A Guide to Nursing Licenses and Renewals in Maryland

Career Resources / Nursing Licensure / Maryland

With internationally-respected healthcare facilities and educational institutions, a balance of big cities and small towns, excellent employment opportunities, and great regional foods, the state of Maryland has a lot to offer.

In this article, we will cover:

• How to get your Maryland nursing license by exam
• How to get your license by endorsement
• How to renew your Maryland nursing license
• Licensing fees
• Continuing education requirements
• How to contact the Maryland Board of Nursing

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How to get your Maryland nursing license by examination

Step 1: Education

The state of Maryland has an extensive list of approved in-state nursing programs offering both associate degrees and baccalaureate degrees, as well as BSN completion programs. Graduates who have earned their nursing degree from accredited programs out of state are also welcome to apply. 

• Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) 
• Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing for those who have achieved a bachelor’s degree and who take the additional classes necessary to become a registered nurse.

Step 2: Apply

You must have a Social Security number to apply for licensure by examination in the state of Maryland. Applications are to be submitted via the state’s online application system. The fee is $100. 

You also need to register to take the NCLEX exam through either the Pearson VUE website or by calling 1.866.496.2539. There is a $200 registration fee. 

Step 3: Submit Official Transcripts

If you graduated from a Maryland-based nursing program, your school will send a list of students who have completed their educational program to the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Out-of-state nursing school graduates will need to review the list of approved out-of-state programs to ensure that their school is on the list. If your school is not on the list, you must download the program assessment tool and send it to your nursing program’s Dean or Director for completion and return to the Maryland Board of Nursing.

If your nursing education program is on the list, ask that they submit your official transcripts to the Board of Nursing via email to [email protected].  

Step 4: Criminal Background Check (CBC)

Maryland requires all applicants for an initial license to submit to a criminal history record check. Before submitting your license application, complete this form and take it to an authorized location to be fingerprinted. After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to get a receipt and ask for a tracking number. 

If you are outside of Maryland, you can request a pre-coded fingerprint card by either contacting the Maryland Board of Nursing at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also request a blank fingerprint card by phone at 1-888-795-0011 or by mail at:

CJIS-Central Repository
P.O Box 32708
Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708 

Blank fingerprint card from CJIS must have the Maryland Board of Nursing’s Agency Authorization and ORI Numbers:

Agency Authorization #: 9300000850
ORI#: MD920480Z
Reason: RN/LPN Initial
Position Applied For: MD Ann. Code Health Occ. §§8-303, 8-304

Complete the fingerprinting card and take it with you to a fingerprinting agency.

After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to ask for a receipt and a tracking number.

Mail your fingerprint card and a check or cashier’s check made out for $31.25 to CJIS Central Repository to: 

CJIS-Central Repository
P.O Box 32708
Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708

Step 5: Take the NCLEX

Maryland’s Board of Nursing will notify Pearson VUE that you are eligible to take the NCLEX exam once your application process has been completed and all supporting documentation has been received. The NCLEX tests your knowledge of the material covered during your nursing education. Topics include: 

• Safe and Effective Care Environment
• Management of Care  
• Safety and Infection Control 
• Health Promotion and Maintenance 
• Psychosocial Integrity 
• Physiological Integrity 
• Basic Care and Comfort 
• Pharmacological and Parenteral Therapies 
• Physiological Adaptation 

Your Maryland nursing license will be issued once you have passed the NCLEX. If you do not pass the NCLEX examination, you can schedule to retake the examination in 45 days. If you need a reschedule form, email the exam department at [email protected].  A reschedule application is sent with all NCLEX failure results. You will also need to re-register and pay the $200 fee to Pearson VUE.

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Licensing by endorsement (already have RN licensure)

To apply for licensure by endorsement in the state of Maryland, you must have a Social Security number. Applications are to be submitted along with the $100 fee via the state’s online application system.

It is important that you review the list of approved out-of-state programs to ensure that the program from which you graduated is on the list. If your program is on the list then you meet the minimum educational qualification for licensure and can proceed with the application process. If your school is not on the list, you must download the program assessment tool and send it to your nursing program’s Dean or Director for completion and return to the Maryland Board of Nursing.

You will need to request verification of your license from your original state of licensure. If your state participates with the NURSYS system, you can pay the $30 fee and request the verification through their process. If you were licensed in a non-participating state, request that the state’s Board of Nursing submit verification of your license to: 

Maryland Board of Nursing
4140 Patterson Avenue
Baltimore, MD 21215-2254

Maryland requires all applicants for licensure by endorsement to submit to a criminal history record check. Before submitting your license application, complete this form and take it to an authorized location to be fingerprinted. After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to get a receipt and ask for a tracking number. 

If you are outside of Maryland, you can request a pre-coded fingerprint card by either contacting the Maryland Board of Nursing at [email protected] or [email protected]. You can also request a blank fingerprint card by phone at 1-888-795-0011 orby mail at:

CJIS-Central Repository
P.O Box 32708
Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708

Blank fingerprint card from CJIS must have the Maryland Board of Nursing’s Agency Authorization and ORI Numbers:

Agency Authorization #: 9300000850
ORI#: MD920480Z
Reason: RN/LPN Initial
Position Applied For: MD Ann. Code Health Occ. §§8-303, 8-304

Complete the fingerprinting card and take it with you to a fingerprinting agency.

After having your fingerprints taken, be sure to ask for a receipt and a tracking number.

Mail your fingerprint card and a check or cashier’s check made out for $31.25 to CJIS Central Repository to: 

CJIS-Central Repository
P.O Box 32708
Pikesville, Maryland 21282-2708

How to renew your Maryland nursing license

Step 1: When to submit your renewal application 

Maryland’s registered nursing license is good for two years. A nurse born in an odd-numbered year will always renew in an odd-numbered year, no later than the 28th day of their birth month, and nurses born in even-numbered years will always renew in even-numbered years no later than the 28th of their birth month. 

At least 3 months before your license expires, the Board will send you a renewal notice by first-class mail to your last known address or electronically to your last known email address. 

Step 2: Fulfill continuing education requirements

Maryland has recently required all nurses in the state to complete an approved implicit bias training course. This one-time requirement is the only requirement for renewal of your license. 

Step 3: Submit your renewal application

To renew your Maryland registered nurse license, submit your application and the $136 fee here.

Maryland nursing licensing fees

Below are the fees for becoming a nurse in Maryland whether you are a first-time nurse or are moving to Maryland from another state. For more information visit the Maryland licensing page.

Licensing fees by examination (first-time nurses):

• NCLEX fee: $200
• Application fee: $100 (RN/LPN); $50 (APRN, $25 additional area of concentration)

Licensing fee by endorsement (already have RN licensure):

• Application fee: $100
• Temporary permit: $40

License renewal fee:

• Application fee: $110 (LPN); $136 (RN); $161 (APRN)

Maryland is a nursing compact state, which allows nurses to hold multi-state licenses.

*Fees are subject to change.
**Most states require a background check, but prices are not always listed.

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Continuing education requirements

RN: None (some employers may have requirements)

LPN: None (some employers may have requirements)

APRN: Maintain national certification (some employers may have requirements)

How to contact the Maryland Board of Nursing

Maryland Board of Nursing
Phone: (410) 585-1900 or (888) 202-9861
Fax: (410) 358-3530

Website: https://mbon.maryland.gov/Pages/default.aspx

4140 Patterson Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215-2254

More Maryland Resources

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