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Your registered nurse (RN) license number makes it easy for employers and patients to verify your credentials. The easiest way to find your number is to look it up on the state's public nursing database. If your state still issues physical licenses, you can also find the number there. Once you have found your license number, keep it somewhere safe so that you can reference it when you need it.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Searching for Your License Online
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1Visit the website for your state’s board of nursing. Each board of nursing in the U.S. maintains a public database of nurses and other health professionals. Search for your state board of nursing or for whatever board regulates health professionals in your area.
- You can look up your state board here: https://www.ncsbn.org/index.htm.
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2Click on the link for license verification. Every state has a free online database to look up nursing licenses. This database is usually called “License Verification” or “Look up a License.”Advertisement
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3Enter your information as many search boxes as possible. As long as you enter your first and last name, you can find your license number. To narrow down the results, enter your county, zip code, address, last 4 digits of your social security number, or other details. It is okay to leave some boxes blank.[1]
- You may be asked to state your credentials. In this area, choose “RN” or “Registered Nurse” from the list of choices.
- In the box labeled “Nursing License Number,” leave it blank. These databases allow you search without the license number, as long as you have the first and last name of the nurse.
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4Locate your licensing information from the list. You may receive several results based on your name or location. Identify yourself from the list by looking for the profile with the right name, location, credentials, and address. Click on the link to find your license number.[2]
- Your license number will typically be next to the words “license number.” It is usually 6-8 digits long.
- If you cannot find your licensing information, contact your state board of nursing directly.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Checking a Paper Nursing License
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1Find your paper nursing license. The physical license issued by the state will contain your ID number. This license may be in the form of a large certificate or a smaller card that fits into your wallet.
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2Look for the 6-8 digit number. Where the number is located varies on the state. The number is typically under or next to the words “License,” “License No.” or “ID Number.” Some states, such as Florida and Massachusetts, will include the preface “RN” before the number.[3]
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3Apply for a duplicate certificate if you lost or damaged your license. Find the form on your state board of nursing's website. It usually costs between $20-30 to replace a lost certificate. While some states have online applications, others require you to print the form and mail it in.[4]
- This form will require your name, address, credentials, and the reason for your request. You may need to include a photocopy of your photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.
- It will take between 2-3 weeks to receive your new license. Once you have it, look up your number on the new license.
- If your state no longer issues paper licenses or wallet cards, you may not be able to replace it. Instead, look up your license online.[5]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Protecting Your License Number
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1Write down your number somewhere safe. You may need your RN license number when applying for jobs, gaining new certification, or proving your credentials. To keep it close to you at all times, write it down separately and put it somewhere you won’t lose it. You can:
- Write in a word document and save it to your computer.
- Store the number on your phone using a notes app.
- Put it on a post-it note and stick it to your computer.
- Write it on a piece of paper and tuck it into your lanyard at work.
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2Memorize your license number. If you have to provide your license number often, it may be easier just to memorize it. An easy way to memorize the number is to break it down into 2 or 3 chunks. Memorize these chunks separately before putting them together.[6]
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3Make a copy of your nursing license. Use a photocopier or scan it into your computer. If you lose your current license, this will help you keep your information handy while you wait for a replacement.[7]
- In some states, like Texas and Georgia, you can view and print off a copy of your license from the online public database.
- You may not use or display this copy as proof of your licensing. This copy may only be used privately.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow do I look up a nursing license number?
Drew Hawkins1Community AnswerYou can check your state's board of nursing website and enter your personal information into the search boxes and search the results to find your information, which will include your license number. You can also look for the 6-8 digit number on your paper nursing license. It's usually located nexte to the words “License,” “License No.” or “ID Number.” -
QuestionWhat is better an RN or LPN?Drew Hawkins1Community AnswerIt's not necessarily a question of better or worse because an LPN and an RN have different roles. A licensed practical nurse, or LPN, performs certain medical duties but doesn't have as many responsibilities as a registered nurse, or RN. An RN also has to receive much more extensive education and pass a comprehensive exam to be board certified. Additionally, an LPN has to work under the supervision of an RN.
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QuestionCan you work in any state as an RN?Drew Hawkins1Community AnswerNot necessarily. In order for a registered nurse, or RN, to work in a state, they must be licensed in that state. However, most licensing programs are very similar, so if an RN is licensed in one state, they very likely won't have much trouble getting licensed in another state. But they cannot work as an RN until they're licensed in that state.
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References
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-nursing-license
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-nursing-license
- ↑ https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-a-nursing-license
- ↑ http://www.rn.ca.gov/licensees/dups.shtml
- ↑ https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_licensure.asp
- ↑ https://masterofmemory.com/numbers/
- ↑ https://www.bon.texas.gov/faq_licensure.asp
About This Article
Article SummaryX
Your registered nurse, or RN, license number is an easy way to identify yourself as a nurse. To find it try searching for it online. Visit the website of your state’s board of nursing and click on the link for license verification. When you reach the next page, enter your first and last name and click search. You’ll receive a list of license numbers that match your name. You can narrow down the results by entering your zip code, address, or the last 4 numbers of your social security number. When you find your information, look for your RN license number. For tips about how to check your paper nursing license for your RN license number, keep reading!
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Medical Disclaimer
The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.
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