How to Obtain Your Kentucky Nursing License | Enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) State
License by Endorsement
ASSOCIATED FEES | |
Application | $165 |
Fingerprint Card | $12 |
License Renewal
ASSOCIATED FEES | PROCESS | |
Timely | $65 | Active within 24 hours if license is renewed online |
Reinstatement | $135 | About two weeks (maybe more) depending on requirements |
Temporary License Processing
It takes approximately 14 days to receive a temporary license after all of the necessary documents are received and the license will last for up to 6 months (must not have any prior convictions or disciplinary action to obtain).
The Kentucky State Board of Nursing does not issue license cards.
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS | TEMPORARY | PERMANENT |
Completed Application | Yes | Yes |
Proof/Verification of Original State license | No | Yes |
Federal Criminal Background Check (request FP card) | Yes | Yes |
State Criminal Background Check (online requests only) | Yes | Yes |
Official Transcripts – If original license is not a NURSYS state | Yes | Yes |
Complete KY Jurisprudence Exam | Yes | Yes |
Evidence of 2 Contact Hours of HIV/AIDS | No | Yes |
Request Fingerprint Card – Federal Background Check
Request AOC Report – State Background Check
Temporary licenses are only issued while other required documents are being processed. There are additional steps that must be completed to receive a permanent license.
Additional Information
Reinstatement:
- Federal and State background checks are required for reinstatements
- Verification of employment is required for reinstatement of those with employment outside of Kentucky for at least 500 hours within the past 5 years.
- CE requirements vary for reinstatements depending on each year after expiration.
- Nurses must also complete the KY jurisprudence exam if license has lapsed for one or more years.
- View license verification information here.
Check for proper mailing address when sending in applications as it may differ from the physical address provided.
Contact Information & Mailing Address
Kentucky State Board of Nursing
312 Whittington Parkway
Suite 300
Louisville, KY 40222
Phone: 502-429-3300