How to Transfer Your LPN License to Tennessee (2026 Guide)

The Nurse Licensure Compact and Moving to Tennessee

If you are a licensed practical nurse relocating to Tennessee, your path to working depends heavily on where you currently hold your license. Tennessee is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold an active multi-state LPN license in another compact state, you can begin working in Tennessee immediately upon moving, provided you remain in good standing.

However, the compact rules require you to declare Tennessee as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) once you move. Your PSOR is the state where you hold a legal residence, indicated by documents such as a Tennessee driver's license, voter registration card, or state tax filing. Once you establish residency in Tennessee, you must apply for a Tennessee multi-state LPN license by endorsement. Your former home state license will then transition to inactive status or single-state status once your new Tennessee license is issued.

If you are transferring from a non-compact state, you cannot practice in Tennessee until the Tennessee Board of Nursing issues your license or a temporary permit. In this scenario, you must apply for licensure by endorsement before taking a nursing position in the state.

Requirements for Tennessee LPN Licensure by Endorsement

The state regulatory agency overseeing practical nursing licenses is the Tennessee Board of Nursing, operating under the Tennessee Department of Health. To qualify for licensure by endorsement as an out-of-state LPN, you must submit specific documentation to prove your education, legal status, and current clean standing in other jurisdictions.

You must meet the following mandatory requirements before the state will grant your license:

• Proof of primary residency: You must provide evidence that Tennessee is your official home state if you want a compact multi-state license. Acceptable proof includes a Tennessee driver's license, voter registration card, military form DD-214, or a Tennessee W-2 form.
• Verification of original license: You must verify your initial practical nursing license obtained by examination, as well as your current active license if it is different. Most state boards use NURSYS for electronic verification. If your original state does not participate in NURSYS, you must request a manual paper verification directly from that state board.
• Official nursing transcripts: Your practical nursing education program must send an official transcript directly to the Tennessee Board of Nursing. The transcript must show your degree or diploma conferred and the exact graduation date.
• Criminal background check: Every applicant must complete an electronic fingerprint-based background check through Tennessee's approved vendor, IdentoGO. Fingerprints processed for other states or previous employment are not transferable.
• Declaration of citizenship: Under Tennessee law, all professional license applicants must complete a Declaration of Citizenship form and submit a supporting photo ID, such as an unexpired US passport, birth certificate, or real ID driver's license.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying in Tennessee

Completing your transfer efficiently requires following a specific sequence of actions. Missing a step or submitting documents out of order will delay your application process.

Follow this procedure to complete your endorsement process:

• Step 1: Create a state portal account: Visit the Tennessee Department of Health online licensure portal (LARS) and set up your individual account credentials.
• Step 2: Submit the endorsement application: Fill out the LPN Licensure by Endorsement application online. Ensure all personal details exactly match your legal identification documents.
• Step 3: Pay the required fees: Submit your application fee through the online system using a credit or debit card.
• Step 4: Request NURSYS license verification: Go to NURSYS online and order a license verification report to be sent directly to the Tennessee Board of Nursing. If your state does not use NURSYS, mail their specific form to your state board.
• Step 5: Order official transcripts: Contact your practical nursing school registrar and request that an official transcript be sent electronically or by mail directly to the Tennessee Board of Nursing.
• Step 6: Schedule your fingerprinting: Register with IdentoGO using the service code provided inside your Tennessee portal application. If you are still physically located outside Tennessee, you can request a hard-copy fingerprint card through IdentoGO to take to a local law enforcement office.
• Step 7: Upload proof of residency and citizenship: Attach your Declaration of Citizenship form and PSOR documents directly inside your online portal account.

Application Fees, Background Checks, and Timelines

Budgeting for your move requires knowing the exact costs and processing schedules involved with the Tennessee Board of Nursing. Fees paid to the state are non-refundable, so confirm current totals on the Tennessee Department of Health website prior to submission.

Expect the following standard fees during your transfer process:

• TN application fee: $110 to $130 (confirm exact total on the state board site).
• NURSYS verification fee: $30 per state board verified.
• Criminal background check fee: $35 to $50 paid directly to IdentoGO.
• Temporary permit fee: $25 (optional, requested during online application).

Processing times typically range between 2 and 6 weeks after the board receives all required documents, including cleared fingerprint results. Delays usually happen when fingerprint cards are smudged or practical nursing transcripts are slow to arrive from out-of-state schools.

If you need to start working immediately for a Tennessee employer, you can apply for a temporary single-state permit. The Tennessee Board of Nursing can issue a temporary permit once your application, fee, and proof of active home-state licensure are received. A temporary permit is valid for up to 6 months while your full application and background check finish processing.

What People Get Wrong

Many practical nurses run into unnecessary delays or compliance issues when moving across state lines. Avoid these standard mistakes when transferring your LPN license to Tennessee:

• Assuming multi-state status is automatic: Moving your residence to Tennessee means you must switch your multi-state license to Tennessee within 60 days of establishing primary residency.
• Using out-of-state fingerprinting vendors: You cannot use a local police station's standard ink card unless you register specifically through the IdentoGO non-resident process using Tennessee's official ORI code.
• Mailing personal transcript copies: The Tennessee Board of Nursing rejects nursing transcripts opened or submitted by the applicant. Transcripts must come directly from the school.
• Ignoring name mismatches: If your identification, transcripts, and prior state licenses show different legal names due to marriage or divorce, you must provide official legal documents (like a marriage certificate or court order) explaining the discrepancy.
• Forgetting state income tax facts: Tennessee has no state income tax on earned wages, which simplifies your paycheck calculations, but you must still keep your primary address updated for state tax withholding records.

Workmerica Resources for Your Tennessee Move

Relocating for a nursing job involves more than just credential transfer. You need clear information on housing markets, regional compensation expectations, and verified local employers actively seeking out-of-state practical nurses.

Check out the Tennessee page on Workmerica to review the nurse aide registry details, explore our updated wage and tax tables, and browse current employer listings across the state. Creating a free profile connects you directly with top Tennessee healthcare providers looking to hire qualified LPNs moving from other states.