Arizona Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

1. Submit an application online and pay the fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs.
2. Provide evidence you have met educational requirements from a Board-approved nursing program and have passed the NCLEX.
3. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure. If this state does not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Arizona BON.
4. All applicants must upload a copy of documentation regarding citizenship / nationality / alien status. A copy of the document must be submitted on an 8½ x 11 sheet of plain white paper and submitted with the application For a list of acceptable documents visit the Citizenship and Alien Status page.
5. Provide a background check with fingerprints. A fingerprint card will not be issued from the Arizona State Board of Nursing. A fingerprint card can be obtained from any local facility that offers fingerprinting services. A permanent license will not be issued until fingerprint results are received.
6. Provide verification that you have completed a minimum of 960 practice hours and/or six months of nursing employment.
   

Temporary License

1. You must request a temporary license and submit the temporary license fee to be considered. 
2. Applicants holding a current multistate license from another compact state should not request a temporary license but can use their compact state license for up to 90 days until an Arizona permanent license is issued.
3. Once all required items have been received by the BON, you may be issued a provisional license. The following are needed to be eligible for a temporary license:

• Provide a minimum of 960 practice hours and/or six months of nursing employment
• Meet educational requirements
• Have completed a Board-approved nursing program
• Have a passing score on the NLCEX or SBTPE
• Submission of a fingerprint car

4. Temporary permits are valid for 6 months. 
5. In order to receive a temporary license, you must not have a criminal history, a history of disciplinary action by a regulatory agency, a pending complaint before the Board, or affirmative answers to any criminal background or disciplinary question in the application.

Walk-Through

1. Complete an application through the online Nurse Portal, submit all required documents, pay all fees, and send a message through the Message Center requesting a 48-hour Emergency Temporary License.
2.  Submit a completed fingerprint card in person or by mail.
3. Must have a job offer letter with a start date within 7 days. Your name must be in the letter, with the start date, on the letterhead of the agency. 
4. You must upload lawful presence documents and photo identification. 
5. You must have 960 hours of employment within the last 5 years.
6.  If you are a foreign-educated nurse applicant, you must have a copy of your Visa screen or CGFNS with your CGFNS ID number (if applicable) and Validation of English Language Skills passing score. 
7. To be eligible for a walk-through license, you may not have a “Yes” answer to disciplinary questions or any disciplinary action in another state, as verified through the national Nursys database.