Missouri Nurse Licensing Guide

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for permanent licensure.

Temporary License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for temporary licensure.

Walk-Through

A license can be issues same-day if you present in person to the Board of Nursing. You must be able to answer "No" to all background screening questions, have a license in another state in good standing, and have your application and fees ready.

MO License Renewal

• Renewal cadence: Biannually for RNs and LPNs. LPN licenses expire on May 31st of every even-numbered year. RN licenses expire on April 30th of every odd-numbered year.
• License renewal directions will be emailed to nurses approximately three months prior to the expiration date.
• There is no grace period to renew. A nurse is required to renew 3 business days prior to the expiration date.
• Renewal fee: $85
• Required contact hours: None

Important Things to Know about Missouri Nurse Licenses

• The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. You can find instructions for applications for RNs here and LPNs here.
• Your application will automatically be retired one year from the date it is received in our office if you fail to meet all licensure requirements. You will not be notified and will have to reapply if you desire to practice nursing in Missouri in the future.
• California Registered Nurses - If your original license was issued using the “30 Unit Option”, you do not qualify for licensure in Missouri unless you have since graduated from an accredited school of nursing with a degree or diploma. A transcript from your approved school of nursing must be submitted to the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

MO Licensure by Endorsement

Process

Permanent License

• The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. You can find instructions for applications for RNs here and LPNs here.
• Complete, sign, and have the application notarized. The RN application form is hereand the LPN form is here. The Missouri BON does not accept electronically submitted applications. Applications must be mailed to:
  - PO Box 656, Jefferson City, MO 65102.

• Submit payment via check or money order, made payable to the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
• Missouri does not issue a physical temporary permit or license card. You will receive notification of a temporary permit (if you qualify) and subsequent license through Nursys.
• Submit evidence of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence.
• Submit criminal background checks. Register for your background check here, and use the registration number 0001. Follow the instructions to complete fingerprints, or click here for fingerprinting information for out-of-state applicants.
• If you answer “Yes” to any of the background check questions. You need to submit a separate, separate notarized statement, along with supporting documents, that provides a detailed narrative of the circumstances surrounding your criminal record or disciplinary action and a thorough description of the rehabilitative changes in your lifestyle since the time of the offense or disciplinary action that would enable you to avoid future occurrences.
• Go to www.nursys.com and click on Request Verification to request verification of your other state nursing licenses.
• Request an official final transcript. The transcript must show the degree awarded and completion/graduation date. Electronic transcripts can be sent directly from Parchment, Credentials Solutions, eSCRIP-SAFE or National Student Clearinghouse to nursing@pr.mo.gov.
• Applicants from non-English-speaking areas shall be required to submit evidence of proficiency in the English language.
• Your application is valid for 12 months. If incomplete after 12 months have passed, your application will be discarded, and you must reapply and repay the application fee.
• It can take up to 4 weeks for your fingerprint results to be sent to the BON. The process is faster if you are fingerprinted in Missouri, typically within 2-3 business days.

Temporary License

1. If you qualify, you will automatically be issued a temporary permit.
2. Temporary permits are valid for 6 months and are non-renewable. You may only receive one temporary license.
3. Once all items have been received by the BON except the results of your background check, you may be issued a provisional license.