Nursing License from District of Columbia to New York: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions ↗
A nursing license transfers from District of Columbia to New York by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, verify your District of Columbia license, and meet New York's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Neither District of Columbia nor New York participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, so this is a classic endorsement move: New York's board verifies the license you already hold and issues its own. Nothing about District of Columbia speeds it up or slows it down — the timeline below is New York's standard out-of-state queue.
What changes, District of Columbia → New York
| District of Columbia (current) | New York (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | Licensure by endorsement |
| Application fee | $280 (combined application + criminal background check fee, Visa/MasterCard only; + $30 Nursys verification fee) | $143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) |
| Processing time | ~6 weeks (board asks applicants to allow 30 business days after applying before checking application status) | NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications |
| Licensing authority | District of Columbia Board of Nursing | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — New York sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm New York's current requirements on the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework.
- Complete an approved child abuse identification and reporting course, or qualify for an exemption.
- Have your nursing school send Form 2 (Certification of Professional Education) and official transcript directly to NYSED.
- Demonstrate good moral character.
- Pay the fees ($143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check)) and allow NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does New York accept a District of Columbia nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from District of Columbia to New York by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, verify your District of Columbia license, and meet New York's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from District of Columbia to New York?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your out-of-state license is verified to NYSED through Nursys (or Form 3 if your state does not participate).
What does the move cost?
$143 (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check) (licensure and first registration fee (Form 1); optional limited permit $35; NYSED RN checklists list no fingerprint background check).
How long will it take?
NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications — NYSED does not publish processing times for RN licensure applications.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN Pathway #3 (licensed in another state) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — RN License Requirements ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- NYSED Office of the Professions — How do I apply for Licensure by Endorsement? ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- DC Health — RN Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- DC Board of Nursing — Registered Nurse Endorsement Requirements (PDF) ↗ (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]