Last Updated: April 2026
Practicing in Alaska often requires more licensing preparation than in many states because the state is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Every nurse must obtain an Alaska nursing license before starting work there. The biggest slowdown is fingerprinting: Alaska still requires a physical 8″ × 8″ FD-258 card printed on cardstock, and cards submitted with the wrong ink, missing FBI privacy statements, or incomplete fields are commonly rejected and can delay applications by weeks.
This guide explains the exact steps handled through the Alaska Board of Nursing. You will find endorsement fees, renewal deadlines, temporary permit rules, and Alaska’s two-of-three continuing competency framework to help you avoid common documentation mistakes that delay licensure approval.
As a dedicated service for clinicians taking future assignments with Advantis Medical, our licensing experts provide 1-on-1 support to reduce stress and shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your AK license & connect you to top contracts in the state.
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.
Robert B. Atwood Building 550 W. 7th Avenue, Suite 1500 Anchorage, AK 99501-3567
Alaska requires a state and federal criminal background check for nursing applicants. The state does not publish a nursing-specific Live Scan vendor workflow, so all applicants must submit a physical fingerprint card through the Board’s process.
Licensure by Endorsement: $375 total
($100 application fee + $200 license fee + $75 fingerprint processing fee)
Licensure by Examination: $375 total
($100 application fee + $200 license fee + $75 fingerprint processing fee)
RN License Renewal: $200
Late Renewal Penalty: $100
Temporary Permit: $0 additional fee
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
The expiration date applies regardless of the original issue date, except when a new license is issued within 90 days of the renewal deadline, in which case the license is issued into the next biennium.
Alaska does not provide a grace period. If your license expires, you must stop practicing immediately.
To renew and maintain an active Missouri RN license, you must:
Alaska uses a continuing competency model rather than a CE-only renewal system.
Before renewal, nurses must complete two of the following three options:
Applying for Alaska nursing license by endorsement allows nurses licensed in another U.S. jurisdiction to obtain Alaska licensure without retaking the NCLEX.
Because Alaska is not a Nurse Licensure Compact state, nurses cannot rely on multistate compact privileges when practicing in the state.
All nurses planning to work in Alaska must apply for Alaska licensure.
Pro Tip for Travelers: Rejected fingerprint cards are the most common cause of delays. Before mailing the FD-258 card, confirm it is printed on cardstock, uses black or pale blue ink, and includes the FBI privacy statement on the back.
Alaska offers temporary nursing permits that allow applicants to work while the full license application is under review.
For endorsement applicants, the Board may issue a temporary permit once core documentation has been received.
Duration: Up to 6 months
Fee: No additional fee
Renewability: Non-renewable
This pathway is for graduates of approved nursing programs who have not previously been licensed and must pass the NCLEX.
Application Fee: $375
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Alaska is not part of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so travel nurses cannot rely on multistate license privileges when accepting assignments there. Every clinician planning to work in Alaska must obtain Alaska licensure before starting a contract. The main issue to plan around is fingerprinting. Alaska requires a manual FD-258 fingerprint card submission rather than using a published nursing Live Scan vendor workflow, which means mailing time, card quality, and missing privacy language can delay approval. Initial application review typically takes 4–6 weeks, and requests for additional documentation may extend the review period. Once your licensing is in place, browse our travel nursing jobs in Alaska to see available contracts across AK.
Pro Tip for Travelers: Rejected fingerprint cards are the most common cause of delays. Before mailing the FD-258 card, confirm it is printed on cardstock, uses black or pale blue ink, and includes the FBI privacy statement on the back.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Alaska to find your next great assignment.
No. Alaska does not participate in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so nurses must obtain an Alaska nursing license to practice in the state.
Apply through the Alaska MYLICENSE portal, submit license verification through Nursys or your original licensing board, complete the FD-258 fingerprint card process, and pay the $375 endorsement fee.
An Alaska nursing license costs $375 for the initial application, which includes the application fee, license fee, and fingerprint processing fee. The RN renewal fee is $200.
Alaska RN licenses expire on November 30 of even-numbered years. LPN licenses expire on September 30 of even-numbered years.
Alaska requires completion of two of three continuing competency options: 30 CE contact hours, 30 hours of professional nursing activities, or 320 hours of nursing employment.
Initial application review typically takes 4–6 weeks. If additional documentation is requested, review may take another 4–6 weeks.
Yes. Alaska offers a temporary permit valid for up to 6 months with no additional fee, and the permit cannot be renewed.
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