The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) oversees the licensing and regulation of Registered Nurses (RNs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), Psychiatric Technician Nurses (PTNs), and Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) throughout Arkansas. Whether you are applying for your first nursing license, transferring your license from another state, or renewing your credentials, understanding the Board’s requirements can help you complete the process efficiently.

This 2026 guide explains how to apply for an Arkansas nursing license through the Arkansas Nurse Portal, including licensure by examination, licensure by endorsement, NCLEX registration, application fees, fingerprint-based background checks, Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) eligibility, continuing competency requirements, and the state’s biennial renewal process.

Nurses in Arkansas complete most licensing transactions online through the Arkansas Nurse Portal. The Board processes applications for initial licensure, endorsement, license renewal, and advanced practice authorization. Arkansas is also a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing eligible nurses whose primary state of residence is Arkansas to obtain a multistate license and practice in all participating compact states. Nursing licenses are renewed every two years, with expiration occurring on the last day of the nurse’s birth month, and applicants must meet the Board’s continuing competency requirements before renewing their license.

Key Takeaways

49,202 active RN licenses: Arkansas has approximately 49,202 active Registered Nurses (RNs), accounting for 0.83% of the total U.S. RN workforce.

Affordable licensing fees: The Arkansas State Board of Nursing charges $100 for licensure by examination, $125 for licensure by endorsement, and $100 for biennial license renewal. First-time applicants should also budget for the NCLEX examination fee and the required criminal background check.

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC): Arkansas has participated in the Nurse Licensure Compact since July 1, 2000, and adopted the enhanced NLC in 2018. Eligible nurses may obtain a multistate license that authorizes practice in all participating compact states.

Birth-month renewal cycle: Arkansas nursing licenses are renewed every two years, with expiration occurring on the last day of the licensee’s birth month. Depending on when a license is first issued, the initial licensing period may range from 3 to 27 months before the first renewal is due.

Continuing competency requirements: Arkansas offers multiple options for meeting continuing competency requirements. One common pathway is completing 15 practice-focused contact hours during each renewal cycle. National certification or successful completion of an approved nursing course may also satisfy the requirement.

Simple online licensing process: The Arkansas Nurse Portal allows applicants to complete most licensing transactions online, including applications, renewals, and endorsements. To help avoid delays, applicants should complete the required criminal background check promptly, monitor license verification requests, and keep track of their birth-month renewal deadline.

Arkansas Board of Nursing Contact Information

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) is headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas, and provides most licensing services through the Arkansas Nurse Portal. Applicants can use the contact information below for questions about nursing licensure, renewals, license verification, and other regulatory services.

Agency vs Contact Information

• Agency Name| Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)
• Address| University Tower Building, 1123 S. University Ave., Suite 800, Little Rock, AR 72204-1619
• Phone| (501) 686-2700
• Fax| (501) 686-2714
• Email|[email protected]
• Office Hours| Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Central Time)
• Official Website| Healthy Arkansas – Arkansas State Board of Nursing
• Online Licensing Portal| Arkansas Nurse Portal

Arkansas Nursing License Verification

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing provides online license verification through its official ASBN Registry Search, allowing employers and the public to confirm a nurse’s license status. After licensure is approved, nurses may receive a one-time identification card by mail; however, this card is not considered official primary source verification.

For employment, credentialing, and interstate licensure purposes, employers and licensing agencies should verify nursing licenses through the official Arkansas license verification system or Nursys, when applicable.

Pro Tip: Use the Arkansas Nurse Portal Message Center as your primary communication channel for application related questions and document requests. Many licensing updates, requests for additional information, and application notifications are delivered through the portal. Applicants outside Arkansas who require an ink fingerprint card for the criminal background check can also request one through the Message Center. Checking your portal regularly and responding promptly to Board requests can help prevent unnecessary delays in processing your application.

What the Arkansas State Board of Nursing Does

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) is the state agency responsible for regulating the nursing profession and protecting public health. Established by the Arkansas Legislature in 1913, the Board sets nursing practice standards, approves nursing education programs, issues and renews licenses, and investigates complaints involving licensed nurses.

The Board derives its authority from the Arkansas Nurse Practice Act and its administrative rules. These laws establish the qualifications for nursing licensure, define each nursing license category’s scope of practice, and outline the standards of professional conduct and disciplinary actions. Practicing with an expired or inactive nursing license is prohibited and may result in disciplinary penalties.

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing licenses and regulates several nursing professions, including:

1. Registered Nurses (RNs)
2. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs)
3. Licensed Psychiatric Technician Nurses (LPTNs)
4. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs)

The Board also recognizes the Registered Nurse Practitioner (RNP) credential for individuals who were previously licensed under that designation, although new RNP licenses are no longer issued.

Arkansas Nursing Workforce at a Glance

Arkansas has approximately 49,202 active Registered Nurse (RN) licenses, representing about 0.83% of the nation’s nearly 5.9 million active RNs. While Arkansas has a smaller nursing workforce than many neighboring states, this closely reflects its population size. Despite its smaller workforce, the state continues to play an important role in meeting regional healthcare needs through a well-established nursing licensure system and participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC).

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing continues to play a vital role in ensuring that licensed nurses meet the education, competency, and ethical standards required to provide safe, high-quality patient care.

How to Get an Arkansas Nursing License: Examination and Endorsement

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing offers two primary pathways to nursing licensure: licensure by examination for first-time applicants and licensure by endorsement for nurses who are already licensed in another U.S. state or jurisdiction. Both application types are submitted through the Arkansas Nurse Portal and require a criminal background check before a license can be issued.

Licensure by Examination

Licensure by examination is intended for graduates of approved nursing education programs who have never been licensed as an RN or LPN in another state.

To apply:

1. Create an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal.
2. Complete and submit the online application for licensure by examination.
3. Pay the required application fee.
4. Register separately with Pearson VUE for the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
5. Complete the required state and federal criminal background check.
6. Arrange for your nursing school to send an official transcript directly to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing.

To help avoid delays, applicants are encouraged to begin the application process several weeks before graduation so that eligibility can be reviewed promptly once official transcripts are received.

Licensure by Endorsement

Nurses who already hold an active nursing license in another U.S. state may apply for licensure by endorsement. The NCLEX examination is not repeated, but applicants must meet Arkansas licensing requirements and complete the endorsement process.

The endorsement process generally includes:

– Creating an account in the Arkansas Nurse Portal

– Completing the online endorsement application

– Paying the $125 endorsement fee

– Providing license verification through Nursys, or through the licensing board if the original state does not participate in Nursys

– Completing a state and federal criminal background check

– Providing additional documentation if requested, including evidence of recent nursing practice or completion of a Board-approved refresher program for applicants who have been out of practice for an extended period

Endorsement Application Checklist

A complete endorsement application typically includes:

1. Completed online endorsement application
2. License verification from the original licensing state
3. Criminal background check results
4. Proof of Arkansas residency if applying for a multistate Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) license
5. Any additional documents requested by the Arkansas State Board of Nursing

Important Information for Out-of-State Applicants

The criminal background check is processed separately from the nursing license application. Applicants living outside Arkansas may request an ink fingerprint card through the Arkansas Nurse Portal Message Center. Delays most often occur when license verification from another state has not been received or background check requirements remain incomplete.

Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)

Arkansas is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses relocating from another compact state may be eligible to practice under their existing multistate license until Arkansas becomes their primary state of residence. Once residency changes, applicants should update their licensure status in accordance with NLC requirements to maintain multistate practice privileges.

Need Assistance With Your Arkansas Nursing License?

Our licensing specialists assist nurses with every stage of the Arkansas licensing process, including Nurse Portal applications, endorsement filings, Nursys license verification, criminal background checks, and multistate license applications. We help ensure your application is complete, accurate, and submitted as efficiently as possible.

Arkansas Board of Nursing Fees (2026)

The Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN) maintains a competitive fee structure for nursing licensure. Applicants seeking initial licensure by examination pay $100, while licensure by endorsement costs $125. Nursing licenses are renewed every two years for $100, and applicants must also budget for the NCLEX examination and the required criminal background check.

Service| Fee (USD)

• RN-LPN Application by Examination| $100
• RN-LPN Licensure by Endorsement| $125
• Biennial License Renewal| $100
• Temporary Permit| $30
• State and Federal Criminal Background Check| $36.25
• NCLEX Examination (Pearson VUE)| $200

Estimated Cost for a New Arkansas Nursing License

Most first-time applicants should expect to pay:

$100 — Arkansas Board of Nursing application fee

$200 — NCLEX examination fee (paid to Pearson VUE)

$36.25 — State and federal criminal background check

The estimated total cost for a new Arkansas nursing license is approximately $336.25, excluding any additional fees that may apply to international applicants or optional services.

Important Information About Arkansas Nursing Fees

– Application fees are generally the same for Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) for standard licensure services.

– International applicants applying for licensure by examination may be subject to different application fees or additional credential evaluation requirements.

– All fees paid to the Arkansas State Board of Nursing are non-refundable, even if an application is withdrawn or denied.

– The Board accepts major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover, for online payments through the Arkansas Nurse Portal.

– License renewal is significantly less expensive than reinstatement after a license has expired. Renewing before the expiration date helps avoid additional penalties and delays in returning to practice.

Note: Licensing fees are subject to change. Applicants should always verify the current fee schedule on the Arkansas State Board of Nursing’s official website before submitting payment.

Renewing Your Arkansas Nursing License

Arkansas nursing licenses must be renewed every two years, with the expiration date falling on the last day of your birth month. Renewal is completed online through the Arkansas Nurse Portal, and the renewal application typically becomes available 60 days before your license expires.

For newly licensed nurses, the initial license period may range from 3 to 27 months, depending on the date of issuance and your birth month. After the first renewal, all licenses follow a standard two-year renewal cycle. Although the Arkansas State Board of Nursing sends renewal reminders, it is the licensee’s responsibility to renew on time.

How to Renew Your Arkansas Nursing License

To renew your license:

1. Log in to your Arkansas Nurse Portal account.
2. Review and update your personal and employment information.
3. Complete the continuing competency attestation.
4. Pay the $100 biennial renewal fee.
5. Submit your renewal application before the expiration date.

If you meet the continuing education pathway, you generally do not need to enter each completed course during renewal. However, you should retain all continuing education certificates and supporting documentation for at least four years in case you are selected for a Board audit.

Arkansas Continuing Competency Requirements

To renew your nursing license, you must complete one of the following continuing competency options during each renewal cycle:

1. Complete 15 practice-focused contact hours from an Arkansas State Board of Nursing (ASBN)-recognized continuing
2. education provider.
3. Obtain or renew a national nursing certification during the renewal period.
4. Successfully complete an academic nursing course or a related healthcare course with a grade of C or higher.

Expired or Inactive Nursing Licenses

Allowing your license to expire can result in additional fees and reinstatement requirements. Nurses whose licenses have lapsed may need to complete the Board’s reinstatement process before returning to practice. Those who have remained inactive for an extended period may also be required to demonstrate recent nursing practice or complete an approved refresher or re-entry program before reactivation. Renewing your Arkansas nursing license before the expiration date is the simplest and most cost-effective way to maintain an active license and avoid interruptions to your nursing career.

The Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) in Arkansas

Arkansas has been a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) since July 1, 2000, and joined the enhanced Nurse Licensure Compact (eNLC) on January 19, 2018. The compact allows eligible Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) whose primary state of residence is Arkansas to obtain a multistate nursing license that authorizes practice in all participating NLC jurisdictions.

With a multistate license, qualified nurses may provide care in person, through telehealth, or by other electronic means in any compact state without applying for separate nursing licenses. This simplifies interstate practice and offers greater flexibility for travel nurses, telehealth professionals, and nurses relocating between compact states.

Eligibility for an Arkansas Multistate License

– Declare Arkansas as their primary state of residence.

– Hold or qualify for an active, unrestricted Arkansas nursing license.

– Meet all Uniform Licensure Requirements (ULRs) established by the Nurse Licensure Compact.

– Successfully complete the required state and federal criminal background checks.

Important Limitations

The Nurse Licensure Compact applies only to Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs). Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) must obtain separate Arkansas APRN authorization before practicing in an advanced practice role, even if they hold a multistate RN license.

If your primary state of residence changes from Arkansas to another compact state, you must apply for a multistate license in your new home state. Your multistate licensure privilege is always issued by your primary state of residence.

The Nurse Licensure Compact provides Arkansas nurses with greater career flexibility by allowing them to practice across participating states while maintaining a single multistate nursing license.