Working in Massachusetts on an out-of-state nursing license
Last verified against Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
The five facts
- Compact status
- Enacted, not implemented — target 2027-05
- Endorsement fee
- $275
- Temporary permit
- None
- Processing
- Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies. (not a board figure)
Check your own licence against Massachusetts
You need a Massachusetts license by endorsement before working there, and Massachusetts issues no temporary permit for endorsement applicants.
- Application fee: $275. Portal: Health Professions Licensing Portal.
- Processing: Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies. (not board-stated)
- No state-mandated course at endorsement.
- Earliest start
- Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies.
- Fee
- $275
Apply through Health Professions Licensing Portal
- Massachusetts has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact but has not implemented it (target 2027-05). Until then a multistate license does not authorize practice there.
Data as of September 2, 2026.
Nothing you enter here is stored. Trust keeps credentials on your phone, not on our servers.
If you hold a multistate license
Massachusetts has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact but has not implemented it, with a target of 2027-05. Until the board can issue and recognize multistate licenses, a compact license from another state does not authorize practice in Massachusetts.
Endorsement is still required today. Enacted November 20, 2024. The Board targets implementation in May 2027. Until then a multistate license does not authorize practice in Massachusetts.
Licensure by endorsement in Massachusetts
- 01
Open a Health Professions Licensing Portal account
Create your Health Professions Licensing Portal account and start the RN licensure-by-endorsement application with the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing.
- 02
Request Nursys verification
Request license verification through Nursys for every state that applies to you. Massachusetts accepts Nursys verification.
- 03
Clear the course requirements
Massachusetts mandates no additional course at endorsement.
- 04
Pay the application fee
The endorsement fee is $275. Confirm the amount on the board's fee page before you pay.
- 05
Plan for the wait
Massachusetts issues no temporary permit, so plan on the full processing time before your first shift.
- 06
Wait for the permanent license
Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies. (not a board figure) Verify the license on the board's public lookup, then store the expiration in Trust.
Massachusetts requires a valid U.S. Social Security number on the endorsement application.
Massachusetts enacted the NLC on November 20, 2024 but has not implemented it. The Board targets May 2027. Until then every out-of-state nurse — multistate or not — needs Massachusetts reciprocity.
Applications without a Social Security number are not accepted.
What it costs, all in
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement application | $275 |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
How long it takes
Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies. (not a board figure)
With no temporary permit, your first Massachusetts shift waits on the permanent license. Start Nursys verification and fingerprints the day you open the application — those steps set the pace, not the board’s review.
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing publishes no processing commitment, so treat any timeline you read — including this one — as an estimate.
EMTs and paramedics
Massachusetts — EMS Compact: Not a member.
Massachusetts is not an EMS Compact member, so there is no privilege to practice. Apply for reciprocity through the Massachusetts state EMS office; most states ask for current NREMT certification and a background check.
After you’re licensed
A new license starts a new renewal clock. The Massachusetts RN renewal guide covers the cycle length, the CE the board counts, and the fee — read it once, then let Trust hold the date.
Questions people ask
Is Massachusetts a compact state?
Massachusetts has enacted the Nurse Licensure Compact but has not implemented it — the target is 2027-05. Until implementation, a multistate license does not authorize practice and endorsement is required.
Can I work in Massachusetts with a multistate license from another state?
No. Massachusetts does not honor multistate privileges, so you apply for a Massachusetts license by endorsement before you work there.
How much does it cost to transfer an RN license to Massachusetts?
The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing endorsement fee is $275. Budget for the extras too: Nursys verification $30.
Does Massachusetts offer a temporary permit while my endorsement is pending?
No. Massachusetts issues no temporary permit to endorsement applicants — you wait for the permanent license.
How long does Massachusetts RN endorsement take?
Not stated by the board; expedited processing exists only for declared public-health emergencies. (not a board figure) Treat it as an estimate, not a board commitment.
Do I need fingerprints for a Massachusetts nursing license?
Massachusetts's board does not publish a fingerprint requirement for endorsement applicants. Confirm with the board before you apply.
What courses does Massachusetts require before it issues an endorsement license?
Massachusetts mandates no additional course at endorsement.
Sources
Last verified .