RN Warehouse

Massachusetts nursing license rules

Compact passed, not yet in effect

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

Massachusetts has passed the compact, but it is not in effect yet. Enacted; not in effect. Board targeting May 2027 (conditional FBI approval May 2026). Treat as non-compact until go-live. Until it goes live, you need a Massachusetts license to work here, even with a multistate license from another state.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle15
RN endorsement fee$275
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Expires 11:59 PM on birthday in even-numbered years; renew up to 90 days early
Renewal fee
$120
Continuing education
15 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Domestic and sexual violence training (Chapter 260; hours not stated by board)
Endorsement fee
$275
Fingerprints for endorsement
No. No fingerprints; a Massachusetts CORI criminal record check and good moral character review are required
Temporary permit
No general temporary permit. Regular temporary license; a temporary reciprocity license existed only during a declared public health emergency
How to apply
Apply via Health Professions Licensing Portal; Nursys verification of each license ($30 per license verification fee); SSN required; may work once license number appears online.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Massachusetts 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

Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

Licenses: RN, LPN, APRN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Massachusetts'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 Spotted something out of date?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