How to get your license in

Complete the temporary license application in conjunction with a permanent initial license application.

1. Criminal background check and fingerprints

• In-State - You will get your fingerprints done via LiveScan. Then you will mail in the receipt with your specific tracking number assigned at the time of fingerprinting, applicable fees and your completed and notarized Criminal Record Release Authorization Form to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and they will forward it to the New Hampshire State Police.

• Out-of-State - Mail in your inked completed fingerprint card, the applicable fees and your completed and notarized Criminal Record Release Authorization Form to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing and they will forward it to the New Hampshire State Police.

The New Hampshire Board of Nursing cannot continue with the application process until they have received, reviewed and approved your completed criminal record report.

2. Complete application online or mail in a paper application (p. 12-17) for Licensure by Endorsement

3. The application includes verifications:

• Verify you have worked as a nurse for a minimum of 400 hours in the past 4 years 
• Verify you have completed 30 education contact hours within the past two years OR you have successfully passed the National Council Licensing Examination (NCLEX) within the 2 years immediately prior to application.

4. Verification of original state of licensure

• If the state participates in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate New Hampshire as the receipt of the verification.
• If the state does not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Board directly for further instructions. You will need to send them the Verification of License form (p. 16 of paper application) to complete and submit to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing on your behalf.

5. Submit The Declaration of Primary State of Residency form with a photocopy of proof of residency (driver’s license, tax form, etc.). 

6. Submit a letter of explanation sent with the application to the Board of Nursing for any conviction of a misdemeanor, felony or criminal act, not including traffic violations require (if applicable).

7. Provide CGFNS or the credentialing report that was submitted to the state initially licensed if you were educated outside the United States (if applicable).

Temporary licenses are available while the Board of Nursing is awaiting the paper verification from your original state of licensure (if they are one of the states that do not participate in Nursys).