What Is an NCSBN ID?
An NCSBN ID is a unique number assigned to every U.S. nurse. It stays the same for life and in every state, while your license number is issued separately by each state board.
The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is an independent not-for-profit organization, founded in 1978, whose members are the 58 boards of nursing of the 50 states, DC, and four U.S. territories. It develops the NCLEX exam and runs Nursys, the national license database.
To find your NCSBN ID, search your license on Nursys QuickConfirm: it is shown next to your name. If you have not been licensed yet, it appears on Pearson VUE communications about your NCLEX registration.
What is an NCSBN ID and why do nurses need one?
An NCSBN ID (National Council of State Boards of Nursing Identification Number) is a unique identifier assigned to every nurse in the United States. It's managed by NCSBN, the organization that develops the NCLEX exam and runs the Nursys license verification system.
Key Facts About Your NCSBN ID
Never changes, regardless of state
Created when you enter the nursing system
Nursys carries RN and PN records from all 58 U.S. boards
Links RN, LPN, APRN licenses
NCSBN ID vs. License Number: What's the Difference?
| Identifier | Scope | Changes? | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| NCSBN ID | National | Never | One number nationwide |
| License Number | State-specific | Per state | Format varies by state |
Key difference: Your license number varies by state, but your NCSBN ID stays the same across all states and license types.
Where You'll Use Your NCSBN ID
Your NCSBN ID is used across multiple systems throughout your nursing career:
Nursys
License verification and monitoring
NCLEX Registration
Exam scheduling and results
State Board Portals
License applications and renewals
Instant Notify
License status monitoring
Employer Verification
Background checks and credentialing
License Endorsement
Transferring licenses between states
How to Find Your NCSBN ID
If You're Not Licensed Yet
- 1. Check your Pearson VUE emails about your NCLEX registration; NCSBN says the ID appears on any Pearson communication
- 2. If you can't find it, ask your board of nursing
If You're Already Licensed
- 1. Visit nursys.com
- 2. Open QuickConfirm License Verification and accept the terms
- 3. Search by your license number, or by your name and state
- 4. Your NCSBN ID is shown next to your name in the results
Can't Find Your NCSBN ID?
If you can't locate your NCSBN ID through the methods above, contact your state board of nursing directly. They can look up your NCSBN ID using:
- • Your Social Security Number
- • Your name and date of birth
- • Your existing license number
Why Your NCSBN ID Matters
1 License Transfer (Endorsement)
When applying for a license in a new state, your NCSBN ID helps the board quickly verify your credentials and history across all states.
2 Compact (NLC) Eligibility
A multistate (NLC) license is one more license in Nursys under the same NCSBN ID, so employers in other compact states can verify it the same way.
3 Employer Background Checks
Employers can verify your complete licensing history nationally using your NCSBN ID through Nursys.
4 Career History Tracking
One ID connects your entire nursing career—from NCLEX through every license and renewal across multiple states.