New Hampshire Nurse License Overview
Getting your New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire 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, New Hampshire 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 / Endorsement Application | $116 | $116 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | $20 | $20 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $108 | $108 |
| Background Check | ~$48 | ~$48 |
Key Sections:
New Hampshire License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first New Hampshire 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: New Hampshire Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | New Hampshire Board of Nursing (OPLC) | New Hampshire Board of Nursing (OPLC) |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required | Fingerprint-based criminal background check required |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program required | Approved practical nursing program required |
| Application Portal | NH Online Licensing / OPLC Portal | NH Online Licensing / OPLC Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Varies depending on application completeness, background check review, and document verification | Varies depending on application completeness, background check review, and document verification |
NH Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC) portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Identification & Documentation
- Applicants are typically required to provide a valid government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's license
- Additional identification or lawful presence documentation may be requested during application review
- 3.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification must be completed through Nursys for the original state of licensure and states where the applicant is currently licensed or employed
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the New Hampshire Board of Nursing
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for endorsement applicants
- Applicants may complete fingerprinting through approved electronic Livescan services or authorized fingerprinting agencies
- Background check processing timelines may affect final license issuance
- 5.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, and regulatory or licensing issues
- Applicants with disclosures may be required to submit written explanations and additional supporting documentation for Board review
- 6.
Internationally Educated Nurses
- International nursing graduates may be required to submit CGFNS or other approved credential evaluation reports
- Additional English proficiency or education review requirements may apply depending on country of education
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- New Hampshire may issue a temporary permit to eligible out-of-state nurses with an active license in good standing
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Temporary permits are generally valid for up to 120 days
- Temporary permits are intended for practice while the permanent endorsement application is under review
- 3.
Important Notes
- Temporary permits are typically considered after most required application materials have been received
- May be issued after required application materials are reviewed; criminal background check review is still required before issuance
- Applications involving criminal, disciplinary, or regulatory concerns may require additional review before temporary permit eligibility is determined
- Delays in background check processing or manual license verification may affect temporary permit issuance
New Hampshire Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in New Hampshire
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may use recent NCLEX completion or refresher coursework toward competency requirements for initial renewal cycles | CE must enhance nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills — hours must be completed within 2 years immediately preceding renewal |
| LPN | 30 contact hours | Newly licensed nurses may use recent NCLEX completion or refresher coursework toward competency requirements for initial renewal cycles | CE must enhance nursing knowledge, judgment, and skills — same requirements apply as RN |
| APRN | 60 contact hours total | Must maintain current national certification | Includes 5 pharmacology hours — 20 hours must relate to specialty practice area; APRNs with active DEA registration must complete opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance use disorder education as part of pharmacology CE requirements |
Key Notes for New Hampshire
- APRNs must complete 30 additional hours beyond RN renewal requirements, for a total of 60 hours every renewal cycle
- APRNs with active DEA registration must complete opioid prescribing, pain management, or substance use disorder education as part of pharmacology CE requirements
- Nurses should retain CE documentation for at least 4 years in case of Board audit
- Newly licensed nurses may use recent NCLEX completion or refresher coursework toward competency requirements for initial renewal cycles
- Continuing education must be tracked through CE Broker
- New Hampshire RN and LPN licenses renew every 2 years — initial renewal occurs on the second birthday after licensure issuance and does not exceed 2 years
- In addition to 30 CE hours, nurses must meet one active practice competency requirement: 400 hours of active nursing practice within the previous 4 years, completion of a Board-approved refresher course, or recent NCLEX completion if applicable
- Nurses may be required to demonstrate recent nursing practice or refresher course completion if returning to practice after an extended gap
- Practicing with an expired license is prohibited — additional reinstatement requirements may apply after expiration
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About New Hampshire Nursing License
How much does a New Hampshire nursing license cost?
New Hampshire endorsement application fees are approximately $116 for RNs and LPNs. Renewal fees are about $108, with additional fingerprint/background check fees required.
How long does it take to get a New Hampshire nursing license?
Processing times vary, but applications are generally processed within a few weeks after all required documents and background check results are received. The New Hampshire Board of Nursing does not guarantee a specific timeline.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire requires 30 contact hours every 2 years for both RNs and LPNs. Additional practice competency requirements may also apply.