Nursing License from Utah to Rhode Island: Does It Transfer? (2026)
Last verified: 2026-07-21 · source: Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education ↗
Yes — both Utah and Rhode Island are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Utah is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Rhode Island now; if you are moving your residence to Rhode Island, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Rhode Island 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 Utah and Rhode Island are NLC members, so the real question is not "does my license transfer" but "is this a relocation or just work". Working in Rhode Island while living in Utah — travel contract, remote monitoring, per-diem across the border — needs nothing: your multistate license already covers it. Relocating to Rhode Island means your primary state of residence changes, and the compact requires you to endorse into Rhode Island and declare it your new home state. You keep practicing on the old privilege the entire time.
What changes, Utah → Rhode Island
| Utah (current) | Rhode Island (destination) | |
|---|---|---|
| NLC status | NLC member — multistate license honored | NLC member — multistate license honored |
| Application fee | $60 (RN application fee per DOPL fee schedule FY 2025-26 (latest verifiable); + $12 FBI and $20 BCI fingerprint search fees) | 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 |
| Processing time | ~3 weeks (DOPL states typical processing of a complete application is 21 days) | no processing time stated in the regulation |
| Licensing authority | Utah Board of Nursing (Utah Division of Professional Licensing) | Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education |
The destination column is what you must satisfy — Rhode Island 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 Rhode Island: apply for licensure by endorsement with the Rhode Island Board of Nurse Registration and Nursing Education when you move.
- Declare Rhode Island as your new primary state of residence on that application.
- Complete Rhode Island'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 Rhode Island accept a Utah nursing license?
Yes — both Utah and Rhode Island are members of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If Utah is your primary state of residence and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Rhode Island now; if you are moving your residence to Rhode Island, apply for licensure by endorsement there and declare Rhode Island your new primary state of residence — your multistate privilege continues.
Do I retake the NCLEX moving from Utah to Rhode Island?
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 Rhode Island: 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 (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).
How long will it take?
Practice can continue immediately on the multistate privilege; the residence-change endorsement processes in the background (no processing time stated in the regulation).
Sources
Primary sources only — official boards and compact commissions. Data last verified 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)
- Utah DOPL — Apply for an RN or LPN License ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Endorsement to Utah RN/LPN (PDF) ↗ (accessed 2026-07-21)
- Utah DOPL — Fee Schedule FY 2025-26 (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]