How do I apply for a District of Columbia nursing license by endorsement?

Apply through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. Requirements, fees, and processing times are set by the board and change, so use the official board site for specifics — we do not list them here to avoid giving outdated figures.

Is endorsement the same as a compact license?

No. Endorsement gives you that state's own single-state license. A compact license is one multistate license that covers all compact states. See our endorsement vs compact guide.

CompactStates

How to get a nursing license in District of Columbia by endorsement

If you are already licensed in another state, endorsement is usually how you get licensed in District of Columbia. Here is how it works and when the compact is the better path.

How do I get a nursing license in District of Columbia by endorsement?

You apply to the District of Columbia Board of Nursing for a District of Columbia license by endorsement, based on your existing license. Because District of Columbia is not a compact state, endorsement is the main route to practice here — a multistate license from another state does not authorize District of Columbia practice.

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

What licensure by endorsement means

Endorsement is applying for District of Columbia’s own license based on an existing license in good standing. You end up holding a District of Columbia license. It is different from a compact license, which is one multistate license covering all compact states.

Applying through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing

Applications go through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing. Requirements and fees are set by the board and change over time, so we point you to the official source rather than listing specifics that could go stale.

Why the compact does not help here

Since District of Columbia is non-compact, there is no District of Columbia multistate license and privilege from other states does not reach District of Columbia. Endorsement is the route. See non-compact states.

Next-step checklist

Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered (Nursys).
Open the District of Columbia Board of Nursing endorsement application.
Follow the board's current requirements and fees (do not rely on third-party figures).
Plan for processing time before you need to start work in District of Columbia.

Frequently asked questions

No. District of Columbia is not a compact state, so a multistate license does not authorize practice in District of Columbia. You generally need a District of Columbia license by endorsement.