How to Transfer Your LPN License to Maryland (2026)

Understanding Maryland LPN Licensure and the Compact

Moving your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Maryland requires navigating the rules set by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON). Because Maryland is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), your path depends entirely on where you currently hold your primary residence and original license.

If you hold an active multistate LPN license in another NLC state, you already have privilege to practice in Maryland on day one of your move. However, once you declare Maryland as your new primary state of residence by purchasing a home, obtaining a Maryland driver's license, or registering to vote, you must convert your license to a Maryland multistate license via endorsement. You are given a transition period to complete this process, but you should initiate your application as soon as your move is finalized.

If you are relocating from a non-compact state, your out-of-state license gives you no automatic practice rights in Maryland. You must apply for a Maryland LPN license by endorsement before you start working at a healthcare facility, home health agency, or clinic in the state. Maryland does not allow non-compact out-of-state LPNs to practice while an application is pending without a official temporary permit issued directly by MBON.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying by Endorsement

To transfer your LPN license through the Maryland Board of Nursing, you must complete an online endorsement application. MBON no longer processes paper applications for endorsement, so everything must be handled through their online portal.

Prepare the following requirements to complete your application smoothly:

• Online Application: Create an account on the Maryland Board of Nursing applicant portal and select LPN Licensure by Endorsement.
• Verification of Original License: You must provide official verification of your initial LPN license. If your original licensing state participates in NURSYS, order your license verification online through the NURSYS portal. If your original state does not use NURSYS, you must download a paper verification form from MBON and mail it to your state board for completion.
• Active Practice Hours: MBON requires proof of active nursing practice. You must demonstrate that you have completed at least 1,000 hours of active LPN practice within the 5 years preceding your application date, or that you graduated from an approved practical nursing education program within the last 5 years. If you do not meet this requirement, you may be required to complete an approved LPN refresher course before licensure.
• Proof of Primary State of Residence: You must upload documentation proving your legal residence in Maryland, such as a state driver's license, voter registration card, tax return, or lease agreement.
• Social Security Number: Maryland law mandates that all applicants provide a valid Social Security Number to obtain an LPN license.

Fingerprints, Background Checks, and Temporary Permits

All LPN endorsement applicants in Maryland must undergo a full Criminal History Record Check (CHRC), which includes both state (Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services - CJIS) and FBI background checks. Processing times for background checks can vary, so completing your fingerprints early prevents unnecessary delays in getting your license.

If you are already inside Maryland, you can visit an authorized local electronic fingerprinting vendor for Livescan imaging. The vendor will process your prints electronically and send the results directly to MBON using the board's specific agency authorization codes.

If you are completing your fingerprinting outside of Maryland before your move, you must request standard FBI fingerprint cards (FD-258) or request a background check packet directly from MBON. Take the cards to your local police department or sheriff's office to be fingerprinted, then mail them along with the required processing fee directly to CJIS in Maryland. Do not mail fingerprint cards to the Board of Nursing.

If you need to start working right away, you can request a temporary LPN practice permit during your online application. MBON issues temporary permits to endorsement applicants who have submitted a complete application, paid the required fees, submitted their fingerprints, and provided proof of a valid out-of-state LPN license. A temporary permit is typically valid for 90 days and allows you to practice in Maryland while your full endorsement application and background checks are processed.

Processing Timelines, License Costs, and Verification Fees

Budgeting for your state-to-state move involves keeping track of state board application fees, background check expenses, and license verification costs. Always confirm exact numbers on the official state board site prior to submission, as administrative fees can change.

Expect the following financial outline when transferring your LPN license to Maryland:

• MBON Endorsement Application Fee: The application fee generally ranges between $75 and $150. Confirm current rates on the MBON fee schedule online before submitting.
• Criminal Background Check Fee: Fingerprint processing fees generally run between $50 and $75, depending on whether you complete electronic Livescan in Maryland or mail ink cards from out of state.
• NURSYS Verification Fee: Verification of your initial license through NURSYS currently costs $30 per state board selected.
• Temporary Permit Fee: Requesting a temporary LPN permit typically incurs an additional fee between $25 and $50.

Processing timelines depend heavily on how fast your background check returns and how quickly your original license state submits verification. On average, a standard endorsement application takes 2 to 6 weeks. If you apply for a temporary permit, it can often be approved within 1 to 2 weeks once your preliminary checks and fee payments clear.

What People Get Wrong About Moving an LPN License to Maryland

Avoid these common misunderstandings to prevent delays or unexpected costs when transferring your license:

• Assuming Compact status is permanent without updating PSOR: Moving your home to Maryland means you must convert your license to Maryland. You cannot permanently work on an out-of-state NLC license after establishing residency.
• Mailing fingerprint cards to MBON instead of CJIS: Sending background check materials to the nursing board rather than the Criminal Justice Information System delays processing by weeks.
• Forgetting local county income taxes: Maryland calculates income tax differently than most states. Ignoring county tax rates can result in unexpected tax liabilities.
• Neglecting practice hour minimums: Maryland enforces a 1,000-hour practice requirement within the past 5 years. LPNs who have been out of clinical practice may be required to take a refresher course.
• Starting work before receiving temporary or full license confirmation: Working in a Maryland facility before your license or temporary permit is verified on the MBON portal is illegal practice.

Maryland Income Taxes and Relocation Realities

When calculating your take-home pay as an LPN in Maryland, you need to account for Maryland's unique tax structure. Maryland imposes a progressive state income tax with a top rate of 5.75%. However, every county in Maryland (plus the city of Baltimore) levies a mandatory local income tax on top of the state rate.

Local county tax rates range between 2.25% and 3.20% depending on where you reside. When combined with the state income tax, your effective total state and local tax burden can reach nearly 9%. Be sure to budget for both state and local withholdings when reviewing job offers across different Maryland counties.

Additionally, if you are searching for state-funded financial assistance to offset your moving costs, be aware that Maryland offers no statewide programs that pay individuals to relocate. Any relocation assistance will need to come directly from your new healthcare employer in the form of a signing bonus or custom relocation stipend.

Take the Next Step for Your Maryland LPN Career

Navigating an out-of-state move requires keeping your credentials compliant while finding the right job market. Head over to the Maryland page to access the complete state registry, review detailed local tax tables for every county, and search live nursing openings across the state. Creating a free Workmerica profile puts your verified credentials directly in front of Maryland healthcare employers looking to hire qualified LPNs moving from out of state.