Open a jurisdiction to review its dated requirements and official sources. Use the compact tables to compare which states participate.
Nursing licensure · NLC status table · EMS licensure
Does this state recognize my multistate license?
Yes — a qualifying multistate license permits RN/LPN practice here
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.
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 · verified 9 Oct 2026
Each answer links to the state rule it comes from. Open “Source quotation” for the exact wording.
Board contacts, official applications and governing rules.
Maine State Board of Nursing
Board name with mailing address, phone and hours from the Board contact page.
Maine State Board of Nursing 161 Capitol St. 158 State House Station Augusta, Maine, 04333-0158 Phone: (207) 287-1133 Fax: (207) 287-1149
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Fresh official HTTPS homepage identifies the Board and public licensing resources. Replaces protocol-less PDF address evidence; preserves current HTTPS value.
Board of Nursing Find a licensee in our database of licensed nurses Search Licensees » I Want to... Apply for a license File a complaint Obtain a criminal background check Renew my license Check my application status
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Observed link label Apply Online with this exact href on the endorsement page. Online applications required since January 1, 2020.
Board main contact and office hours; staff-specific direct numbers are omitted from this claim.
Main Telephone Number 207-287-1133 FAX Number 207-287-1149 Hours of Operation 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM We are closed weekends and all state holidays.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
32 MRSA Chapter 31
The Nurse Practice Act sits in this chapter; the compact is subchapter 2-A.
Statutory Authority for the Board of Nursing is 32 MRSA Chapter 31.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
License types, exams, expiration dates and multistate eligibility.
RN
LPN
RN and LPN are separately evidenced by Board endorsement documents; APRN not researched in this record.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE – LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT/RECIPROCITY
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Yes
Nurses not meeting uniform licensure requirements are not eligible for a multistate license.
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
Recurring term is two years on/before birthday, not merely birth month. Initial license lasts at least one and no more than two years.
When you are issued your first nursing license (depending on your birthdate) your license will be active for at least one year and no more than two years. After you renew your license for the first time, you will renew your license every two years on or before your birthday.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
No crime in Maine state law automatically disqualifies a nursing applicant; Board considers rehabilitation and the underlying circumstances.
General nursing application guidance. NLC multistate eligibility has separate disqualifiers, so this is not a promise of multistate eligibility.
There is no crime listed in Maine State law that automatically disqualifies an applicant from becoming a Nurse, however the Board may consider whether the applicant has been sufficiently rehabilitated to warrant the public trust. Some factors that would be considered are the nature of the conviction, when it occurred, facts and circumstances surrounding the event, etc.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Compact membership, license privileges and application requirements.
25 Jun 2017
Cover explicitly says LAW WITHOUT GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE. June25,2017 is the law/enactment date, not a governor signing date.
LAW WITHOUT CHAPTER GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE 258 JUNE 25, 2017 PUBLIC LAW
legislature.maine.gov · State legislature
NCSBN's NLC implementation table (rev. Aug 2026) lists Maine as implemented on Jan. 19, 2018.
The Board issues multistate licenses and republishes the compact administrators statement that current NLC rules run from January 2018. Exact go-live day unverified.
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
Core privilege condition from Article3; home-state issuance criteria are distinct. Discipline, state-practice-law and personal eligibility restrictions still apply.
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
Maine PSOR is required for Maine-issued MSL; visiting privilege is based on another home state. Exact relocation application deadline is not reviewed.
To be eligible for a multistate license in Maine, Maine must be declared as your primary state of residence (PSOR) and evidence of such must be provided. If your PSOR is a compact state other than Maine, you are not eligible for Maine licensure.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Yes — a qualifying multistate license permits RN/LPN practice here
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.
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
General RN/PN Compact verification route, published as an exact QuickConfirm link by the Louisiana LPN Board. The NLC Commission’s linked 2018 guide (https://www.nursecompact.com/files/nursysquickconfirm.pdf) describes the report’s RN/PN practice-state check. The destination returned a redirect loop during this review; current accessibility and individual results couldn't be checked. This link can't confirm a particular nurse's eligibility or state-specific restrictions.
Eligibility, application fees, background checks and temporary licenses.
Yes
License by Endorsement/Reciprocity Apply Online LPN Endorsement Licensure Requirements (PDF) RN Endorsement Licensure Requirements (PDF)
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Registered Professional Nurse Licensure by Endorsement/Reciprocity
RN pathway title. Parallel LPN endorsement document is separately captured.
REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL NURSE – LICENSURE BY ENDORSEMENT/RECIPROCITY
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Observed link label Apply Online with this exact href.
Online application with photograph and full criminal and disciplinary disclosure
Fingerprint criminal background check through IdentoGo
License verification through Nursys for participating states or direct board verification otherwise
United States Social Security Number
RN: conditional NCLEX-RN requirement for foreign-educated and Canadian endorsement applicants
LPN: conditional NCLEX-PN requirement for foreign-educated and Canadian endorsement applicants
General endorsement steps plus role-specific, prior-examination conditions. Additional requirements may follow individual application review.
Source context Additional RN endorsement examination conditions for foreign-educated and Canadian applicants.
The NCLEX-RN examination is required for all foreign applicants that have not taken the exam in another jurisdiction • The NCLEX-RN is required for all Canadian applicants endorsing from Canada to Maine that have not already taken the NCLEX-RN examination. • The NCLEX-RN may be required for Canadian applicants endorsing into Maine from other states that have never taken the NCLEX, depending on the Maine existing laws at the time the Canadian applicant endorsed into the United States.
Source context The main source covers RN applicants. The separate LPN document supplies the corresponding NCLEX-PN conditions; the Board page currently misdirects its RN-labelled link to an LPN document.
The NCLEX-PN examination is required for all foreign applicants that have not taken the exam in another jurisdiction • The NCLEX-PN is required for all Canadian applicants endorsing from Canada to Maine that have not already taken the NCLEX-PN examination. • The NCLEX-PN may be required for Canadian applicants endorsing into Maine from other states that have never taken the NCLEX, depending on the Maine existing laws at the time the Canadian applicant endorsed into the United States.
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
RN
LPN
Criminal background check
Nursys participating-state verification
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.
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 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
Inbound endorsement: Nursys required for participating original states; direct Board verification for nonparticipants. Outbound Maine verification page is not used to support this inbound claim.
Verification of licensure is required through NURSYS if your original license was issued in a NURSYS participating state. There is a $30 fee that must be paid via Visa or Master Card. • If your license was issued by a state that does not participate in NURYS, contact the appropriate Board directly and request verification of licensure be provided to Maine State Board of Nursing.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Renewal dates, required education and reinstatement options.
2
Renewal fees are RN $75 and LPN $50.
After you renew your license for the first time, you will renew your license every two years on or before your birthday.
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Board FAQ and Chapter3 address these administrative requirements. No general CE requirement or negative inferred.
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
Fee schedule confirms reinstatement categories only. Eligibility windows and actual reinstatement process remain held; reactivation is separately priced.
License Fee LPN Exam $50 LPN Endorsement $50 LPN Renewal $50 LPN Reactivation $50 LPN Reinstatement $60 RN Exam $75 RN Endorsement $75 RN Renewal $75 RN Reactivation $75 RN Reinstatement $85
maine.gov · State Board of Nursing
Official license-verification links and the information available from each source.
Observed Verify a license ALMS href; ordinary individual license lookup. Disciplinary result fields and visiting privilege display were not inspected.
Maine's published rules don't answer these. Ask before you apply — maine.gov.
Worth asking about directly.
What are the eligibility windows and steps for reactivation versus reinstatement of a lapsed Maine license?
On what exact date did Maine begin issuing multistate licenses under the 2017 compact?