Where to send your name change request
You change your name on your nursing license through your state's nursing board, not through a federal office. Each state board has its own process and forms, so the first step is finding your state board's website and looking for a section called "License Renewal," "License Maintenance," or "Name Change."
Most state boards let you request a name change online through their licensing portal, by mail with a paper form, or sometimes by phone. A few states require you to renew your entire license to process a name change, while others handle it as a separate transaction that costs nothing or a small fee—usually between $0 and $50, depending on the state.
You will need to provide legal proof that your name has changed. This means a certified copy of a marriage certificate, divorce decree, court order for name change, or adoption papers. Some states accept a photocopy; others require the original or a certified copy. Check your state board's website for the exact document they want before you mail anything.
Key Takeaways
- Contact your state nursing board directly—each state handles name changes differently, and the process is not the same everywhere.
- You will need legal proof of your name change, such as a certified marriage certificate or court order, and your state board will specify which documents they accept.
- Most states process name changes through an online portal, by mail, or by phone, and the fee ranges from nothing to about $50 depending on your state.
- Processing time varies by state but typically takes two to four weeks after your state board receives your complete request.
- Your nursing license number stays the same when you change your name—only the name printed on the license updates.
Finding your state nursing board contact information
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) maintains a directory of every state board's website and contact information. You can search by state on their site, or you can search "[your state] nursing board" directly in a search engine.
Once you are on your state board's website, look for a link labeled "Contact Us," "License Services," or "Licensee Resources." Many boards have a dedicated phone line for questions about name changes, and some have email addresses for license maintenance requests. If you cannot find the information on the website, call the main board number and ask to be transferred to the licensing department.
What documents you need to gather
Before you contact your state board, collect the legal document that proves your name change. If you were married, you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. If you were divorced, you need the divorce decree showing your new name. If you obtained a legal name change through the court, you need the court order. If you were adopted, you need the adoption decree.
A certified copy means the document has been stamped or sealed by the government office that issued it—usually the county clerk, vital records office, or court. A photocopy you make yourself is not certified. Some states accept certified copies sent by mail; others require you to bring the original to an office in person. Your state board's website will say which they accept.
You will also need your current nursing license number and your Social Security number or tax ID. Have these ready when you contact your state board or fill out the online form.
Online, mail, and phone options for submitting your request
Most states now offer an online licensing portal where you can log in with your license number and submit a name change request without leaving home. You upload a photo or scan of your certified document, answer a few questions, and submit. This is usually the fastest route—many states process online requests within two weeks.
If your state does not have an online portal, you can mail a paper form to your state board. read the form from the board's website, fill it out, attach a copy of your certified name-change document, and mail it to the address listed on the form. Include a cover letter with your name, license number, and the new name you want on your license. Mail takes longer than online submission—typically three to four weeks after the board receives your envelope.
Some state boards accept phone requests for name changes. Call the licensing department, have your license number and Social Security number ready, and ask what documents they need you to mail in afterward. Phone submission is useful if you have questions about which document to send, but you will still need to mail the certified copy to complete the request.
Processing time and what happens to your license number
After your state board receives your complete request, processing usually takes two to four weeks. Some states are faster; others take longer during busy periods. Your state board's website should say how long they typically take. If you have not heard back after that time, call the licensing department and give them your license number so they can check the status.
Your nursing license number does not change when you change your name. Only the name printed on your license updates. This means your license number stays the same on your employment records, your continuing education transcripts, and any other documents that reference it. When you receive your updated license in the mail, it will have your new name but the same license number you have always had.
If you need to use your license before the updated one arrives—for example, to start a new job—contact your state board and ask if they can issue a temporary letter or certificate showing your name change. Some boards do this at no cost; others charge a small fee.
Updating your name with your employer and other organizations
Changing your name on your nursing license is only one step. You will also need to update your name with your employer's human resources department, your state's tax records, your professional liability insurance company, and any nursing organizations you belong to.
Ask your employer's HR department what documents they need to update your personnel file. Most want a copy of your updated nursing license or a certified copy of your name-change document. If you work in a hospital or large health system, HR may have a specific form for name changes.
Contact your professional liability insurance company and give them your policy number and new name. They will update their records and may send you an updated insurance card or certificate. If you belong to a nursing association or specialty organization, log into your member portal or call their member services line to update your name there as well.
What to do if your state requires a full license renewal
A small number of states do not have a separate name-change process and instead require you to renew your entire license to update your name. If your state board tells you this, you will need to submit a renewal process along with your name-change document.
Check whether your license is due for renewal soon. If it is, you can combine the name change and renewal into one process and one fee. If your license is not due for renewal for another year or more, ask your state board whether you can request an early renewal to handle the name change now, or whether you must wait until your regular renewal date. Some states allow early renewal; others do not.
If you must wait until your regular renewal date, your license will still be valid under your old name until then. You can continue working with your current license while you wait to renew and update your name at the same time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my name on my nursing license if I have an active complaint or investigation?
Yes. A name change does not affect complaints or investigations. Your state board will update your name in their system, but any open cases stay open under your new name. If you have questions about an active complaint, contact your state board's enforcement or complaint department directly.
Do I need to change my name on my nursing license if I only changed it legally but have not used it yet?
You do not have to, but it is a good idea to do it sooner rather than later. Your license should match the name on your government-issued ID and your employment records. If there is a mismatch, it can cause problems when you renew your license, explore for a job, or undergo a background check.
What if I lost my certified copy of my name-change document?
Contact the office that issued the original document—the county clerk for a marriage certificate, the court for a divorce decree or name-change order, or the vital records office for an adoption decree. You can request a replacement certified copy by mail or in person. There is usually a small fee, between $5 and $25. Once you have the replacement, send it to your state board with your name-change request.
How long does it take to receive my updated nursing license in the mail?
After your state board processes your name change, they will mail you an updated license. This usually takes one to two weeks after they approve your request. Some states send it by regular mail; others use faster delivery. Check your state board's website or call to ask how they ship licenses.
Can I work as a nurse while my name-change request is being processed?
Yes. Your current license remains valid while your name-change request is being processed. You can continue working under your old name on your current license. Once your updated license arrives, you can start using your new name.