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LICENSURE GUIDE

Mississippi Nurse Licensing Guide

Everything you need to get and keep an RN license in Mississippi.

Compact (eNLC) state
Yes
Walkthrough available
No
Temporary license
Yes
In Nursys
Yes
Board of Nursing
www.msbn.ms.gov
Phone
(601) 957-6300

Timing

Permanent License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for permanent licensure.

Temporary License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for temporary licensure.

Process

Permanent License

  1. Submit an application online and pay the fee.The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. Please do not submit any supporting documentation prior to completing the online application and submitting payment.
  2. Provide a valid SSN.
  3. Request your nursing program to submit an official transcript with your basic nursing degree and date conferred to the Mississippi BON in a sealed envelope, or electronically via Parchment.
  4. 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 Mississippi BON.
  5. Provide a background check with fingerprints. The BON will send you a fingerprinting card to complete. Do not complete fingerprints until you receive this card from the Board or your fingerprints will be rejected.

Temporary License

  1. Temporary permits are valid for 90 days and are non-renewable.
  2. Once all items have been received by the BON except the results of your background check, you may be issued a provisional license.

Fees

Endorsement Application: RNs: $100.00, LPNs: $60.00

Temporary Permit: $25

Fingerprints: $75

Important things to know

  • Payment is accepted electronically via credit/debit card or PayPal.
  • Your application is valid for 12 months. If incomplete after 12 months have passed, your application will be discarded, and you must reapply and repay the application fee.
  • You may check the status of your application on the Mississippi licensure gateway.
  • View the Mississippi BON’s FAQ section on the MSBN website.
  • If you answered yes to any of the discipline questions, please allow additional time for the Complete Background Check process to be completed because of additional follow-up by board staff.
  • If you have held a Mississippi license before and wish to reactivate, please refer to the reinstatement application.
  • If you hold a compact license from another state and have moved to Mississippi, you may continue to practice on your compact license while your endorsement process is under review.

Renewal of license

  • Renewal cadence: RNs: Biannually, your license expires on December 31 of even-numbered years. LPNs: Biannually, your license expires on December 31 of odd-numbered years. The renewal period begins on September 1st.
    - The first late renewal period is Jan 1-30
    - The second late renewal period is Feb 1-June 30
    - If you do not renew your license during the renewal period, your license will lapse. If you wish to practice in Mississippi, you will be required to apply for reinstatement.
  • Renewal fee: $100 if renewed on time. Late renewals will incur an additional fee of $150 (late renewal period 1) or $325 (late renewal period 2).
  • Required contact hours: 20 hours in the two years prior to renewal, only if you have been out of practice for 5 years or more.

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