Colorado Nursing License: NLC Status, Endorsement, and BON
Last reviewed: by Jayson Minagawa, BSN, RN
Colorado Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) status
Colorado is currently Implemented (multistate licenses currently issued). This means RNs whose Primary State of Residence (PSOR) is Colorado can hold a multistate license that allows practice in all NLC-implemented states. As of 2026, 41 states are NLC-implemented; review the interactive compact map for current status nationwide.
Colorado Board of Nursing
The Colorado Board of Nursing (BON) regulates RN, LPN/LVN, and APRN practice in the state. Official website: dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing. The BON sets initial licensure requirements, renewal cycle and CE hours, scope of practice, and disciplinary actions. Always verify current fees and forms on the BON website — fees and processing times change annually.
License by endorsement (moving to Colorado)
If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. state and want to practice in Colorado, you apply for a license by endorsement. Because Colorado is NLC-implemented, simply changing your Primary State of Residence (PSOR) to Colorado converts your multistate license — no separate application needed (process: 30-60 days). The Nursys verification system (run by NCSBN) is the standard cross-state license-verification tool used by every state BON.
Continuing education and renewal
RN license renewal in Colorado is on a 2-year cycle in most cases (verify on the BON website). CE hour requirements vary by state — most require 20-30 hours per cycle, with specific topic requirements (pain management, opioids, infection control, ethics) common. Many states accept ANCC-accredited CE; some require state-board-approved providers specifically. The free nurse CEU finder indexes free CE by state.
Travel nursing in Colorado
Colorado is part of the NLC, so any travel nurse with a multistate license can take an assignment in Colorado without applying for a separate state license. See the travel nursing in Colorado guide for state-specific pay rates, top hospitals, and tax considerations.