Maine Nurse License Overview
Getting your Maine nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Maine Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Maine does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | ~$75.00–$100.00 | ~$75.00–$100.00 |
| Renewal | $75 | $50 |
| Temporary Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Background Check | $~30–50 | $~30–50 |
Key Sections:
Maine License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Maine RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Maine Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Maine Board of Nursing | Maine Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes | Yes |
| Background Check | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) | Case-by-case (fingerprinting may be required) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Maine Online Licensing Portal | Maine Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | ~2–6 weeks | ~2–6 weeks |
ME Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply via Maine BON Portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Fingerprint-based background check
- May be required case-by-case
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- Issued for endorsement applicants (90 days)
- Typical processing: within 5–10 business days
- Requirement: must have a pending permanent application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid 90 days (non-renewable)
- Application submitted and pending review
Maine Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Maine
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hours | CE may be waived depending on license issue date | No fixed CE hour requirement. Must demonstrate continued competence. CE may be requested during audit, required for reinstatement, required by employer. |
| LPN | No fixed CE hours | CE may be waived depending on license issue date | No fixed CE hour requirement. Must demonstrate continued competence. CE may be requested during audit, required for reinstatement, required by employer. |
| APRN | Role-specific CE required | Requirements may vary based on prescriptive authority and certification timing | Role-specific CE required. Pharmacology + prescribing CE (if applicable). |
Key Notes for Maine
- No fixed CE hours required for renewal for RN & LPN but must maintain professional competence
- Rolling expiration tied to your birthday
- There is no fixed hour requirement BUT CE may be required for: Audit, Reinstatement, Employer compliance, Specialty certifications
- License expires at end of cycle. If not renewed → becomes lapsed/inactive. You cannot practice once expired
- There is no formal grace period, but it is not an instant punitive "immediate lockout system"
- All nurses must retain CE records for at least 2 years in case of audit
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Maine Nursing License
How much does a Maine nursing license cost?
The application fee is approximately $75–$100, with renewal costing about $75 every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Maine nursing license?
Processing usually takes ~2–6 weeks, depending on application and background check timelines.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Maine?
No fixed CE hours required for renewal for RN & LPN but must maintain professional competence.