Nursing License from Montana to Maryland: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Maryland Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Montana and Maryland are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Montana is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maryland now; if you are moving your residence to Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maryland your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
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Verdict
Compact multistate — already covered
This is the move the compact was built for. Both Montana and Maryland are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Maryland while living in Montana — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Maryland means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Maryland and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Montana → Maryland
| Montana (current) | Maryland (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $200 (endorsement fee per the board's endorsement application form (nur_end_app); the current fee is also displayed in the eBiz portal at application — re-verify if it differs) | $230 (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor) |
| Processing time | board does not publish a processing timeframe | board does not publish a timeline; 90-day temporary license available while the application is pending |
| Licensing authority | Montana Board of Nursing (Department of Labor and Industry) | Maryland Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Maryland sets the rules for this move.
Step by step
- Confirm your current license is an active multistate license in good standing (check it in the verification system).
- If you are moving your primary residence to Maryland: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Maryland Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Maryland as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Maryland's fingerprint/background check requirement if requested.
- Keep practicing — your multistate privilege remains valid during the transition (do not let the old license lapse before the new one issues).
Official links
Related guides
Frequently asked questions
Does Maryland accept a Montana nursing license?
Yes — both Montana and Maryland are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Montana is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Maryland now; if you are moving your residence to Maryland, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Maryland your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Montana to Maryland?
No — the NCLEX transfers everywhere. NCLEX is not retaken; your license is verified through Nursys.
What does the move cost?
If you are only working across the border, nothing. If you are relocating your residence to Maryland: $230 (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor) (endorsement application; optional 90-day temporary license $70 ($300 if both); CJIS fingerprinting fee paid separately to the fingerprinting vendor).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (board does not publish a timeline; 90-day temporary license available while the application is pending).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Maryland Board of Nursing — Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Nurse Licensure Compact — official commission site ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Montana Board of Nursing — License Information (endorsement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Montana Board of Nursing — Endorsement Application (nur_end_app, 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]