Maryland Nurse License Overview
Getting your Maryland 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 Maryland 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, Maryland 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 (Exam) | $187 | $187 |
| Endorsement Application | $230 | $230 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $70 | $70 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $136 | $110 |
| Background Check (Fingerprinting) | ~$57.25 | ~$57.25 |
Key Sections:
Maryland License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Maryland 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: Maryland Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) | Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check) | Required (Fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program (Board-approved or equivalent) | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Maryland BON Online Licensing System | Maryland BON Online Licensing System |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review |
| Processing Time | Varies (typically a few weeks depending on application completeness and background check processing) | Varies (typically a few weeks depending on application completeness and background check processing) |
MD Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Maryland Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Complete a Criminal History Records Check (CHRC) with fingerprinting
- Fingerprinting must be completed through an approved provider
- Results must be received before licensure can be issued
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- Request license verification via Nursys from your original state of licensure
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, submit manual verification to the Board
- 4.
Education & Documentation
- Provide proof of graduation from a Board-approved or equivalent nursing program
- Submit official transcripts if requested
- Additional documentation may be required for internationally educated applicants
- 5.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documents may be required and reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Temporary license may be issued while your application is being processed
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Typically issued within a few business days once eligibility requirements are met
- Valid until a permanent license is issued or expires
- 3.
Requirements
- Must have a pending endorsement application
- Must hold an active, unencumbered license in another state
- Must complete fingerprint-based background check
Maryland Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Maryland
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hours required if other competency requirements are met | Must meet at least one Board-approved competency option | Must meet ONE of the following: 1,000 practice hours (last 5 years), OR 30 CE hours (last 2 years), OR completion of a nursing program (last 5 years). Implicit Bias Training required (one-time). CE must be Board-approved and relevant to nursing practice. |
| LPN | No fixed CE hours required if other competency requirements are met | Must meet at least one Board-approved competency option | Same competency options apply as RN. Must meet ONE of the following: 1,000 practice hours (last 5 years), OR 30 CE hours (last 2 years), OR completion of a nursing program (last 5 years). Implicit Bias Training required (one-time). |
| APRN | Varies by certification and role | Must maintain national certification | Must meet requirements set by certifying body and specialty practice. National certification required. Additional APRN-specific requirements may apply. |
Key Notes for Maryland
- You must meet at least one approved competency option each renewal cycle
- Continuing education must be relevant to nursing practice
- Documentation must be retained in case of audit
- Additional requirements may apply for advanced practice nurses (APRNs)
- How to Meet Renewal Requirements — must complete at least ONE of: 1,000 practice hours in the past 5 years, 30 contact hours of CE in the past 2 years, Completion of a Board-approved nursing program in the past 5 years, or National certification in a nursing specialty
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Maryland Nursing License
How much does a Maryland nursing license cost?
Endorsement application is $230 for RNs and LPNs. Renewal typically costs around $136 for RNs and $110 for LPNs, with additional fees for background checks if applicable.
How long does it take to get a Maryland nursing license?
Processing times vary but typically take a few weeks after all documents and background check results are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Maryland?
Maryland does not require a fixed number of CE hours, you must meet at least one approved competency option (such as CE, practice hours, or certification).