Transfer Your Nursing License to Alaska: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Alaska Board of Nursing ↗
No license transfers into Alaska automatically: it is one of the non-compact jurisdictions, and a compact multistate license carries no privilege there. The route is licensure by endorsement with the Alaska Board of Nursing ($300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application))); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Moving to Alaska from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Plan the timeline first. Because Alaska recognizes no outside license, you cannot legally work a single shift there until its own license (or temporary permit, where offered) is in hand — and unlike compact states, there is no shortcut for travel or telehealth work either.
Not an NLC member — compact multistate privileges do not extend to Alaska, so licensure by endorsement is the only path in for an out-of-state RN.
Alaska requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements |
|
| Fees | $300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)) |
| Processing time | board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed |
Step by step
- Confirm Alaska's current requirements on the Alaska Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Alaska Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based state (Alaska DPS) and FBI criminal background check via FD-258 card.
- License verification via Nursys (or sent directly) from both the state of initial licensure and the state of current licensure.
- Hold a current license in another state or Canadian province (inactive status does not qualify).
- Employer verification of at least 320 hours of nursing practice within the past 5 years, or complete a board-approved refresher course.
- Submit a notarized signature page.
- Pay the fees ($300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application))) and allow board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Alaska:
Frequently asked questions
Does my nursing license transfer to Alaska?
No license transfers into Alaska automatically: it is one of the non-compact jurisdictions, and a compact multistate license carries no privilege there. The route is licensure by endorsement with the Alaska Board of Nursing ($300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application))); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Alaska?
No. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys. No state requires a second NCLEX.
How much does it cost to transfer an RN license to Alaska?
$300 ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)) ($100 nonrefundable application + $200 license fee; + $75 fingerprint processing ($375 total collected with the online application)).
How long does Alaska take to process an endorsement application?
board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed — board states no timeframe; six-month nonrenewable temporary permit available once application, fees, fingerprints, and license verification are processed.
Is Alaska in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. Alaska does not participate as of 2026-07-21, so compact multistate licenses carry no practice privilege there.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Alaska BON — Initial Application for RN License by Endorsement, Online Instructions (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
Reviewed by Billy Reiner, Editor · verified against primary sources 2026-07-21
How we verify · All sources · spot an error? [email protected]