs during 90-day temporary period; board may initiate emergency revocation proceedings before 90 days conclude.