How to get your RN license in District of Columbia

Getting licensed in District of Columbia at a glance

Steps to get licensed in District of Columbia

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing and pay the $237 application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. 5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6. 6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.
7. 7The District of Columbia Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: District of Columbia Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to District of Columbia? See licensure by endorsement instead.

District of Columbia RN licensing FAQ

Does District of Columbia require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. District of Columbia requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DC Health requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check for RN applicants: after paying the combined application/CBC fee, applicants receive a code and link to schedule a fingerprint appointment with the CBC vendor Fieldprint, which submits prints electronically to the FBI.

How much does the District of Columbia RN license application cost?

The initial District of Columbia RN license-by-examination application fee is $237. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the District of Columbia Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

Can I work in District of Columbia before my RN license is issued?

District of Columbia issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. DC Health's Supervised Practice Form lets an RN applicant with a pending license application practice under the direct supervision of a licensed RN, but only at the approved location, only for the time period stated in the board-approved letter, and the letter is not renewable. Confirm the exact conditions with the District of Columbia Board of Nursing.

How do I apply for my first RN license in District of Columbia?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the District of Columbia Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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