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Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in North Carolina

Your complete 2026 guide to obtaining and maintaining your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in NC. Covers fees, exams, documents, and renewal.

Application Fee

$175

Processing Time

4-6 Weeks

Exam Required

NCLEX-PN

Difficulty Level

Medium

Step-by-Step: How to Get Licensed

Follow these 5 steps to obtain your Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in North Carolina.

Step 1·Complete Education

Finish an approved Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) training program in North Carolina.

Step 2·Gather Documents

Collect all 5 required documents for your NC application.

Step 3·Pass the Exam

Score passing marks on the NCLEX-PN.

Step 4·Submit Application

File your application with the North Carolina licensing board and pay the $175 fee.

Step 5·Receive License

Processing takes 4-6 weeks in NC. Practice legally once approved.

How to Apply

If you are looking to start your career as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina, the licensing process begins with education. NC mandates specific coursework before you can sit for the NCLEX-PN. Upon passing the exam, you can proceed to file your application with the appropriate North Carolina regulatory board.

Requirements

To qualify for Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) licensure in North Carolina, candidates must satisfy several prerequisites. NC mandates completion of an approved training program, successful passage of the NCLEX-PN, and a clean criminal background check. Additional requirements may include proof of residency and professional references as determined by the North Carolina regulatory authority.

Fees & Costs

The initial application fee for a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license in North Carolina is approximately $175. This fee covers the processing of your application and initial license issuance. NC also charges an examination fee which is typically paid directly to the testing provider. Late application submissions in North Carolina may incur additional penalties of up to $44.

License Fee Calculator — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in North Carolina

Base License Fee$175
Estimated Total$175

Renewal Process

North Carolina requires Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license holders to renew their credentials every 2 years. The renewal fee is $100 in NC. Continuing education requirements must be met before the renewal application is submitted. North Carolina offers both online and mail-in renewal options for licensed professionals.

License Expiry Calculator — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) in NC

Enter your license issue date to see when renewal is due. North Carolina requires renewal every 2 years.

Additional Information

The demand for licensed Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) professionals in North Carolina continues to grow. NC offers a supportive regulatory environment that balances consumer protection with professional opportunity. The licensing board in North Carolina provides online tools and resources to help applicants navigate the process efficiently. Many Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) professionals in NC report high job satisfaction and competitive compensation.

Document Checklist — Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)

0 of 5 documents ready

Frequently Asked Questions

License Reciprocity: Can I Use My North Carolina Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in Other States?

Reciprocity varies by state. Always verify with the destination state's licensing board before practicing.

Destination StateReciprocityNotes
Alaska (AK) FullAK accepts NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
Alabama (AL) FullAL accepts NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
Arizona (AZ) FullAZ accepts NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
Arkansas (AR) FullAR accepts NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
Colorado (CO) NoneCO does not recognize NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Delaware (DE) FullDE accepts NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license via reciprocity agreement.
California (CA) NoneCA does not recognize NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.
Florida (FL) NoneFL does not recognize NC Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) license. Full re-application required.

Where to File Locally in North Carolina

Visit a licensing department office near you for in-person assistance.

Raleigh

1202 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699

(919) 202-3600

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Charlotte

600 E 4th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

(704) 336-2241

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Greensboro

300 W Washington St, Greensboro, NC 27401

(336) 373-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Durham

101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701

(919) 560-4000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Winston-Salem

101 N Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101

(336) 727-2000

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Official North Carolina Resources

Always verify requirements directly with the North Carolina state board. Regulations may change.

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Disclaimer

US License Guide is a private informational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any federal, state, or local government agency. The information provided on this website is for general guidance purposes only and should not be considered legal or professional advice. Licensing requirements, fees, and procedures may change without notice. Always verify current requirements directly with your state's official licensing board before making any decisions. Use of this site does not create any professional-client relationship.