RN Warehouse

District of Columbia nursing license rules

Not in the compact

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

District of Columbia is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. To work here, including travel contracts and telehealth to patients in District of Columbia, you need a District of Columbia license. A multistate license from another state does not cover it.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle24
RN endorsement fee$280
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Legacy cycle: June 30 of even years (current cycle expired June 30, 2026); licenses issued on or after June 16, 2024 expire the last day of the birth month, with year by birth-year parity
Renewal fee
$145
Continuing education
24 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • LGBTQ cultural competency (2 hours)
  • Public health priorities (10% of required hours, about 2.5 hours)
Endorsement fee
$280
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Not confirmed yet. Check with the board
How to apply
Apply online; $280 covers application and criminal background check; fingerprints via Fieldprint; Nursys verification of original license ($30); must show good standing in every jurisdiction ever licensed.

Moving or traveling

Moving to District of Columbia from a compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new state and notify the former board; the former multistate license converts to single-state.

Travel nurses on a temporary contract keep their home state; see how the compact works.

Check another state

Board of nursing

District of Columbia Board of Nursing (DC Health)

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes District of Columbia's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources