Nursing License from Rhode Island to Texas: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Texas Board of Nursing ↗
Yes — both Rhode Island and Texas are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Rhode Island is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Texas now; if you are moving your residence to Texas, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Texas 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 Rhode Island and Texas are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Texas while living in Rhode Island — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Texas means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Texas and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Rhode Island → Texas
| Rhode Island (current) | Texas (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | fee is set in the RIDOH fee schedule (216-RICR-10-05-2); amount could not be verified on an accessible official page (health.ri.gov blocked automated requests) — confirm with RIDOH | $150 ($125 endorsement + $25 nursing jurisprudence exam fee; + DPS/FBI fingerprint fee paid to vendor (amount set by DPS/CJIS)) |
| Processing time | no processing time stated in the regulation | ~3 weeks (board reviews for permanent licensure within 15 business days of receiving the last required item; one-time 120-day temporary license issued within 15 business days of application receipt) |
| Licensing authority | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education | Texas Board of Nursing |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Texas 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 Texas: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Texas Board of Nursing when you move.
- Declare Texas as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Texas'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 Texas accept a Rhode Island nursing license?
Yes — both Rhode Island and Texas are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Rhode Island is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Texas now; if you are moving your residence to Texas, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Texas your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Rhode Island to Texas?
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 Texas: $150 ($125 endorsement + $25 nursing jurisprudence exam fee; + DPS/FBI fingerprint fee paid to vendor (amount set by DPS/CJIS)) ($125 endorsement + $25 nursing jurisprudence exam fee; + DPS/FBI fingerprint fee paid to vendor (amount set by DPS/CJIS)).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (~3 weeks (board reviews for permanent licensure within 15 business days of receiving the last required item; one-time 120-day temporary license issued within 15 business days of application receipt)).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 2026-07-21.
- Texas BON — Licensure by Endorsement ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Texas BON — Schedule of Fees (Chapter 223) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI Code of Regulations 216-RICR-40-05-3 — Nurses (licensure by endorsement) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- RI Department of Health — Nurses (licensing) ↗ (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]