RN Warehouse

Pennsylvania nursing license rules

Compact state

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

Pennsylvania is a compact state (since July 2025). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Pennsylvania in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Pennsylvania, your multistate license is issued here.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle30
RN endorsement fee$120
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
Board-assigned: April 30 or October 31, in even or odd years (49 Pa. Code 21.29)
Renewal fee
$122
Continuing education
30 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Child abuse recognition and reporting (2, each renewal, within the 30)
  • Organ and tissue donation (2, once every 5 years, from May 1, 2026)
Endorsement fee
$120
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. Temporary practice permit $70, up to 1 year for nurses licensed in another state; extension $85 for illness/hardship
How to apply
Apply in PALS; licensure verification from every state (Nursys); official transcript; 3 hrs board-approved child abuse CE; FBI fingerprints via IdentoGO. PA residents must apply for multistate ($180 by endorsement).

Moving or traveling

Moving to Pennsylvania from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.

Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing (Department of State, BPOA)

Licenses: RN, LPN

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 Spotted something out of date?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