Maine Nursing License Requirements 2026
Maine licenses registered nurses and licensed practical nurses through the Maine State Board of Nursing. Both RNs and LPNs must complete a board-approved program and pass the NCLEX. Maine is a Nurse Licensure Compact state, so nurses who hold a multistate license issued in another compact state can practice in Maine without a separate Maine license.
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The Maine State Board of Nursing oversees initial licensure, endorsement from other states, and license renewal for RNs and LPNs. Applications are submitted online through the Maine Nurse Portal. Whether you’re applying for a license for the first time by examination, transferring a license from another state, or renewing an existing Maine license, the Board is the single point of contact for all licensing decisions.
Use the links below to jump to LPN requirements, RN requirements, endorsement, license renewal, and the Nurse Licensure Compact.
- LPN license requirements in Maine
- RN license requirements in Maine
- Applying by endorsement (out-of-state nurses)
- License renewal for RNs and LPNs
- Nurse Licensure Compact in Maine
LPN License Requirements in Maine
Education
Maine LPN candidates must complete a practical nursing program approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. The program must be completed at an accredited institution. Maine has a small number of approved LPN programs, including offerings at community colleges across the state. A diploma or certificate in practical nursing is the standard credential. See LPN programs in Maine for a list of approved programs and enrollment information.
NCLEX-PN
After completing the program, candidates register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-PN. The exam is the national licensing exam for practical nurses, administered by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Candidates must receive authorization from Pearson VUE before scheduling their test date.
Application Process
LPN candidates apply for licensure by examination online through the Maine Nurse Portal on the Board’s website. The application requires a current photo, a manually signed signature page (electronic signatures are not accepted), and responses to the professional fitness questions. Any “yes” response to a disciplinary question must include a signed written explanation. Court documents are required for incidents that occurred within the previous ten years. A valid Social Security number is required to be issued a Maine license.
International LPN Applicants
LPN candidates educated outside the United States must have their credentials evaluated through the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools (CGFNS) and report all foreign licenses in the CES report. Applicants whose nursing education was not conducted in English must satisfy the Board’s current English-language proficiency requirements. Candidates should verify current requirements directly with the Maine State Board of Nursing. A Social Security number is generally required to be issued a Maine license. Candidates should confirm the current SSN policy with the Board, as procedures may have been updated.
RN License Requirements in Maine
Education
RN candidates must complete a nursing program approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing. The Board recognizes programs at both the associate degree in nursing (ADN) and baccalaureate (BSN) levels. Graduates of out-of-state programs must submit transcripts; graduates of Maine programs may not need to if the Board already has program records on file. Read the RN programs in Maine article for program listings and accreditation details.
NCLEX-RN
All first-time RN applicants must pass the NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE on behalf of NCSBN. Candidates register with Pearson VUE, pay the exam fee, and wait for an Authorization to Test before scheduling their appointment. The NCLEX-RN is a computer-adaptive exam that tests clinical judgment and critical thinking at the registered nurse level.
Application Process
RN candidates submit their applications online through the Maine Nurse Portal. The application requires a current photo, a signature page, and answers to professional fitness questions. School certification forms must be completed by nursing program administration (not the registrar) and submitted to the Maine State Board of Nursing. Verify current submission requirements, including whether electronic versions are accepted, directly with the Board. Any “yes” response to a disciplinary question requires supporting documentation.
International RN Applicants
International RN applicants (other than those from Canada who meet specific requirements) must have their foreign credentials evaluated through CGFNS and reported in a CES report before applying to the Maine Board. All foreign licenses must be verified and validated through this process. Applicants whose nursing education was not conducted in English must satisfy the Board’s current English-language proficiency requirements. Candidates should verify what is accepted and the current score thresholds directly with the Maine State Board of Nursing. A Social Security number is generally required before a Maine license can be issued. Confirm current policy with the Board.
Applying by Endorsement (Out-of-State Nurses)
RNs and LPNs licensed in other U.S. states or territories may apply for a Maine license by endorsement. Endorsement candidates apply online through the Maine Nurse Portal. The Board requires license verification from the state of original licensure. Many states handle this through Nursys.com. If your licensing state doesn’t use Nursys, a paper verification form is required.
RN endorsement candidates must show evidence of completing at least a two-year nursing program. In most cases, license verification includes this information. If the original license was obtained through a non-traditional route (such as LPN-to-RN completion or a master’s program certificate), or if verification doesn’t include program details, official transcripts will be required. LPN-to-RN candidates must submit transcripts for both their practical nursing and professional nursing programs.
If an applicant was not licensed on the basis of passing the NCLEX, the NCLEX will be required as part of the endorsement process. The Board may issue a temporary authorization to candidates undergoing endorsement while their applications are under review. Confirm current terminology and conditions with the Board.
Find nursing licensure requirements by state for RNs, LPNs, LVNs, and advanced practice nurses.
License Renewal for RNs and LPNs
Maine nursing licenses renew every two years. The renewal date is set to the licensee’s birthday. Nurses are responsible for tracking their own renewal schedule. The Board sends reminders, but the obligation to renew on time rests with the individual nurse.
Renewal is completed online through the Maine Nurse Portal. The process includes updating personal and professional information, attesting to continued competency, and answering compliance questions about state law and regulations. Renewal fees should be confirmed with the Maine State Board of Nursing at the time of renewal, as fee schedules are subject to change.
Maine does not currently require continuing education hours for RN or LPN license renewal. Nurses must attest to continued competency, but there is no mandated CE credit requirement for either license type. APRNs have separate renewal requirements, including 50 contact hours of continuing education every two years. Nurses are encouraged to verify current requirements directly with the Maine State Board of Nursing before renewing, as requirements can change.
Nurse Licensure Compact in Maine
Maine is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The compact allows nurses who hold a multistate license issued by their home state to practice in Maine and in other NLC member states without applying for a separate license in each state. This applies to both physical and telehealth practice.
A multistate license is issued only by the nurse’s primary state of residence. If you live in Maine, your Maine license is the multistate license. If you live in another compact state, that state issues your multistate license, and it covers Maine practice. Nurses who live in a non-compact state and want to work in Maine must apply for a Maine single-state license through the standard examination or endorsement process.
For a current list of NLC member states, visit the National Council of State Boards of Nursing at nursecompact.com.
Professional and Student Nursing Organizations in Maine
The Maine State Nurses Association represents RNs across the state. The American Nurses Association-Maine (ANA-Maine) provides continuing education resources and professional development for nurses at all stages of their careers. Nursing students can also find information about scholarships and national financial aid through ANA-Maine’s website. The Maine State Board of Nursing publishes social media guidelines and practice resources on its site, including information on proposed rule changes that nurses can review and comment on.
For other nursing credential types in Maine, see Maine nurse practitioner license requirements or CNA training in Maine.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I verify a nursing license in Maine?
License verification for Maine RNs and LPNs is available through the Maine State Board of Nursing’s online verification tool on the Board’s website at maine.gov/boardofnursing. Employers and other parties can check the current status of any active Maine nursing license online.
Does Maine accept nursing licenses from other states?
Yes. Nurses licensed in other U.S. states may apply for a Maine license by endorsement. The Board requires license verification from the original licensing state and may require transcripts depending on how the original license was obtained. Nurses from NLC compact states who hold an active multistate license can practice in Maine without applying for endorsement.
How often do Maine nursing licenses need to be renewed?
Maine RN and LPN licenses renew every two years on the licensee’s birthday. Renewal is completed online through the Maine Nurse Portal. Maine does not currently require continuing education hours for RN or LPN renewal, though nurses must attest to continued competency.
Is Maine a compact nursing license state?
Yes. Maine joined the Nurse Licensure Compact, which means nurses who hold an active multistate license issued by another compact state can practice in Maine without obtaining a separate Maine license. Maine-resident nurses receive a multistate license when they apply through the Maine Board.
What is the Maine State Board of Nursing’s contact information?
The Maine State Board of Nursing is located at 161 Capitol Street, 158 State House Station, Augusta, Maine 04333-0158. The Board can be reached by phone at (207) 287-1133. Verify current office hours and contact details on the Board’s website at maine.gov/boardofnursing, as hours are subject to change.
- Board-approved program required — Both RNs and LPNs must complete a program approved by the Maine State Board of Nursing before applying for licensure.
- All applications are online — Maine no longer accepts paper applications. All licensure, endorsement, and renewal applications are submitted through the Maine Nurse Portal.
- No CE required for renewal — Maine RNs and LPNs do not have a mandatory continuing education requirement for license renewal. Biennial renewal includes an attestation of continued competency.
- Maine is a compact state — Nurses who hold an active multistate license issued in another NLC member state can practice in Maine without a separate Maine license.
- Endorsement available for out-of-state nurses — Licensed RNs and LPNs from other states apply by endorsement and must provide license verification from their original licensing state.
Find approved LPN and RN programs in Maine, application links, and licensing requirement details for your credential type.