How do I apply for a Puerto Rico nursing license by endorsement?

Apply through the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners. 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set by the board and change, so use the official board site for specifics — we do not list them here to avoid giving outdated figures.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 Puerto Rico by endorsement

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

How do I get a nursing license in Puerto Rico by endorsement?

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

Last reviewed 2026-06-17

What licensure by endorsement means

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

Applying through the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners

Applications go through the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners. 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 Puerto Rico is non-compact, there is no Puerto Rico multistate license and privilege from other states does not reach Puerto Rico. Endorsement is the route. See non-compact states.

Next-step checklist

Confirm your current license is active and unencumbered (Nursys).
Open the Puerto Rico Board of Nurse Examiners 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 Puerto Rico.

Frequently asked questions

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