Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity

As a part of the application, you must verify each license you hold using the Nursys license verification system (Nursys). 

If you are licensed in a state that does not participate in Nursys, please contact the state Board you are licensed by. Follow their instructions to get proof of your license verification.

If you were educated outside of the United States

See our information for foreign educated nurses.

If you have been previously licensed in Massachusetts as a RN or LPN

Do not complete a new application, renew your expired license.

The Board has established processes to expedite requests to meet healthcare needs during the Declared State of Emergency.

The Order of the Commissioner of Public Health Maximizing Health Care Provider Availability

Expedited Processing of Reciprocal License Applications in the Event of a Declared Public Health Emergency(PDF) (DOC)

• Massachusetts does not have a "graduate nurse" status.
• You can start work as a nurse once your license number appears on the board's website.
• You and your employer may print a copy of your license verification from the Board's website.
• Pursuant to G.L. c. 30A, s. 13A and G.L. c. 62C, s. 47A, the Bureau of Health Professions Licensure is required to obtain your SSN and forward it to the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue will use your SSN to ascertain whether or not you are in compliance with Massachusetts tax laws (G.L. c. 62C, s. 47A) and child support laws (G.L. c. 119A, s.16).

When to renew

• An RN license expires on your birthday in even-numbered years
• An LPN license expires on your birthday in odd-numbered years
• If your license is issued within 3 months of your birthday, it will be valid until the next renewal cycle