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

Understanding Pennsylvania LPN Reciprocity and the NLC

Transferring your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license to Pennsylvania depends heavily on where you currently hold your primary state of legal residence. Pennsylvania is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). If you hold an active multi-state LPN license issued by another NLC member state, you can start working in Pennsylvania immediately under your existing multi-state privilege without applying for a new license upfront, provided your primary legal residence remains in your home state.

If you are relocating your primary legal residence to Pennsylvania, or if you hold a single-state license from a non-compact state, you must apply for a Pennsylvania LPN license by endorsement. You must register through the state's online portal and meet specific mandatory state requirements before the Board grants your license.

The Licensing Body and Mandatory Prerequisites

The state agency governing nursing licenses is the Pennsylvania State Board of Nursing, which operates under the Pennsylvania Department of State. All application materials, documents, and fee payments must be processed online through the Pennsylvania Licensing System, commonly referred to as PALS.

Pennsylvania requires several state-specific prerequisites before your application for endorsement can be reviewed. Completing these early prevents your file from sitting in administrative limbo.

• Act 31 Child Abuse Training: Pennsylvania law requires all licensed healthcare professionals to complete a three-hour approved training course on child abuse recognition and reporting. You must take this course from an officially approved Pennsylvania provider who will transmit your completion results electronically to the Board.
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance: You must apply for and submit a official Child Abuse History Clearance online through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services portal.
• Criminal Record Check (PATCH): You need an official Pennsylvania State Police PATCH (Pennsylvania Access To Criminal History) report. This is requested online through the PATCH system.
• FBI Fingerprinting: Out-of-state applicants must submit fingerprints through the state's contracted vendor, IdentoGO, using the specific service code assigned to the Pennsylvania Board of Nursing.

Step-by-Step Endorsement Application Process

If you need to apply for licensure by endorsement, follow these steps to ensure your file moves through the Board efficiently.

• Step 1: Set Up a PALS Account: Navigate to the PALS portal and create your user profile. Select the option to apply for a Licensed Practical Nurse license by endorsement.
• Step 2: Request License Verification: Submit official verification of your initial LPN license and your current active license. Most states participate in NURSYS. If your home state uses NURSYS, order your verification online. If your state does not use NURSYS, you must request that your state board mail or transmit a paper verification directly to the Pennsylvania Board.
• Step 3: Fulfill Pennsylvania Background Clearances: Order your PATCH background check online. Register with IdentoGO for FBI fingerprinting, selecting either an in-person site or an out-of-state card scan option if you have not yet physically moved.
• Step 4: Complete Mandatory Act 31 Coursework: Sign up for an approved three-hour child abuse recognition course. Verify before taking the course that the vendor electronically submits credits directly to the Pennsylvania Department of State.
• Step 5: Provide Educational Proof: Have your practical nursing program send an official transcript directly to the Board if requested in your PALS portal checklist.

Fees, Timelines, and Processing Expectations

Budgeting for your move requires factoring in state licensing fees, third-party verification costs, and typical processing schedules. Always verify exact current fees directly on the PALS portal, as administrative costs change periodically.

• Endorsement Application Fee: Typically ranges between $95 and $120. Confirm exact current rates on the Board site when submitting your application.
• NURSYS Verification Fee: Standard fee of approximately $30 paid directly through the NURSYS online portal.
• Background Clearances: Expect total costs between $20 and $50 across the PATCH check, FBI fingerprinting service, and Child Abuse Clearance.
• Act 31 Course Fee: Varies by provider, ranging from free options up to $30.
• Processing Timeline: Standard endorsement applications usually take 4 to 8 weeks to process once all background reports and verifications reach the Board. Incomplete background checks or unverified educational documents will delay approval.

What People Get Wrong Moving to Pennsylvania

Nurses moving from out of state often encounter minor roadblocks that delay their ability to start work. Knowing these common errors in advance will save you weeks of frustration.

• Ignoring NLC Residency Rules: Moving your primary legal residence (getting a PA driver's license or registering to vote) invalidates your former home state's multi-state license privilege. You must apply for your Pennsylvania license by endorsement as soon as you establish primary residence.
• Taking Non-Approved Child Abuse Courses: Submitting a certificate from a standard national training vendor will result in rejection. You must use a vendor explicitly approved under Pennsylvania Act 31.
• Delaying Background Checks: Waiting to submit fingerprints until after applying online slows down review. Complete your IdentoGO registration and PATCH clearance as soon as you submit your PALS application.
• Overlooking Local Earned Income Taxes: Municipal tax rules in Pennsylvania shock many out-of-state workers. Budget for both state and local taxes from day one.

Taxes and Cost Considerations for Moving LPNs

Understanding Pennsylvania's tax structure helps you evaluate compensation offers accurately when looking at new LPN positions across the state.

• State Income Tax: Pennsylvania charges a flat state income tax rate of 3.07% on all earned income.
• Municipal Earned Income Tax: Local municipalities and school districts levy additional earned income taxes on top of the state tax. In most Pennsylvania towns and cities, this local tax is around 1%. However, if you live or work in Philadelphia, the local resident earned income tax is 3.75%.
• Statewide Moving Incentives: Pennsylvania offers no statewide financial incentive programs that pay workers to relocate to the state. Any relocation assistance must come directly from your prospective healthcare employer.

Start Your Move to Pennsylvania

Navigating state licensure and moving your nursing career across state lines is easier when you have clear data on taxes, regulations, and active employer demand. Visit the Pennsylvania page to access the nurse aide registry links, complete state and local tax tables, and live LPN job openings. Creating a free profile on Workmerica connects you directly with Pennsylvania healthcare facilities actively hiring nurses relocating from out of state.