New Hampshire Nursing License Requirements & Renewals RN and APRN 2026

New Hampshire Nursing Schools

New Hampshire Nursing Licenses at A Glance

TypeStatus
eNLCYes
Walk-ThroughNo
Temp LicenseYes
NursysYes
BON WebsiteNew Hampshire Board of Nursing
Contact Phone(603) 271-2152

Fees

Endorsement Application:

  • RN: $148.00
  • LPN: $148.00

Temporary Permit: $25.00

Fingerprinting Fee: $48.25

Timing

Permanent License:

  • The BON does not specify a timeframe for permanent licensure.

Temporary License:

  • The BON does not specify a timeframe for temporary licensure.

License Renewal

Renewal Cadence:

  • Every two years for both RNs and LPNs.
  • Renewal Fee: $108
  • Required Contact Hours: 30 contact hours plus one of the following active in practice requirements.

New Hampshire Nursing Licenses

Embarking on a meaningful career calls for understanding New Hampshire’s nursing licensure process to legitimately practice. This guide covers major licensing pathways, specifications for staying current and resources for unlocking career growth.

License by Examination

By successfully passing the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), nursing program graduates demonstrate retained knowledge essential for safe practice, qualifying for initial licensure.

Steps to Initial Licensure

  • Education: Complete a Board of Nursing-approved registered nursing (RN) or practical nursing (LPN) diploma or degree program.
  • Examination: Pass either the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN exam to demonstrate competency.
  • Application: Submit the licensure application with fee to New Hampshire’s Board of Nursing through the online portal.
  • Background Check: Request fingerprinting and undergo a criminal history check to assure ethical standards.

License by Endorsement

With seamless interstate endorsement protocols through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), New Hampshire expedites licensure for experienced nurses relocating from other states.

Endorsement Requirements

  • Verification: Submit Nursys license verification to confirm active, unrestricted licenses in current or prior states.
  • Application: Complete New Hampshire’s application online, paying the endorsement fee.
  • Background Check: Complete a criminal check, also mandated for license by exam candidates.

Maintain Your New Hampshire Nursing License

Satisfying renewal guidelines and standards of care ensures practitioners provide excellent care.

License Renewal

Active New Hampshire licenses are renewed every 2 years ahead of expiration dates.

Renewal Steps

  • Continuing Education: Earn 30 Board-approved contact hours like through an online RN to BSN program. Additionally, meet “active practice” requirements.
  • Renewal Application: Submit renewal through New Hampshire’s online portal and pay the $108 fee.
  • Competency: Certify completed practice hours and/or refresher education.

Continuing Competence

Lifelong CEUs help nurses enhance patient care as research, technologies and techniques evolve.

ActivityDetails
CE Hours30 approved contact hours
Practice Hours≥400 hours in 4 years

Financial Aspects of Licensing

Accounting for expenses like background checks helps nurses budget for achieving licensure.

Licensing Fees

Fee TypeAmount
Initial Application$148
Fingerprinting$48.25
Renewal (2 years)$108

Advanced Practice Registered Nursing

Pursuing specialized expertise as an APRN involves formal graduate-level education, national certification, and state licensure. Common advanced roles include:

APRN Licensure in New Hampshire

  • Graduate Education: Complete an accredited Master’s or Doctoral nursing program in one of the APRN roles.
  • National Certification: Pass a certification exam administered by an accredited national organization.
  • State APRN License: Apply to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing for advanced practice registered nursing licensure by endorsement.

Gaining licensure as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse in New Hampshire requires accredited graduate-level training, national certification in a specialty role, and state-level approval of advanced credentials.

Continuing Education Requirements

Advancing expertise through CEUs directly boosts care quality and safety. New Hampshire’s requirements fortify its nursing workforce.

Nurse Licensure Compact

The NLC enables crossing state borders to address pressing care needs, facilitated by primary state licensure like New Hampshire’s.

NLC Considerations

  • Eligibility: Nurses holding a primary New Hampshire license can apply for multi-state privileges through endorsement.
  • Application: Request an NLC license directly through New Hampshire’s Board of Nursing.
  • Primary Residence: Renew New Hampshire licenses promptly to retain multi-state eligibility.
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