Transfer Your Nursing License to Minnesota: Reciprocity & Endorsement (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Minnesota Board of Nursing ↗
No license transfers into Minnesota 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 Minnesota Board of Nursing ($105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee)); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Moving to Minnesota from a specific state?
Pick your current state — the checker returns your exact pathway.
Verdict
Licensure by endorsement
Plan the timeline first. Because Minnesota 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 — all out-of-state RNs must obtain a Minnesota license by endorsement; a 60-day temporary permit may be requested on the endorsement application.
Minnesota requirements at a glance
| Exam | NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys |
|---|---|
| Additional requirements |
|
| Fees | $105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) |
| Processing time | board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review |
Step by step
- Confirm Minnesota's current requirements on the Minnesota Board of Nursing website — rules change.
- Submit the endorsement application to the Minnesota Board of Nursing (application linked on this page).
- Arrange license verification from your current state via the verification system.
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check (fingerprint packet emailed after application).
- Submit verification of licensure from your state of original licensure and, if different, the state where you most recently practiced.
- Have your most recent nursing employer complete the Confirmation of Nursing Employment form.
- Report continuing education or complete a refresher course if you have not practiced recently.
- Pay the fees ($105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee)) and allow board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Official links
Coming from a specific state?
Direction matters — these guides cover the exact move into Minnesota:
Frequently asked questions
Does my nursing license transfer to Minnesota?
No license transfers into Minnesota 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 Minnesota Board of Nursing ($105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee)); your NCLEX pass transfers, the license does not.
Do I have to retake the NCLEX to get licensed in Minnesota?
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 Minnesota?
$105 (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee) (endorsement application; + $32 criminal background check fee).
How long does Minnesota take to process an endorsement application?
board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review — board does not publish a timeline; optional temporary permit valid up to 60 days (non-renewable) while the application is under review.
Is Minnesota in the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. Minnesota 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.
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure by Endorsement process ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Minnesota Board of Nursing — Licensure Fees ↗ (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]