How to get your RN license in Missouri

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

To get your first RN license in Missouri, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Missouri State Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Missouri requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Applicants must submit fingerprints (via MACHS registration number 0001 for in-state applicants, or an IdentoGO/local law-enforcement LiveScan or FD-258 card for out-of-state applicants) for a joint Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI criminal background check; 20 CSR 2200-4.020(1)(E) also states the applicant "shall submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks."

Getting licensed in Missouri at a glance

Background check: Yes. Missouri requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Applicants must submit fingerprints (via MACHS registration number 0001 for in-state applicants, or an IdentoGO/local law-enforcement LiveScan or FD-258 card for out-of-state applicants) for a joint Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI criminal background check; 20 CSR 2200-4.020(1)(E) also states the applicant "shall submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks."
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Missouri State Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Missouri

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Missouri State Board of Nursing.
3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6The Missouri State Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Missouri RN licensing FAQ

Does Missouri require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Missouri requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Applicants must submit fingerprints (via MACHS registration number 0001 for in-state applicants, or an IdentoGO/local law-enforcement LiveScan or FD-258 card for out-of-state applicants) for a joint Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI criminal background check; 20 CSR 2200-4.020(1)(E) also states the applicant "shall submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks."
How much does the Missouri RN license application cost?: Missouri publishes its initial application fee on the Missouri State Board of Nursing portal. Budget for it plus the separate NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and a fingerprint/background-check vendor fee.
Can I work in Missouri before my RN license is issued?: Whether Missouri issues a temporary or graduate-nurse permit varies; confirm with the Missouri State Board of Nursing before you accept a start date, and never practice as an RN until you are authorized.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Missouri?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Missouri State 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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How to become a registered nurse (national roadmap)

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How to get your RN license in Missouri

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Missouri at a glance

Background check: Yes. Missouri requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Applicants must submit fingerprints (via MACHS registration number 0001 for in-state applicants, or an IdentoGO/local law-enforcement LiveScan or FD-258 card for out-of-state applicants) for a joint Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI criminal background check; 20 CSR 2200-4.020(1)(E) also states the applicant "shall submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks."
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Missouri State Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Missouri

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Missouri State Board of Nursing.

3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.

4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.

5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.

6The Missouri State Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

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

Missouri RN licensing FAQ

Does Missouri require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. Missouri requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Applicants must submit fingerprints (via MACHS registration number 0001 for in-state applicants, or an IdentoGO/local law-enforcement LiveScan or FD-258 card for out-of-state applicants) for a joint Missouri State Highway Patrol and FBI criminal background check; 20 CSR 2200-4.020(1)(E) also states the applicant "shall submit to state and federal fingerprint or other biometric criminal background checks."

How much does the Missouri RN license application cost?

Missouri publishes its initial application fee on the Missouri State Board of Nursing portal. Budget for it plus the separate NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and a fingerprint/background-check vendor fee.

Can I work in Missouri before my RN license is issued?

Whether Missouri issues a temporary or graduate-nurse permit varies; confirm with the Missouri State Board of Nursing before you accept a start date, and never practice as an RN until you are authorized.

How do I apply for my first RN license in Missouri?

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

How to get your RN license in Missouri

Getting licensed in Missouri at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Missouri

Missouri RN licensing FAQ

Related guides

More for Missouri nurses

Your license starts a renewal clock

Keep your new license active and audit-ready, free

How to get your RN license in Missouri

Getting licensed in Missouri at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Missouri

Missouri RN licensing FAQ

Related guides

More for Missouri nurses

Your license starts a renewal clock

Keep your new license active and audit-ready, free