New Jersey Registered Nurse Board and application links

Apply by “Candidate” if you are seeking a NJ license as an RN or LPN, and you’ve never been licensed before or you’re licensed in another state.

Applies when: Registered Nurse (RN) first-time/initial licensure path described as “Candidate.”

“The NLC pertains to RN and LPN licenses only,” and a multi-state Compact license will be issued if you meet the requirements (otherwise a single-state NJ license may be issued).

Applies when: For RN/LPN multi-state (Compact) scope as stated by the Board’s licensure guidance (not advanced-practice authority).

“You must apply through the Board for a multi-state license.”

Applies when: When seeking multi-state (Compact) license authority.

Apply by “Candidate” if you are seeking a NJ license as an RN or LPN and you’ve never been licensed before or you’re licensed in another state.

Applies when: Initial NJ RN licensure (not an APN/Reinstatement or other license type).

The Board states that the NLC pertains to RN and LPN licenses only.

Applies when: If considering multistate/compact authority as opposed to advanced-practice prescribing authority.

The Board states: “No. You must apply through the Board for a multi-state license.”

Applies when: If seeking multi-state license authority under the NLC upgrade process (scope limited to RN/LPN).

Apply by "Candidate" if you are seeking a NJ license as an RN or LPN, and you've never been licensed before or you're licensed in another state.

Applies when: For initial RN applicants.

The RN/LPN Reinstatement Application is an online application to reinstate or reactivate a Registered Professional Nurse license.

Applies when: For reinstating or reactivating an RN license.

The RN/LPN Reinstatement Application is an online application to reinstate or reactivate a Registered Professional Nurse license.

Applies when: For reinstating or reactivating an RN license

The multi-state license can be verified at newjersey.mylicense.com/verification.

Applies when: For verifying a multi-state (Compact) license issued by New Jersey.

Nursys is a free database providing licensure and disciplinary information on all RNs and LPNs as contributed by compact states; employers and the public can access it to look up a nurse’s license and disciplinary status.

Applies when: For verifying a Compact (multistate) RN license issued by another compact state (scope limited to RN/LPN as described).

The Board has an online directory updated around the first of each month and it can provide general information about licensure status and expiration dates.

Applies when: For verifying an NJ RN license’s status/expiration information via the Board’s online directory.

The Board’s verification line provides current, updated information regarding any New Jersey licensee’s status; the verification telephone number is (973) 273-8090.

Applies when: For verifying an NJ RN license’s current status by phone.

The Board’s online directory is updated around the first of each month, and it can provide general information about licensure status and expiration dates.

Applies when: When using the Board’s online directory as referenced on the employer-checking-licenses page.

The online directory is updated around the first of each month and can provide general information about licensure status and expiration dates.

Applies when: For board directory use

“No licensee shall engage in nursing practice without being in possession of a current license that is active and not suspended, revoked or surrendered.”

Applies when: For nursing practice in New Jersey.

Health care boards are prohibited from issuing or renewing a license without first determining that no information exists on file in the NPDB that may disqualify the applicant.

Applies when: During RN application and renewal decision-making before licensure/renewal issuance.

The Board or Committee must query the NPDB during your application process; currently, no action is required by the applicant or licensee.

Applies when: During RN application processing (NPDB query step).

No licensee shall engage in nursing practice without being in possession of a current license that is active and not suspended, revoked or surrendered.

Applies when: For nursing practice in New Jersey.

Board alerts state that, pursuant to P.L. 2021, c. 335, all health care boards are prohibited from issuing or renewing a license without first determining that no information exists on file in the NPDB that may disqualify the applicant.

Applies when: During board issuance or renewal decision-making (NPDB “no disqualifying information” determination).

The Board alert states: “Currently, no action is required by the applicant or licensee.”

Applies when: In the context of the NPDB determination described on the Board alert.

All health care boards are prohibited from issuing or renewing a license without first determining that no information exists on file in the NPDB that may disqualify the applicant.

Applies when: For board issuance and renewal processes.

Currently, no action is required by the applicant or licensee.

Applies when: For the NPDB query process.