Arizona is a Compact State. If your Primary State of Residency is in another Compact State (AR, CO, DE, ID, IA, KY, MD, ME, MO, MS, NE, NH, NM, NC, ND, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WI), you should not apply for licensure in Arizona unless you are declaring Arizona as your Primary State of Residency. For the list of compact states go to www.ncsbn.org/nlc.htm.

Nurses who are applying and will be declaring Arizona as their Primary State of Residence and currently have an active license with multi-state privileges with another compact state may use their current compact license until Arizona issues a new license. Arizona will send you a memo to inactivate your current compact license after AZ issues you a license.

U.S. Educated Applicants

To be eligible for licensure you must:

1. Have Completed a Board approved nursing program.
2. Have a passing score on the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX) or the State Board Test Pool Exam (SBTPE).
3. Have previous or current license in another state or territory.
4. Have met one of the following practice requirements:
   • Practiced as a nurse for 960 hours or more in the past 5 years. OR
   • Graduated from a nursing program and obtained a degree within past 5 years.OR
   • Completed an Arizona Board approved refresher course in the past 5 years. OR
   • Obtained an advanced nursing degree in the past 5 years (i.e. LPN to RN, RN to BSN, masters, or doctorate).
5. RN applicants hold a Diploma, Associate Degree or Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing from an approved program. OR
6. LPN applicants hold a Diploma or Certificate from an approved program. View the list of RN / LPN exceptions on the Apply for a License page.
7. Have Board approval for applicants under investigation.

Foreign Educated Applicants (Including Canada and Puerto Rico)

View Foreign Educated Requirements for application requirements.

If you were previously licensed in Arizona as an RN or LPN, you need to complete a renewal application to activate your RN or LPN license.

Renew your Arizona license here.

General Information

You are required to complete and submit a fingerprint card. NOTE: If you have had previous fingerprinting done with another agency, you must still submit a new set of fingerprints to AZBN. A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute for this requirement. If you have submitted previous fingerprints to the AZ State Board of Nursing within the past 2 years, you will not need to submit fingerprints again. Return the completed fingerprint card to the Board in a large envelope. DO NOT fold the fingerprint card.

• It can take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive fingerprint results. You cannot receive permanent licensure until these results are received. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.

Where do I obtain fingerprinting services?

Call your local police department, sheriff’s office or check for names of private agencies where you can obtain fingerprints. (The agency you use must validate your identification with a driver’s license or a State issued ID. The agency will provide the fingerprint card for you to use. Fingerprints done by an applicant on themselves will be returned and will delay processing time.)

Can I get my fingerprints done electronically?

The AZBN now offers electronic fingerprinting services for applicants who are physically in Arizona. At this time there are no location partners outside of Arizona. View the Electronic Fingerprint Instructions for more information.

It can take approximately 8-12 weeks to receive fingerprint results back from DPS and the FBI. You cannot receive permanent licensure until these results are received. Fingerprint Clearance Cards are not acceptable.

• Read the instructions very carefully before you submit your application.
• Make sure you complete each question on the application, leaving no blanks.
• Enclose a copy of acceptable documentation of lawful presence with your application.
• SUBMIT A FINGERPRINT CARD
  • You are required to submit a full set of fingerprints, for the purpose of obtaining State and Federal criminal record checks.
  • You are only exempt from this requirement if you have submitted a fingerprint card to the Arizona State Board of Nursing within the previous two years.
  • A copy of a clearance card issued by DPS is not a substitute.
  • A fingerprint card will NOT be issued from the Arizona State Board of Nursing.  A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers fingerprinting services.
  • Please remember to submit your fingerprint card as soon as possible to expedite the process.
  • A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.
  • Results can take up to 8-12 weeks to receive.

Reporting of Criminal Charges

Applicants for licensure/certification must notify the Board of criminal charges within 10 days of being charged. For further information go to Reporting Criminal Charges.

Felony Convictions

The Board shall revoke a nursing license or multi-state privileges or deny licensure if the applicant has one or more felony convictions that have not previously been disclosed to the Board and has not received an absolute discharge from the sentences for all felony convictions 3 or more years prior to the date of filing an application. If this law pertains to you, your application will not be processed, and proceedings for revocation of your Arizona license or multi-state privileges in Arizona or denial of your application shall be instituted by the Board. For further information go to Reporting Criminal Charges.

Application Fees

All fees are in U.S. dollars and are non-refundable.

• Application Fee: $150.00 (Required)
• Fingerprint Fee: $ 50.00 (Required)
• Temporary License Fee: $ 50.00 (Optional)

Accepted Forms of Payment

• Credit/Debit Card

To check the status of your application, go to Nursys.com and perform a search for your name.

• A temporary license is available for nurses meeting all application requirements.
• A temporary license is available for refresher course applicants only.

For more information on the above options, visit the Licensure by Endorsement Application Instructions page.

When you submit an application, the Board will send you a deficiency notice identifying any elements of the application process which remain outstanding. If you fail to respond to a deficiency notice within the applicable time period, your application will be withdrawn. After withdrawal, if you are still interested in obtaining licensure you would need to submit a new application and applicable fee.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing stopped issuing hard copy licenses and certificates as of September 21, 2018. License or certificate information for LPN/RN/APRN can be verified through Nursys.com and CNA/LNA/CMA can be verified through the License/Certificate Verification Portal.