Nursing License from Michigan to Mississippi: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Mississippi Board of Nursing ↗
A nursing license transfers from Michigan to Mississippi by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing, verify your Michigan license, and meet Mississippi's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
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Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
This direction has a silver lining. Michigan is outside the compact, so you have been carrying a single-state license — but Mississippi is a member. Endorse into Mississippi, establish it as your primary residence, meet the uniform licensure requirements, and the license you receive is multistate: one application turns into practice privileges across the whole compact.
What changes, Michigan → Mississippi
| Michigan (current) | Mississippi (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | Licensure by endorsement | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $212.9 ($212.90 combined application fee + 2-year license fee; fingerprint background-check vendor fee paid separately) | $100 (endorsement application; + $75 criminal background check fee paid to the Board) |
| Processing time | board does not publish an endorsement processing timeline | board states there is no timetable for issuing licenses; applications are processed first-in, first-out |
| Licensing authority | Michigan Board of Nursing | Mississippi Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Mississippi sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm Mississippi's current requirements on the Mississippi Board of Nursing website (linked below) — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Mississippi Board of Nursing (application linked below).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check performed only by/through the Mississippi Board of Nursing.
- Hold an active RN license in another state.
- Declare your primary state of residence (a multistate license is issued only if it is Mississippi).
- Complete the endorsement process within one year or resubmit the application.
- Pay the fees ($100 (endorsement application; + $75 criminal background check fee paid to the Board)) and allow board states there is no timetable for issuing licenses; applications are processed first-in, first-out.
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Mississippi accept a Michigan nursing license?
A nursing license transfers from Michigan to Mississippi by endorsement — there is no automatic reciprocity, but you do not start over. Apply to the Mississippi Board of Nursing, verify your Michigan license, and meet Mississippi's endorsement requirements. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Michigan to Mississippi?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
$100 (endorsement application; + $75 criminal background check fee paid to the Board) (endorsement application; + $75 criminal background check fee paid to the Board).
How long will it take?
board states there is no timetable for issuing licenses; applications are processed first-in, first-out — board states there is no timetable for issuing licenses; applications are processed first-in, first-out.
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Mississippi Board of Nursing — Licensure By Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official commission site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA/BPL — Michigan Nursing Licensing Guide ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Michigan LARA — Board of Nursing ↗ (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]