New Jersey License Renewal & Licensing Guide
New Jersey Nursing License
- Compact: Yes
- Time Frame: 3-6 weeks
- Fee: $200
- Renewal: Every 2 Years
- Nursys: Yes
New Jersey Nursing License Guide
Moving to the East Coast or starting a travel assignment? Knowing the New Jersey nursing license process keeps you compliant and on track. New Jersey is a popular location for RNs and LPNs with major health systems in Newark, New Brunswick, Hackensack, and beyond. The New Jersey Board of Nursing (NJ BON) oversees all licensing and requires fingerprinting, background checks, and official license verification before approval.
This guide explains how to complete New Jersey nursing license renewal, apply for a license by endorsement, meet CE requirements, schedule fingerprinting, and what to do if your license expires. Start early and check your online portal to avoid delays—especially for travel nurses with assignment start dates.
New Jersey Nursing License Fees & Board of Nursing Info
Fingerprinting & Background Checks
In State (NJ Metro): Wait for the Universal Fingerprint Formfrom the Board, then schedule digital prints (IdentoGo/MorphoTrust).
Out-of-State: The Board mails one state and one FBI fingerprint card. Get printed locally (law enforcement), then mail back with the fee.
Fees
Licensure by Endorsement: $200
Licensure by Examination: $120
RN License Renewal: $120
LPN License Renewal: $125
Late Renewal Fee: $50
Duplicate/Replacement Fee: $35
License Verification: $25 – $30
Fingerprinting & Background Checks: ~$60
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
New Jersey Board of Nursing
Helpful Links
Address
New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 45010
Newark, NJ 07101
New Jersey Nursing License Renewal
Renewal Timeline
New Jersey RN licenses renew every two years. Renewal notices are sent electronically, so be sure your email and contact details are updated in your New Jersey Board of Nursing portal.
- Renewal deadline: May 31 of renewal year
- Late renewal window: 30 days after expiration (late fee applies)
- If not renewed within 30 days: license becomes administratively suspended
Renewal Requirements
If the Board does not send a renewal notice at least 60 days before expiration, late penalties will not be charged.
- Hold an unencumbered NJ nursing license.
- Complete 30 hours of board-approved continuing education
- Attest to completed CE at renewal
- Submit online renewal and payment
Continuing Education Requirements
New Jersey requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every two years, including:
- 1 hour on opioid prescribing, addiction, or alternatives to opioids
- 1 hour (one-time requirement) on organ and tissue donation and recovery
- Up to 15 hours may be carried into the next renewal period
How to Renew New Jersey RN License
- Visit New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs online renewal portal
- Update any of your personal information education and documentation.
- Attest to the completion of your required CE courses
- Pay the renewal fee, which is currently $120 for RNs.
- Submit and allow time for processing. Once approved, your renewed license becomes active.
Renewal Fee: $120
Late Fee: $50 (if renewing after expiration)
New Jersey Nursing License by Endorsement
What is Endorsement?
If you already hold an active nursing license in another U.S. state, you can apply for a New Jersey nursing license by endorsement.
Who Qualifies?
You may apply for a New Jersey RN license by endorsement (no exam) if you:
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. state/territory
- Have practiced nursing at least 2 of the last 5 years immediately before applying
- Meet education and criminal background requirements
What You’ll Need (documents & verifications)
- Online application (NJ Division of Consumer Affairs portal)
- Proof of citizenship/immigration (U.S. birth certificate/passport; naturalized passport/certificate; or USCIS docs)
- Name-change documents (marriage license, court order, etc., if applicable)
- Criminal History Certification of Authorization (completed in the application)
- Fingerprinting/background check
- License verification from every U.S. state/territory where you’ve ever been licensed
- Legal/disciplinary documents if you answer “yes” to any screening questions
Fees
Application fee: $75 (non-refundable)
Initial license fee: $120
Alternative to Discipline surcharge: $5
Total: $200 (paid online by credit card)
Optional temporary courtesy license: additional application/fee if requested and eligible
Step-By-Step Process NJ Nursing License by Endorsement
- Create/Access Your NJ BON Account
- Start the Licensure by Endorsement application in the New Jersey Board of Nursing online portal.
- Upload Identification Documents
- A recent passport-style photo (no selfies)
- Proof of U.S. citizenship or immigration status
- Name-change documents if your legal name has changed
- Complete Background Check & Fingerprinting
- If you live in the NJ metro area, schedule digital fingerprinting when you receive instructions by mail.
- If you live outside the region, request fingerprint cards and submit them with the required fee.
- License Verification
- Request official verification of every nursing license you’ve held. Most states use Nursys. If not, the state board must send verification directly to NJ BON
- Submit Any Required Legal Documents
- If you answered “yes” to criminal or disciplinary questions, upload supporting paperwork.
- Application Review
- Check your online portal and email for updates or additional requests from the Board.
Licensure by Examination (New Grads)
Who Qualifies
First-time RN applicants educated in the U.S. (ADN or BSN) who have not been licensed as an RN in another state.
Steps for NJ Licensure by Examination
- Create an account: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs portal → “Initial Candidate.”
- Apply & pay: Submit the online application, upload a recent 2″×2″ passport-style photo, and pay required fees.
- Send official transcripts (showing degree + grad date) directly from the school to:
New Jersey Board of Nursing
124 Halsey Street, 6th Floor
P.O. Box 45010, Newark, NJ 07101 - Register for the NCLEX with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
- Fingerprinting/background check: Follow the Board’s instructions (see section below).
- ATT → Schedule NCLEX: Pearson VUE emails your Authorization to Test once you’re cleared.
- If unsuccessful: You may re-register; after 3 failed attempts, remediation is required before a fourth.
New Jersey Temporary Courtesy License
What Is a Courtesy License?
New Jersey may grant a temporary courtesy license to eligible military members and spouses relocating to NJ. This provision is designed to ease the transition for military families, allowing you to begin practicing nursing in New Jersey almost immediately. This temporary authorization is valid while your application for licensure by endorsement is being processed. This courtesy license is valid for one year and may be renewed once, but it is essential to begin your permanent endorsement application as soon as you arrive.
Eligibility
- Hold an active, unencumbered RN license in another U.S. state/territory
- Proof of military status and orders assigning to NJ
- Meets NJ background and verification requirements
What to Submit
- Temporary license application + fee
- Passport-style photo, military ID/orders
- Fingerprinting/background check (see above)
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New Jersey Nursing License FAQs
How to renew New Jersey nursing license?
Log into the NJ Board of Nursing online portal, verify CE requirements, complete the renewal application, and submit your renewal fee. Most nurses complete NJ nursing license renewal online within minutes once requirements are met.
Is New Jersey a compact nursing license state?
Yes. New Jersey is an NLC state. Nurses who establish residency in New Jersey must apply for a New Jersey-issued compact license to maintain multistate privileges.
How do I apply for a New Jersey RN license by endorsement?
To apply for a New Jersey nursing license by endorsement, submit the online application, upload a passport-style photo and identity documents, complete fingerprinting, and request official license verification through Nursys (or directly from states that do not participate). Once all documents are approved, the Board will issue your NJ nursing license.
What are the New Jersey nursing license renewal requirements?
New Jersey nursing license renewal requires completing continuing education, attesting to meeting practice and legal requirements, and paying the renewal fee. Nurses should keep CE certificates in case of audit and ensure that name changes and legal documents are updated with the Board before renewing.
How long does it take to get a New Jersey nursing license?
Processing times vary, but most New Jersey nursing license applications are completed within several weeks once all documents, fingerprints, and verifications are submitted. Travel nurses and relocating clinicians should apply early to avoid delays.