This page helps users handle a nursing license need in Maryland by explaining where to verify a license, what details to enter, and when to contact the Maryland Board of Nursing.

The main online channel is the Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification search. It is designed for professional nursing license and certification lookups through the Maryland Department of Health.

Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification

Use the search the Maryland Board of Nursing license verification tool to look up professional nursing license information in Maryland. Select a profession first, then enter one of the supported search combinations.

  • Profession
  • License type
  • License number
  • Last name
  • First name

The system supports several ways to search, depending on what information you have.

  • Select the profession that matches the license or certification type.
  • Enter a license number, last name, first and last name, or last name with license number.
  • Use the search button to retrieve matching records.
  • Select the person’s name in the results to view record details.

When using a license or certification number, enter the characters together without spaces.

Name searches and wildcard searches

The lookup can search by name when a license number is not available. Set the profession to match the license or certification type, then enter the person’s name information.

If the spelling is uncertain, use an asterisk as a wildcard. A search such as s* returns names starting with “s,” while *s* returns names containing “s” anywhere in the name.

Name input is case insensitive, so upper-case, lower-case, and mixed-case entries can be used. The Maryland Department of Health also provides a look up a licensee guidance page with basic search instructions.

Primary source status and update timing

The Maryland Board of Nursing states that its license lookup data comes directly from the Board’s licensure database. The data is usually updated daily, except on weekends and State Holidays.

The Board’s website is considered a primary source for this data. The posted information is the same information the Board provides through other methods, including IVR, fax, and mail.

The lookup information is provided as a public service. It is not legal or medical advice, and the presence of a licensee in the system is not an endorsement by the Maryland Board of Nursing.

The Maryland Board of Nursing licensing area includes links for license lookup, licensure by exam, online renewal, criminal history record checks, licensure by endorsement, license FAQs, Advanced Practice Registered Nursing, and verification or letters of good standing.

For renewal needs, the Board notes that license and certification renewals can take 5 to 10 days to process. Renewal applicants who must complete a background check should expect additional processing time beyond 10 days.

Employers may also review the Board’s note about Nursys eNotify as an alternate means of license verification through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. The Board’s review Maryland Board of Nursing licensing services page groups these related services in one place.

Maryland Board of Nursing contacts

Use these public contacts when lookup results are unclear, when a workflow requires staff help, or when you need support for a nursing license, certification, renewal, endorsement, or verification question.

Common questions

Where can I verify a Maryland nursing license online?

Use the Maryland Board of Nursing License Verification search and select a profession before entering a license number, name, or another supported search combination.

Can I search if I do not know the exact spelling of a name?

Yes. The lookup supports wildcard searching with an asterisk before or after part of a name, such as s* or *s*.

How often is Maryland nursing license lookup data updated?

The Board states that the licensure database data is usually updated daily, except on weekends and State Holidays.

Is the Maryland Board of Nursing lookup a primary source?

Yes. The Board states that its website is considered a primary source for this data and provides the same information available through IVR, fax, or mail.

Who should I contact about verification or endorsement questions?

For RN/LPN endorsement and verification questions, contact the Maryland Board of Nursing at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).