Nurse state crossing · Maine licensing · NLC status table · RN list
LPN/LVN work list: Maine
What an LPN/LVN has to do to work in Maine. Pick where you live and the page shows your route.
Pick your home state to see which route applies. Both are listed below.
Maine: Nurse Licensure Compact state
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
Source quotation
The State of Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) which allows a registered nurse or practical nurse who holds an active multistate license to practice physically and/or virtually in other NLC states without applying for and obtaining an additional license.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Home and work in Maine
If you already hold a licence Maine issued, there is no state line to cross. Renewal and continuing-education rules are on the Maine licensing page.
Moved here from another compact state? NCSBN says “when your PSOR changes by permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement” and “You have 60 days from the time you move to apply for your license.” The endorsement steps are below.
NCSBN · nursecompact.com · checked 10 Nov 2026
Source quotation
when your PSOR changes by permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement
You have 60 days from the time you move to apply for your license.
nursecompact.com · NCSBN
Route A: practise on your multistate licence
For a nurse whose home state and Maine are both compact states in force, holding a multistate licence.
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Look yourself up on Nursys QuickConfirm. NCSBN: “If you already have a license and you are unsure if your license is single-state or multistate, use Quick Confirm at nursys.com at no cost.”
NCSBN · nursecompact.com · checked 10 Nov 2026
Source quotation
If you already have a license and you are unsure if your license is single-state or multistate, use Quick Confirm at nursys.com at no cost.
nursecompact.com · NCSBN
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Only the compact state you actually live in can issue your multistate licence. NCSBN: “If a nurse's PSOR is a compact state, that nurse may be eligible for a multistate license.”
NCSBN · nursecompact.com · checked 10 Nov 2026
Source quotation
If a nurse's PSOR is a compact state, that nurse may be eligible for a multistate license.
nursecompact.com · NCSBN
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NCSBN defines the privilege to practise as the authority “permitting the practice of nursing as either an RN or LPN/VN in a remote state”.
NCSBN · nursecompact.com · checked 10 Nov 2026
Source quotation
permitting the practice of nursing as either an RN or LPN/VN in a remote state
nursecompact.com · NCSBN
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Yes — a qualifying multistate license permits RN/LPN practice here
Conditions & source context
Licensure route only for an eligible nurse with valid home-state multistate privilege and no restriction on Maine practice; does not confirm employer credentialing or an individual contract.
State legislature · legislature.maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
Source quotation
A multistate license to practice registered or licensed practical or vocational nursing issued by a home state to a resident in that state is recognized by each party state as authorizing a nurse to practice as a registered nurse or as a licensed practical or vocational nurse, under a multistate licensure privilege, in each party state.
legislature.maine.gov · State legislature
If you move for good, not just for a contract: NCSBN says “when your PSOR changes by permanently relocating to another compact state, apply for licensure by endorsement” and “You have 60 days from the time you move to apply for your license.”
NCSBN · nursecompact.com · checked 10 Nov 2026
Source quotation
You have 60 days from the time you move to apply for your license.
nursecompact.com · NCSBN
Route B: get a Maine licence by endorsement
For everyone else. Each step comes from Maine’s own licensing sources; tick it off as you go.
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Online application with photograph and full criminal and disciplinary disclosure
- Detail
- Applicant must complete the application personally.
Fingerprint criminal background check through IdentoGo
- Detail
- Results valid 90 days; repeat if older.
License verification through Nursys for participating states or direct board verification otherwise
- Detail
- Thirty dollar Nursys fee paid by card.
United States Social Security Number
- Detail
- Required before a license issues.
RN: conditional NCLEX-RN requirement for foreign-educated and Canadian endorsement applicants
- Detail
- Required if a foreign applicant has not taken NCLEX-RN in another jurisdiction, or a Canadian applicant endorsing from Canada has not already taken it. For Canadians endorsing from another U.S. state without NCLEX, the requirement depends on the Maine law in effect when they first endorsed into the United States.
LPN: conditional NCLEX-PN requirement for foreign-educated and Canadian endorsement applicants
- Detail
- Required if a foreign applicant has not taken NCLEX-PN in another jurisdiction, or a Canadian applicant endorsing from Canada has not already taken it. For Canadians endorsing from another U.S. state without NCLEX, the requirement depends on the Maine law in effect when they first endorsed into the United States.
Conditions & source context
General endorsement steps plus role-specific, prior-examination conditions. Additional requirements may follow individual application review.
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 10 Oct 2026
Source quotation
APPLY FOR LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT/RECIPROCITY 1) Go to the Maine State Board of Nursing website. Select I want to “apply for a license” and follow the instructions. The non-refundable application fee is $75.00. Applications must be completed by the applicant themselves; nobody is permitted to complete the application on behalf of the applicant. 2) Upload a recent, colored, unedited photograph that displays a clear, recognizable, full-face view (headshot). Must be forward-facing, have clear resolution and proper lighting. Do not use any filters or additions. No full-body shots, visibly inappropriate clothing, glasses glare or hats. No other people or objects in the background. Copies of passports, 2X2 passport-style photos, or copies of ID/badge photos will be rejected. 3) Full disclosure of any criminal history or professional disciplinary action is required during the application process whether or not you were convicted. 4) Go to the Maine State Board of Nursing website, select “I Want to Obtain a Criminal Background Check” and follow the instructions listed. There is a $52 fee for this process and results are only valid for 90 days, so coordinate appropriate timing with your examination.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
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Conditions & source context
Observed link label Apply Online with this exact href.
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
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- Per
- application
- Non-refundable
- Yes
- By license
RN
- Amount
- 75
LPN
- Amount
- 50
- Also payable
Criminal background check
- Amount
- 52
Nursys participating-state verification
- Amount
- 30
Conditions & source context
RN$75/LPN$50 nonrefundable application; separately CBC$52 and participating-board Nursys$30. This list is not a promise of complete applicant-specific cost.
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
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- Required
- Yes
- State check
- Yes
- FBI check
- Yes
- Fingerprints
- Yes
- Vendor
- IdentoGo
- Fee
- 52
- From out of state
- Out-of-state applicants register with IdentoGo as mail-in, then have prints inked at local police or sheriff.
Conditions & source context
CBC is one step of initial/endorsement application, with $52 charge and repeats if older than90days. Out-of-state prints route to vendor, not directly to Board. CBC duration is not license processing time.
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
Source quotation
State and FBI criminal background checks (CBCs) are required for all applicants for initial licensure and licensure by endorsement, including applicants for multistate licensure pursuant to M.R.S. Title 32, chapter 31, subchapter 2-A. Requirements All applicants for initial licensure (LPN, RN, APRN) or licensure by endorsement, including multistate licensure, are required to have a fingerprint-based criminal background check (CBC) under 32 M.R.S. §2111, 2173(2) and 2173(3)(F). For more information, see Board Rules, Chapter 13 (PDF). Application Process Register for fingerprinting online at https://me.ibtfingerprint.com/. If you do not register, you will not be able to have your fingerprints taken. There is a one-time $52 fee for this process. CBC requirement is only part of the application process and applicants must comply with all other application requirements. Once you successfully complete the exclusive online application process for an PN/RN/APRN initial license or PN/RN license by endorsement you are eligible to request a fingerprint-based background check through IdentoGo, the vendor responsible for processing your fingerprints. Online applicants may also view their MSBON application process through their applicant checklist. NOTE: Applicants shall repeat the criminal background check if the original result is more than 90 days old. Fingerprint Process Inside Maine applicant fingerprints will be done electronically through Livescan, digital fingerprint image technology, which provides a faster and more accurate collection process, and the cost is $52.00. Outside Maine applicants should register with IdentoGo as a "MAIL IN" , then go to your local police department or sheriff's office to have your fingerprints inked onto a fingerprint card. You will then mail your fingerprint card and the receipt that you received in your e-mail from IdentoGo when you registered to: Prints, Inc IdentoGO ME Card Scan Operations 100 Salem Ct., Tallahassee, FL 32301 IdentoGo is the exclusive vendor for the MSBON and is a nationally recognized service provider. IdentoGo provides 24/7/365 fingerprint scheduling through their web-based portal and answering questions through their call center. Schedule your fingerprint appointment online at IdentoGo . IdentoGo's web portal will include details for creating your secure account and steps for entering the required information so that your appointment may be scheduled at your convenience. Contact IdentoGo for questions
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
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- Online renewal is mandatory.
- Renew on/before birthday; no grace period and no practice until lapse resolved.
- Submit primary-residence declaration when moving into/out of Maine.
Conditions & source context
Board FAQ and Chapter3 address these administrative requirements. No general CE requirement or negative inferred.
State Board of Nursing · maine.gov · checked 9 Oct 2026
Source quotation
Is there a grace period should I not renew my license on or before my birthdate? No. You must renew your license on or before your birthdate when it is due to expire. The Board does not offer a grace period. Failure to renew your license on or before your birthdate on the year it is due results in a lapsed license. You cannot continue to practice until you have resolved your lapsed license status with the Board office. Is online license renewal mandatory? Yes. Online renewal is mandatory.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Built from the Maine nursing licensing record and the compact status table. A step appears only when the record has a sourced answer for it; anything else points to the board. Informational only: confirm with the board of nursing before you apply.