Licensure by Endorsement

If you EVER held a Maryland license and it is currently listed as Inactive, Non-Renewed, or Invalid , you must request a renewal packet from mbon.nurselicenserenewal@maryland.gov.

• If you are requesting licensure as an Advance Practice provider and hold an active compact/multistate license, you only need to apply at:
  • Nurse Practitioner (NP or CRNP)
    
  • Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM)
    
  • Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA)
    
  • Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS)
    
    • Nurse Psychotherapist
      

    ALL FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE AND NON-TRANSFERABLE

    In order to be endorsed in the state of Maryland, all applicants must have obtained licensure by NCLEX exam and follow the steps below:

    Step 1 – Education Program
    • Verify Nursing Education is approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
      • Click to view the Approved Schools/Programs​
        
      • ​​If your school/program is not on the approved list, please forward the assessment tool below to your program Dean/Director to be completed. Assessment Tool Link​
        
      Step 2 - Transcript

      ​The Maryland Board of Nursing requires written, verified evidence of completion of the appropriate education requirements in accordance with Md. Code Ann., Health Occupations Article, §8-302 (b) and (c). Complete official transcripts from all Nursing Schools/Programs will need to be emailed to the Maryland Board of Nursing Endorsement Unit. This includes all school/Programs including credits transferred used to obtain a nursing degree. The Board will only accept official transcripts emailed directly from a digital credentialing service.
      

      Please have all official transcripts emailed to mdbon.netstranscripts@maryland.gov.
      Step 3 – Background Check/Fingerprinting
      • In Maryland
        • Download the Live Scan Background/fingerprinting​ form.
          
        • ​Include Agency Authorization# 9300000850 and ORI# (if required): MD920480Z​
          
        • Complete and take to any fingerprinting facility in Maryland
        • Submit your application within 48 hours of completing background/fingerprinting
        • Request an “Out-of-State” fingerprinting card at Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)
        • Include Agency Authorization# 9300000850 and ORI# (if required): MD920480Z
        • Criminal Justice Information System (CJIS)-located in Reisterstown Road Plaza
          6776 Reisterstown Rd, Baltimore, Maryland 21215
          Hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
          Phone 410-764-4501 https://www.dpscs.state.md.us/publicservs/fingerprint.shtml
        • Using Nursys.com, your “original” state of licensure must be verified
        • Once registration is completed in nursys.com, your license verification is immediately available for verification
          All states participate in license verification through nursys.com except Pennsylvania.
        • If your original state does not participate in nursys.com, you will need to contact the respective states Board of Nursing and request verification to be sent to the Maryland Board of Nursing.
        • The Maryland Board of Nursing requires applicants for Temporary licenses to use a permanent Mailing Address when completing the application for licensure. This is especially important for licensees who are not going to reside in Maryland for an extended period of time.
        • If applying for endorsement and you have an active multistate license, you are not eligible for a temporary license. You are allowed to work in Maryland under your compact license until your permanent Maryland license is issued.​
        • You will need:
          • A digital passport style photograph in PNG or JPG file format
          • The 12 digit tracking number from under the barcode on the fingerprint card or 12 digit tracking number on the Live Scan receipt
          • To submit your application within 48 hours of completing background/fingerprinting
          • Active license from another state
          • A Visa or Masters card credit or debit card
            • Permanent license fee - $10​0.00
            • Temporary 90-day license fee - $40.00
            ​​ Apply by clicking the RN/LPN Endorsement Application link Step 6 - Foreign Educated Nurses Only
            • This section applies only to nurses whose basic nursing education was completed in another country. Nurses who have an advanced degree from a U.S. college or university on the Maryland Board of Nursing School approval list, are exempt from the English Proficiency Exam requirement upon proof of degree, i.e. official transcripts.​
            • An evaluation of foreign education is required to complete an endorsement application (COMAR 10.27.01.09A (4). Transcripts must be evaluated by the Commission on Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS).
            • Please contact CGFNS at www.cgfns.org to request a Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) Professional Report.
            • You will need to complete an English Proficiency Exam
              • Take either the TOEFL IBT or the IELTS o Have scores sent to the Maryland Board of Nursing
              • A score of 26 is passing on the TOEFL IBT
              • The Board accepts the IELTS if administered on October 01,2005, or later
                • A score of 7 on speaking, 6 on all other modules, and 6.5 overall is passing on the IELTS ​

                Questions - email us at mdbon.nets@maryland.gov