Healthcare Resource
Washington DC RN License Guide 2026: Non-Compact, Endorsement & DC BON
In brief
Washington DC is NOT an NLC compact state. Every nurse who practices in DC needs a separate DC RN license: your multi-state compact license does not cover DC. This guide covers DC Board of Nursing endorsement, fees, CE, and the DC healthcare market.
Steps at a glance
Understand that DC is NOT compact
Washington DC is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. Your multi-state compact license from any state does NOT authorize practice in DC. Every nurse practicing in DC needs a separate DC RN license, regardless of compact status.
Create a DC BON account
Navigate to hpla.doh.dc.gov and create an account to access the DC Health Professional Licensing Administration portal.
Submit your endorsement application
Complete the online endorsement application. The DC endorsement fee is $170. Pay online through the DC BON portal.
Request Nursys verification
Submit electronic license verification from your current state through Nursys. DC participates in Nursys for verification from states on the Nursys system.
Complete fingerprinting for background check
DC requires fingerprinting for a criminal background check. Use the DC-approved fingerprinting vendor (verify current vendor at hpla.doh.dc.gov before scheduling).
Await DC BON review
The DC Board of Nursing processes complete applications in approximately 6-10 weeks. DC is known for longer processing times than most compact states. Plan your DC license application at least 10 weeks before an assignment start date.
Renew biennially and complete CE
DC RN licenses renew every two years. DC requires 24 contact hours of CE per renewal cycle, including specific topics (verify current requirements at hpla.doh.dc.gov).
In this article
Is Washington DC an NLC compact jurisdiction?
No. Washington DC is NOT a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact. This is a critical point for travel nurses targeting the DC metro market: your multi-state compact license does not authorize practice in DC. Even though Virginia and Maryland (which border DC) are NLC compact states, DC itself is a non-compact jurisdiction that issues its own separate RN licenses. Every nurse who works in DC, including short-term travel assignments, must hold a DC-specific RN license.
For nurses building a mid-Atlantic license portfolio, the DC license must be obtained separately alongside Virginia and Maryland licenses.
DC BON fees (2026)
- Endorsement application: $170
- Background check fingerprinting: ~$65-$80
- Biennial renewal: $150
Processing Time Warning
DC has historically had longer license processing times than most states, 6-10 weeks for a complete application is typical, and applications with any flags or incomplete submissions can take 12-16 weeks. If you have a DC assignment with a defined start date, submit your application at least 10-12 weeks in advance. Do not assume DC will process faster because the assignment is urgent, the Board processes in order received and does not expedite for individual facility requests.
Washington DC as a Travel Nursing Market
The DC metro is one of the most concentrated healthcare markets on the East Coast. Major employers include:
- MedStar Health: 10 hospitals across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. Georgetown University Hospital is MedStar's flagship academic center in DC.
- GW University Hospital: Academic medical center affiliated with George Washington University. Level I trauma center in central DC.
- Children's National Hospital: Top-ranked pediatric hospital; strong demand for pediatric nurses and NICUs.
- Howard University Hospital: Historically Black academic medical center with strong community health mission.
- VA Medical Center (DC): One of the larger VA facilities, generating federal travel nursing demand.
ICU, ER, OR, and L&D specialties see the highest travel nursing demand in the DC market. Rates are competitive with other major East Coast markets but cost-of-living context is important for housing stipend planning.
CE Requirements
Washington DC requires 24 contact hours of continuing education per two-year renewal cycle. Verify the current specific topic requirements at hpla.doh.dc.gov, as DC updates CE requirements periodically.
Related: RN Salary by State 2026, Virginia RN License Guide, Maryland RN License Guide, Travel Nurse Salary Guide.
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