Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
If you have a nursing license in another state, you have to submit an application by reciprocity to get licensed in Massachusetts.
Contact for Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
Board of Registration in Nursing
Phone
Online
Board of Registration in Nursing
Email Board of Registration in Nursing at nursing.admin@state.ma.us
Public Records Requests
Email Board of Registration in Nursing at publicrecordsadmin@massmail.state.ma.us
The Details of Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
What you need for 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, you will have to pay a fee to that state to verify your license. Please contact the state Board you are licensed by and follow their instructions to get proof of your license verification.
If you were educated outside of the United States
All non-U.S. educated nurses applying for Licensure by Reciprocity must now complete a Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) evaluation. You must submit the CGFNS evaluation report of foreign nurse education credentials to PCS. Applications for Licensure by Reciprocity that do not include the CGFNS evaluation will be considered incomplete and will not be processed by PCS.
If you have been previously licensed in Massachusetts as a RN or LPN
Do not complete a new application, renew your expired license.
Fees for Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
| Name | Fee | Unit |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | $275 | per application |
| License verification fee | $30 | per license |
How to apply Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
Log into the Professional Credential Services, Inc online application portal to process your RN or LPN license application by reciprocity.
Credit card is the only accepted form of payment. You can contact Professional Credential Services, Inc. toll-free at (877) 887-9727.
More info about Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
- 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
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
Contact for Apply for a nursing license by reciprocity
Address
239 Causeway St., Suite 500, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02114
Phone
Online
Board of Registration in Nursing
Email Board of Registration in Nursing at nursing.admin@state.ma.us
Public Records Requests
Email Board of Registration in Nursing at publicrecordsadmin@massmail.state.ma.us
Fax
(617) 973-0984