Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state and a top destination for travel nurses in Phoenix, Tucson, Scottsdale, and Flagstaff. Whether you need to renew your Arizona nursing license, apply for an Arizona RN license by endorsement, or convert a single-state license to a multistate license, the Arizona Board of Nursing (AZBN) handles it all through the Nurse Portal. This guide covers Arizona nursing license renewal requirements, fingerprinting and background checks, practice hours or CE hours, fees, and the 48-hour temporary permit (also known as a walk-through) so you can avoid delays and get started on your next assignment.
Arizona is a full NLC member. Nurses who declare Arizona as their Primary State of Residence (PSOR) may qualify for a multistate license.
Moving to Arizona from another compact state:
If you hold an active multistate license in another compact state and relocate to Arizona, you must apply for Arizona licensure by endorsement within 60 days of establishing Arizona residency.
Application by Examination: $150
Application by Endorsement: $150
License Renewal Fee: $160
License Reinstatement Fee : $310
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Arizona State Board of Nursing
1740 W Adams Street, Suite 2000
Phoenix, AZ 85007
To renew an Arizona RN license you must:
Renewals can be submitted up to 6 months before the renewal due date or within the 30 days following the due date..
To renew an Arizona RN license, you must meet one of the following practice or education pathways within the past 5 years:
Renewal Fee: $160
If you do not renew your Arizona nursing license by the due date and it lapses, you must apply for reinstatement through AZBN before resuming practice. The specific requirements will vary based on how long the license has been inactive, including potentially taking a refresher course, paying late fees, or providing employment history.
If you already hold an active RN or LPN license in another U.S. state or territory and wish to become licensed in Arizona, you apply by endorsement through the AZBN. Because Arizona is an eNLC member, if your Primary State of Residency (PSOR) is in another compact state you do not need to apply for licensure in Arizona unless you are declaring Arizona as your new PSOR.
You may apply for a Arizona RN license by endorsement if you:
Fingerprinting is required for all endorsement applicants. The only exemption from this requirement is if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the AZBN within the last 2 years.
Application Fee: $100
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Arizona offers a Arizona temporary permit (commonly called a walk-through) for certain RN/LPN endorsement applicants. This allows you to start practicing sooner under a temporary permit while your full license is being processed.
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Arizona is a popular travel nurse destination, especially in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, and Scottsdale. If you have an active multistate license from another compact state, you can work in Arizona without applying for an Arizona license as long as your Primary State of Residence is elsewhere. Arizona is travel-friendly because of fast endorsement processing, full NLC participation, high seasonal staffing demand, and large hospital networks offering diverse clinical experience.
Travelers who relocate permanently must apply for Arizona licensure by endorsement within 60 days of establishing residency.
Pro Tip: Fingerprinting and Background Checks are the #1 cause of delay. Submit DPS fingerprints immediately after applying.
Arizona RN and LPN licenses must be renewed every 4 years. Your license expires on the last day of your birth month, and renewal applications can be submitted up to 6 months before that date. Renewal reminders are sent by email, but it’s your responsibility to renew on time to avoid a lapse in your ability to practice.
To renew an Arizona nursing license, you must meet one of the following in the past 5 years:
The Arizona RN renewal fee is $160, due every 4 years. Late renewals may incur additional fees, and applications submitted after expiration require reinstatement.
Yes. Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state. If Arizona is your Primary State of Residence (PSOR), you may hold a multistate license. If you relocate to Arizona from another compact state, you must apply for Arizona licensure within 60 days to maintain multistate status.
Apply through the AZBN Nurse Portal, complete fingerprinting, and request Nursys verification from your original state of licensure. Arizona may issue a temporary permit—commonly called a walk-through—so you can work while processing is completed.
Yes. Arizona offers a temporary permit for qualified endorsement applicants. The $50 permit is valid up to 6 months and requires fingerprinting, a job offer within 7 days, and no disciplinary history.
Renew your Arizona RN license every 4 years through the AZBN Nurse Portal. You must meet one of the required practice or education pathways (960 practice hours, 30 CE hours, refresher course, or recent graduation), answer renewal questions, and pay the $160 renewal fee. Once approved, your status will update to Active in the Nurse Portal.
