New York Nursing License by Endorsement 2026: Requirements & Application
If you are already licensed as a nurse in another U.S. state or territory, New York uses the NYSED Office of the Professions licensure pathway for applicants licensed elsewhere. The process centers on Form 1, education verification, license verification, and New York’s required coursework.
Quick Answer
To apply for a New York nursing license by endorsement, submit NYSED Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure, pay the $143 licensure and first registration fee, have your nursing school send Form 2 and an official transcript when required, and send license verification through Nursys or NYSED Form 3. RN applicants must also satisfy child abuse reporting coursework, and both RN and LPN applicants must satisfy New York infection control coursework.
Who Uses the Endorsement Pathway?
| Applicant | New York route | Main proof NYSED expects |
|---|---|---|
| RN licensed in another U.S. state or territory | RN Pathway #3 | Form 1, fee, acceptable RN education, NCLEX-RN or accepted prior exam, and license verification. |
| LPN/LVN licensed in another U.S. state or territory | LPN Pathway #3 | Form 1, fee, high school proof when required, acceptable nursing education, NCLEX-PN or accepted prior exam, and license verification. |
| Foreign-educated nurse | Foreign education pathway, even if later licensed elsewhere | Foreign education documentation through CGFNS Credential Verification Service for New York State or NYSED Form 2F, plus foreign license verification when applicable. |
| Already licensed in New York | Do not use Form 1 | Renew registration or file delayed registration if your New York registration has lapsed longer than 4 months. |
New York Endorsement Requirements
RN Requirements
- Be of good moral character.
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.
- Complete New York infection control coursework or qualify for exemption.
- Complete New York child abuse reporting coursework or qualify for exemption.
- Pass NCLEX-RN, SBTPE, or another examination acceptable to NYSED.
- Submit the application and required verification documents to NYSED.
LPN Requirements
- Be of good moral character.
- Be at least 17 years old.
- Be a high school graduate or equivalent.
- Graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.
- Complete New York infection control coursework or qualify for exemption.
- Pass NCLEX-PN, SBTPE, or another examination acceptable to NYSED.
- Submit the application and required verification documents to NYSED.
How to Apply for New York Nursing License by Endorsement
Read the official NYSED requirements
Review the official RN license requirements or LPN license requirements. Choose the pathway for applicants already licensed in another U.S. state or territory.
Submit Online Form 1
Use NYSED’s application forms page to submit Online Form 1 and pay the $143 licensure and first registration fee. Complete all moral character and background questions accurately.
Send education verification
If your nursing education was outside New York or before the NYSED electronic reporting cutoff, have your school submit Form 2 and an official transcript directly to NYSED. Foreign-educated applicants may use CGFNS Credential Verification Service for New York State or Form 2F.
Send license verification
If your licensing state participates in Nursys, request verification through Nursys. If it does not participate, use NYSED Form 3 and have the licensing authority send it directly to New York.
Finish required coursework
Complete NYSED-approved infection control coursework unless exempt. RN applicants must also complete NYSED-approved child abuse reporting coursework unless exempt.
Track issuance and verify before practicing
NYSED says your name is added to online license verification immediately when your license number is issued. Use the official license verification search before starting work.
Forms and Documents Checklist
| Document | Who sends it? | New York note |
|---|---|---|
| Online Form 1 – Application for Licensure | Applicant | All RN/LPN licensure applicants must submit Form 1 and the $143 fee. |
| Form 2 – Certification of Professional Education | Nursing school | NYSED will not accept Form 2 if the applicant submits it. |
| Official transcript | Nursing school or approved transcript provider | Electronic education submissions may be sent by authorized institutions to DPLSEduc@nysed.gov. |
| Form 3 or Nursys verification | Nursys or licensing authority | Use Nursys for participating states; use Form 3 for non-Nursys jurisdictions and other professional licenses. |
| Foreign nursing education verification | CGFNS or foreign nursing school | Use CGFNS Credential Verification Service for New York State or Form 2F if not using CGFNS. |
| Child abuse reporting coursework | Approved provider or exemption request | Required for RN licensure unless exempt. |
| Infection control coursework | Approved provider or exemption request | Required for practicing RNs and LPNs every 4 years unless exempt. |
Fees, Registration, and Timing
| Item | 2026 official amount or rule |
|---|---|
| RN licensure and first registration | $143 |
| LPN licensure and first registration | $143 |
| Limited permit | $35, but NYSED states applicants who have ever taken NCLEX are not eligible for the RN or LPN limited permit. |
| Registration cycle | 3 years. The license is lifetime, but active registration is required to practice. |
| Status update timing | NYSED asks applicants to allow 6 weeks after all documentation is submitted before requesting a status update. |
| Fee changes | NYSED states fees are subject to change and the fee due is the one in law when the application is received. |
Nursys, Form 3, and Other Licenses
NYSED requires verification if you are licensed as a nurse in another state. If the state participates in Nursys, NYSED says you must request verification from Nursys rather than the state board. If the state does not participate in Nursys, use Form 3 – Verification of Other Professional Licensure/Certification. If you hold another professional license outside New York, NYSED also requires Form 3 verification for that license.
New York and the Nurse Licensure Compact
Do not assume a multistate license lets you practice in New York. Check the official Nurse Licensure Compact participating jurisdictions map. If New York is not listed as an active NLC jurisdiction when you plan to practice, you need a New York nursing license and current registration.
Official Contact Information
| Agency | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, State Board for Nursing |
|---|---|
| General customer service | 518-474-3817, press 1 then ext. 570 |
| Nursing practice issues | 518-474-3817, press 1 then ext. 120; nursebd@nysed.gov |
| Application status | Use online license verification first. NYSED says it cannot provide application status by phone. |
| Address | New York State Education Department, Office of the Professions, 89 Washington Avenue, Albany, NY 12234-1000 |
Official Sources
Related Nursing License Guides
Compare New York with other endorsement routes: New Jersey nursing license by endorsement, Florida nursing license by endorsement, Illinois nursing license by endorsement, and California nursing license by endorsement.
FAQs About New York Nursing License by Endorsement
How do I apply for a New York nursing license by endorsement?
Submit NYSED Online Form 1, pay the $143 licensure and first registration fee, arrange education verification, complete required coursework, and send license verification through Nursys or Form 3.
What is the New York nursing endorsement fee in 2026?
NYSED lists the fee for licensure and first registration as $143 for both RN and LPN applicants. Fees are subject to change under law.
Does New York require Nursys verification?
If your licensing state participates in Nursys, NYSED says you must request nurse license verification from Nursys. If the state does not participate, use NYSED Form 3.
Does New York require fingerprints for nursing endorsement?
The NYSED RN and LPN requirement pages do not list fingerprinting as a standard nursing endorsement requirement. Applicants must still answer moral character and disciplinary questions truthfully.
Can I work in New York while my endorsement application is pending?
No. You must wait until NYSED issues the New York license and you have active registration authorizing practice in New York.
Is the New York nursing license permanent?
The professional license is valid for life unless surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended, but the registration certificate authorizes practice and must be renewed every 3 years.
What coursework is required for New York RN endorsement?
RN applicants must satisfy New York infection control coursework and child abuse reporting coursework unless they qualify for an exemption.
What coursework is required for New York LPN endorsement?
LPN applicants must satisfy New York infection control coursework unless they qualify for an exemption.
How long should I wait before asking NYSED for a status update?
NYSED says to allow 6 weeks after all documentation has been submitted before using the contact form to request a status update.
Is New York a compact nursing state?
Check the official Nurse Licensure Compact map before relying on compact privilege. If New York is not listed as an active NLC jurisdiction, you need a New York license and registration to practice.