New York Nursing License: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply (2026)

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

New York State Education Department (NYSED)

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Open the official agency page

https://www.op.nysed.gov/professions/registered-professional-nursing/license-requirements

Instructions for Applying for Licensure as a RN

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN applicants must be at least 18 years old.

RN applicants must be at least 18 years old.

be at least eighteen years of age;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN applicants must graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.

RN applicants must graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED.

graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN applicants must pass NCLEX-RN or another licensing examination acceptable to NYSED.

RN applicants must pass NCLEX-RN or another licensing examination acceptable to NYSED.

pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) or another license examination acceptable to NYSED;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

$143

143

The fee for licensure and first registration is $143.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

RN registration must be renewed every three years to continue practice. The second registration is shortened to align with the birth month; the license itself is valid for life unless surrendered, revoked, annulled or suspended.

RN registration must be renewed every three years to continue practice. The second registration is shortened to align with the birth month; the license itself is valid for life unless surrendered, revoked, annulled or suspended.

Your license is valid for life, unless it is surrendered, revoked, annulled, or suspended by the New York State Board of Regents. The second registration after licensure is shortened to move your re-registration period to align with your month of birth. You must renew your registration every 3 years to continue to practice as an RN in New York State.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN applicants must be at least 17, have a high-school diploma or equivalent, complete an acceptable nursing program and infection-control coursework, and pass NCLEX-PN or another NYSED-accepted examination.

LPN applicants must be at least 17, have a high-school diploma or equivalent, complete an acceptable nursing program and infection-control coursework, and pass NCLEX-PN or another NYSED-accepted examination.

be at least seventeen years of age; be a high school graduate (or the equivalent); graduate from a nursing education program acceptable to NYSED; complete New York State required infection control coursework; pass the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) or another license examination acceptable to NYSED;

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

LPN licensure and first registration cost $143. LPN registration renews every three years; the second registration is shortened and prorated to align with the birth month.

LPN licensure and first registration cost $143. LPN registration renews every three years; the second registration is shortened and prorated to align with the birth month.

The fee for licensure and first registration is $143. Your LPN registration certificate will authorize you to practice as an LPN for 3 years in New York State. The second registration after licensure is shortened to move your re-registration period to align with your month of birth. The registration renewal fee will be prorated for that period.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026

Practicing RNs must complete NYSED-approved infection-control coursework every four years or qualify for an exemption.

Practicing RNs must complete NYSED-approved infection-control coursework every four years or qualify for an exemption.

All practicing RNs must complete NYSED approved infection control coursework every four (4) years or qualify for an exemption.

Last verified Oct 25, 2026