Last Updated: April 2026
Getting a Connecticut nursing license is straightforward once you understand the timing rules used by the Department of Public Health (DPH). Since the state fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) on October 1, 2025, the licensing landscape for travelers and residents has shifted. Whether you are managing your license renewal or reviewing Connecticut’s renewal requirements, staying ahead of the annual birth-month deadline is essential. This guide explains the exact fees, the 91st-day expiration rule, and the specific mental health CE mandates you need to practice in Connecticut.Â
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We’ll help you quickly get your CT license & connect you to top contracts in the state.Â
Our licensing specialists are your partners in navigating the complexities of state licensing so you can move forward with confidence. From understanding state requirements to submitting documentation, our team works closely with you to keep the process simple, organized, and efficient.
410 Capitol Avenue, MS #13PHO, P.O. Box 340308, Hartford, CT 06134-0308
Licensure by Examination (RN): $180
Licensure by Examination (LPN): $150
Licensure by Endorsement (RN): $180
Licensure by Endorsement (LPN): $150
Annual RN License Renewal: $110
Annual LPN License Renewal: $70
Reinstatement Fee (RN): $180
Reinstatement Fee (LPN): $150
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
The Connecticut nursing license renewal process follows an annual schedule tied to your birth month. Your first renewal will be required in the first birth month immediately following the date your license was issued. After that, your license will always expire on the last day of your birth month each year.
Connecticut requires a specific continuing education (CE) focus every six years. Nurses must complete two hours of training or education on screening for conditions such as PTSD, depression, grief, and suicide risk, along with suicide prevention training. While the DPH does not require you to submit CE certificates with every annual birth-month renewal, you must attest to the completion in the portal and keep your records for at least three years in case of an audit.
Connecticut law provides a 90-day grace period following the expiration date. While you are allowed to practice during these 90 days, it is a hard deadline. On the 91st day, the license becomes void. Once a license is void, it cannot be renewed; you must instead apply for reinstatement, which requires the full application fee and a more extensive review process.
Renewal Fee (RN): $110
If you already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state or territory and wish to become licensed in Connecticut, you apply by endorsement. Since Connecticut now participates in the NLC, nurses who hold an active multistate license in another state can practice in CT without obtaining a new license, as long as their PSOR does not change.Â
You may apply for an Connecticut license by endorsement if you:
Endorsement applicants who hold an active license in another state are eligible for a 120-day non-renewable temporary permit. Temporary permits are often issued quickly once the basic application and license verification are received, though processing times can vary depending on application volume. Because it is non-renewable, it is vital to ensure all your permanent licensure documents are moving forward simultaneously.
If you are a new graduate of a U.S. nursing education program (for RN or LPN) who has not been licensed in another state, you apply by examination.
Application Fee:Â $180
NCLEX Exam Fee:Â $200Â
The NLC implementation has made it much easier for travel nurses to begin assignments in Connecticut. If you hold a multistate license from another compact state, you no longer need to wait for a state-issued license to begin an assignment in Hartford or New Haven. You can hit the ground running as long as your primary residence remains in your home state.
For travelers coming from non-compact states like New York or California, the 120-day temporary permit is the fastest way to start. Major health systems like Yale New Haven and Hartford HealthCare frequently utilize travelers, and having your licensing in order is key to securing these competitive contracts. Planning your next assignment? Review our travel nursing jobs in Connecticut to explore open opportunities.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Connecticut to find your next great assignment.
To obtain a license by endorsement, you must submit an application through the eLicense portal and pay the $180 fee. You must also request verification of your current license via Nursys and wait for the Board to issue instructions for the background check if you are opting for the multistate license.
Nurses must renew their licenses annually during their birth month. Every six years, you must complete two hours of CE specifically focused on mental health screening and suicide prevention.
Processing times vary based on application volume and how quickly official transcripts and Nursys verifications are received. While permanent licensure does not have a guaranteed timeline, qualified endorsement applicants can often receive a 120-day temporary permit quickly once the initial verification is complete.
Connecticut offers a 90-day grace period where you can still practice while your renewal is processing. However, on the 91st day, your license becomes void, and you must apply for reinstatement to return to work.
Yes. Connecticut fully implemented the Nurse Licensure Compact on October 1, 2025. This allows nurses with active multistate licenses from other compact states to practice in Connecticut without a separate state-issued license
The initial application fee for both endorsement and examination is $180. The annual RN license renewal fee is $110.
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