How to get a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license in Arizona
Arizona licenses registered nurses statewide through the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN).1 For the Registered Nurse (RN) - single-state license you need a passing score on the NCLEX-RN2 and a criminal background check3. The board lists $300 for the application2. You renew every 4 years4.
Who issues it
Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN)
Training and experience
An approved education program; see the requirements
Exam
NCLEX-RN2
Renewal
Every 4 years4
On this page
- Arizona registered nurse licenses
- Applies to every license level
- Requirements for a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Renewal and continuing education
- Multistate Registered Nurse (RN) license
- Check a license or report a problem
- Laws and rules
- Rule changes since January 2024
- Common questions
- Registered nurse (RN) licenses in other states
Arizona registered nurse licenses
Arizona issues 2 registered nurse credentials. Each has its own section below; the table shows what each one covers and its headline requirements.
| License | What it covers | Exam | Application or license fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nurse (RN) - multistate license (Nurse Licensure Compact) | Registered nursing includes assessing health status, establishing nursing diagnoses and goals, prescribing and delegating nursing interventions, evaluating responses to care, teaching nursing, and managing and supervising nursing practice.9 | Yes10 | $3002 |
| Registered Nurse (RN) - single-state license | Registered nursing includes assessing health status, establishing nursing diagnoses and goals, prescribing and delegating nursing interventions, evaluating responses to care, teaching nursing, and managing and supervising nursing practice.9 | Yes10 | $3002 |
Applies to every license level
These rules are the same for every Arizona registered nurse license on this page, so they are shown once here. Each license's own section lists only what differs.
What it covers
Registered nursing includes assessing health status, establishing nursing diagnoses and goals, prescribing and delegating nursing interventions, evaluating responses to care, teaching nursing, and managing and supervising nursing practice.9
Requirements
- Education or training
- Complete the basic curriculum of a Board-approved registered nursing program and hold its diploma or degree (diploma, associate or bachelor's degree in nursing). Arizona graduates file an Affidavit of Graduation; out-of-state graduates have official transcripts sent directly to AZBN.11
Who may teach it: Board-approved RN program (or a program in another state substantially comparable to Board standards). Military corpsman/technician programs are not approved programs.2
Alternative: Internationally educated applicants: credential evaluation (TruMerit/CGFNS CES, VisaScreen or CGFNS certificate, ERES or Josef Silny report) and English proficiency (TOEFL iBT 84 with speaking 26, IELTS 6.5 with 6.0 per module, or PTE Academic 55 with 50 per section) unless educated or employed 960 hours in an English-speaking country.12 - Prior licensure
- No work experience is required for licensure by examination, but an applicant who has not practiced 960 hours must have completed the clinical portion of the pre-licensure program within two years of licensure; otherwise a Board-approved refresher course is required.12
- Exam
- NCLEX-RN2
Given by: Pearson VUE (NCLEX registration)2
Passing score: A passing score on the NCLEX-RN (pass/fail as reported); historic: 1600 on NCLEX-RN before July 1988 or 350 on each SBTPE part.12
When you can take it: Submit the RN Initial Exam application in the Nurse Portal and register with Pearson VUE; Arizona program graduates are confirmed by the program (Affidavit of Graduation).2
Retakes: Retake fee $100 (Board). If the exam is not passed within two years after completing the program, the Board may require additional education.10
Time limit: Two years after completing the nursing program, after which the Board may require additional education.10 - Background check
- Background check required3
Fingerprints required2
Applicants with felony convictions are ineligible unless they received an absolute discharge from all felony sentences at least 3 years before applying; criminal charges must be disclosed and reported within 10 days.11
You can ask the board to review your record before you apply13 - Residency or citizenship
- Proof of US citizenship or lawful alien status (A.R.S. 41-1080) is required; for non-citizens the license expires with the lawful-presence document.14
Fees
| Fee | Amount | Paid to | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $3002 | AZBN | Licensure by examination (combined exam + license fee). Not refundable |
| License by endorsement or reciprocity | $1502 | AZBN | Licensure by endorsement (licensed in another state). Not refundable |
| Fingerprint and state background check | $505 | AZBN | State + FBI fingerprint check; not required again if fingerprints were submitted to AZBN in the previous 2 years. Not refundable |
| Exam retake fee | $1005 | AZBN | Not refundable |
| Temporary license or permit | $505 | AZBN | Optional, endorsement applicants. Not refundable |
| Temporary license or permit | $5015 | AZBN | 48-hour emergency temporary license for endorsement applicants with a job offer. Not refundable |
| License verification to another state | $5016 | AZBN | Verification sent to another country or for other purposes (verifications to other US states go through Nursys). Not refundable |
| License verification to another state | $3016 | Nursys (NCSBN) | Arizona nurse endorsing to another US state, per verification sent |
| Failure to Report Change of Address | $2515 | AZBN | Not refundable |
| Card payment processing fee | from $215 | State merchant services contractor | $2.00 or 2.2% of the card payment, whichever is greater; eCheck free. Effective September 11, 2025 |
Each line is a separate charge as the board lists it. The board does not publish a combined total, so none is shown here.
The board's pages we cite do not list the exam fee.
How to apply
- Graduate from a Board-approved RN program (diploma, associate or bachelor's degree). Foreign-educated applicants first obtain a credential evaluation and, if needed, an English-proficiency score sent directly to AZBN.2
- Create an Arizona Nurse Portal account and submit the RN Initial Exam application with the $300 combined exam and license fee (declare your primary state of residence).2 azbn.boardsofnursing.org16
- Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE.2
- Submit fingerprints: electronic through Arizona DPS using the Fingerprint Code in your Nurse Portal messages (if in Arizona), or an FD-258 card mailed to the Board; pay the $50 background check fee.17
- Upload citizenship/lawful-presence documents; out-of-state graduates have the school send official transcripts to AZBN.2
- Pass the NCLEX-RN; the permanent license is issued after state and federal fingerprint results are received. Arizona no longer issues paper licenses - verify on Nursys.2
- Apply online
- azbn.boardsofnursing.org16
- Temporary or provisional license
- Exam applicants may get a temporary license only "for refresher course only"; endorsement applicants may get a $50 temporary license (up to 12 months) or a 48-hour emergency temporary license.2
- Processing time
- Rule time-frames: overall 150 business days without investigation (270 with investigation); fingerprint results about 30 days electronic or 8-12 weeks for FD-258 cards; temporary licenses allow 30 business days.2
Renewal
- How often
- Every 4 years4
- When it expires
- Renew every four years on or before April 1 of the renewal year; a late fee applies after May 1 and the license expires August 1 if not renewed. Renewals can be filed up to 6 months early.4
- Renewal fee
- $1605
- Late renewal
- Late renewal fee: $5014 (per month late, maximum $200, on top of the $160 renewal fee)
- If it expires
- Practice requirement at renewal: 960 hours of nursing practice in the past 5 years, or a nursing degree/advanced degree in the past 5 years, or a Board-approved refresher course in the past 5 years; otherwise take a refresher course under a "refresher course only" temporary license (no charge).12
A license not renewed by August 1 expires; practicing on an expired license is a violation.4
Inactive or retired status can be requested through the Nurse Portal at no charge; renewal fees do not accrue while inactive.4 - Renew online
- azbn.boardsofnursing.org16
From another state
- Route
- License by endorsement
- What the board says
- RNs licensed in another US state or territory apply by endorsement through the Nurse Portal: NCLEX (or SBTPE) passed, Board-approved program, verification of the original license via Nursys ($30 to Nursys), fingerprints and lawful-presence proof, plus the 960-hours-in-5-years practice requirement (or recent degree/refresher). Fee $150.6
- Conditions
- Practice requirement: 960 hours in the past 5 years, or graduation/advanced degree within 5 years, or an Arizona-approved refresher course within 5 years.12
Verification from the original state of licensure through Nursys (fee $30 paid to Nursys), or directly from a non-Nursys state.16
If your primary state of residence is another compact state, do not apply in Arizona unless you are declaring Arizona as your primary state of residence.2
Felony bar: no license unless absolute discharge from all felony sentences at least 3 years before applying.6 - Fee
- $15015
- Route
- Temporary license or permit
- What the board says
- Temporary licenses for endorsement applicants ($50; valid up to 12 months; 48-hour emergency temporary license with a job offer letter). Separately, A.R.S. 32-1635.02 requires a provisional license within five business days for a nurse in good standing in another state who submits fingerprints and lives or will physically work in Arizona.2
- Conditions
- Not available to applicants with a criminal history, discipline, a pending complaint, or a "yes" answer to background questions, without Board approval.12
Multistate license holders from another compact state should not request a temporary license; they can work on their compact license while the endorsement is processed.2
Provisional license fees are waived for US armed forces veterans and spouses of active-duty members; the provisional license can be converted to a regular license after six months.18 - Fee
- $5015
- Route
- Interstate compact privilege
- What the board says
- Arizona is a Nurse Licensure Compact state: a nurse holding a multistate license issued by another party (home) state may practice in Arizona under the multistate privilege without an Arizona license, subject to Arizona practice law.7
- Route
- Universal license recognition
- What the board says
- Arizona universal recognition (A.R.S. 32-4302): a person who establishes residence in Arizona (or is married to an active-duty service member), has held a license in good standing in another state for at least one year at the same practice level, and met that state's education/experience requirements, is issued a license.8
- Route
- Military service members and spouses
- What the board says
- Under 50 U.S.C. 4025a the Board recognizes the out-of-state license of active-duty service members and spouses relocating to Arizona on military orders (apply, then message the Board via the Nurse Portal with orders, marriage certificate and notarised affidavit); a Military Fee Waiver Form is available, and provisional-license fees are waived for veterans and military spouses (A.R.S. 32-1635.02(H)).2
Requirements for a single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
- Social Security number
- SSN required for applicants who live or work in the US; applicants who meet all other requirements but lack an SSN can be issued an Arizona (single-state) license by signing the Board affidavit.2
- Also required
- A single-state license is issued when an applicant meets Arizona requirements but not the multistate (NLC uniform) requirements; it authorizes practice in Arizona only.2
Renewal and continuing education
Renewal planner
Enter the expiration date printed on your Arizona Registered Nurse (RN) - single-state license. The count is worked out on your device from today's date; nothing is sent anywhere.
Multistate Registered Nurse (RN) license
Requirements
- Social Security number
- A valid US Social Security number is required for a multistate license.7
- Also required
- Multistate (NLC uniform licensure) requirements: meet Arizona licensure requirements; approved program (or verified international program); English proficiency if applicable; passed NCLEX; active unencumbered license; fingerprints; no felony convictions; no nursing-related misdemeanours; not in an alternative program; valid US SSN. Primary state of residence must be Arizona.2
- Also required
- Foreign-educated applicants who use the US BSN/graduate-degree exception instead of a TruMerit (CGFNS) report are not eligible for a multistate license.2
From another state
- Route
- Multistate license (interstate compact)
- What the board says
- An Arizona multistate license lets an Arizona-resident nurse practice physically or electronically in all Nurse Licensure Compact party states without additional licenses.2
- Conditions
- Arizona must be the primary state of residence (where you vote, pay taxes and hold a driver's license).2
The rules this license shares with every other level are under Applies to every license level.
Check a license or report a problem
Before you hire a registered nurse in Arizona, you can confirm the license is current on the board's own search. Every board we cover in Arizona is on the Arizona license lookup page.
- Look up a license
- nursys.com2
Laws and rules
The requirements above come from these laws and board rules.
- A.R.S. 32-1632 (Qualifications of registered nurse; application for license)
- A.R.S. 32-1633 (Examination of registered nurses)
- A.R.S. 32-1634 (Licensing out-of-state registered nurses)
- A.R.S. 32-1635.02 (Provisional licensure for out-of-state nurses)
- A.R.S. 32-1642 (Renewal of license)
- A.R.S. 32-1643
- A.R.S. 32-1660 (Nurse Licensure Compact)
- A.R.S. 32-4302 (Out-of-state applicants; universal recognition)
- A.A.C. R4-19-301 to R4-19-313 (Board of Nursing - RN/LPN licensure; Supp. 24-4)
Rule changes since January 2024
- September 11, 2025: New state card-processing fee: $2.00 or 2.2% (whichever is greater) on all credit/debit card payments to AZBN; eCheck remains free.15
Common questions
Can I transfer my registered nurse license to Arizona?
AZBN publishes these routes for the single-state Registered Nurse (RN) license: license by endorsement6, temporary license or permit2, interstate compact privilege7 and universal license recognition8. Conditions and forms.
Registered nurse (RN) licenses in other states
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Sources
Every number and rule above links to one of these official pages. Select a footnote number to read the board's own words.
- A.R.S. 32-1636Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Apply for a LicenseArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1606Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1642Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1643Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1634Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1660Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-4302Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1601Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1633Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1632Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026
- Arizona Administrative Code Title 4, Chapter 19 (Board of Nursing)Arizona Secretary of StateDated December 31, 2024Checked November 7, 2026
- 41-1093.04 - Occupational license, permit or certificate or other state recognition rights; petition for…Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 5, 2026
- Renew Your LicenseArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Agency FeesArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- Verification / EndorsementArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- FingerprintsArizona State Board of NursingChecked November 7, 2026
- A.R.S. 32-1635.02Arizona State LegislatureChecked November 7, 2026