Whether you’re moving to North Carolina or keeping your nursing license active, knowing the North Carolina nursing license process will keep you compliant and working without interruption. The North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON) regulates Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) in North Carolina.
This guide will walk you through the process of applying for a North Carolina RN license by endorsement, renewing a North Carolina nursing license, meeting CE requirements, undergoing background checks, and what to do if your license becomes inactive or lapses.
NCBON requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check (State Bureau of Investigation + FBI) for endorsement applications.
Licensure by Endorsement: $150
Licensure by Examination: $75.00 + $ 38.00 for Criminal Background Check
RN License Renewal: $100
Reinstatement of Lapsed License: $180
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
NC Board of Nursing
PO Box 2129
Raleigh, NC 27602
You must renew your license by the last day of your birth month (every 2 years). Failure to renew results in automatic expiration of your license at midnight on the expiration date.
To renew and maintain an active North Carolina RN license, you must:
To renew or reinstate your North Carolina nursing license, you must complete one of the following options before renewal — no grace period or exceptions apply:
Renewal Fee: $100
If you hold an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. jurisdiction, you may apply to the North Carolina Board of Nursing to endorse into NC rather than via examination.
You may apply for a North Carolina RN license by endorsement if you:
If moving to North Carolina from another compact state, you must apply for North Carolina licensure within 60 days to maintain multi-state privileges.
Endorsement Application Fee: $150
First-time RN or LVN applicants educated in the U.S. who have not been licensed in any other state.
Application Fee: $75
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
You may be eligible for a non-renewable Temporary License that allows you to work as a nurse in North Carolina while your full endorsement application is being processed. A Temporary License can only be issued within the first six months after submitting your endorsement application and remains valid for up to six months or until your permanent license is granted — whichever occurs first.
Fee: $0 (No addtional fee)
Time Frame: Typically issued within 2–3 weeks
Validity:Up to 6 months or until permanent license is issued (whichever comes first)
Renewal: Non-renewable; may be issued only once
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You can renew your North Carolina nursing license up to 90 days before your expiration date. Renewal reminders are typically sent via email, but it’s your responsibility to renew on time even if you don’t receive a notice. All licenses expire on the last day of your birth month every two years.
To renew, you must complete one of the eight Continuing Competence options established by the North Carolina Board of Nursing (NCBON). Proof of completion is not required during renewal but must be available if you’re selected for an audit.
The renewal fee is $100 every two years for both Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Additional fees may apply if your license has lapsed or requires reinstatement.
Yes. North Carolina is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, allowing nurses with a valid multistate license from another compact state to practice in NC without obtaining a separate license. If you move to North Carolina and declare it as your primary state of residence, you’ll need to apply for a North Carolina multistate license.
Renewals are completed through the Nurse Portal on the NCBON website.
If your license has expired, you must apply for Reinstatement through the Nurse Portal. The reinstatement fee is $180.
Yes. The NCBON issues a one-time, non-renewable Temporary License for endorsement applicants who meet eligibility criteria.
