Massachusetts Nursing License Lookup

Verify any Massachusetts (MA) registered nurse license for free. Below is the official Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing lookup tool plus a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

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Clinically reviewed by Sarah Johnson, MSN, RN

Based on 5 official sources • Last verified: June 2026

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Official Massachusetts License Verification

Hosted by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing. Free, public, and updated in real time.

Open Massachusetts License Lookup

Official source: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing

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What you'll need to look up a Massachusetts nurse license

The nurse's first and last name (exactly as registered), OR
The nurse's license number
No login or account required

How to look up a nurse license in Massachusetts

1
Visit the Massachusetts Board of Nursing license verification tool (link above).
2
Enter the nurse's first and last name exactly as registered, or enter the license number if you have it.
3
Submit the search and review the results list.
4
Click into the matching record to see license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions.

What each license status means

Status	Meaning
Active	Licensed and currently eligible to practice.
Inactive	Not currently practicing, but the license can be reactivated.
Lapsed / Expired	License was not renewed on time; nurse cannot practice until renewed.
Suspended	Disciplinary action in place; practice is temporarily prohibited.
Revoked	License was permanently terminated by the state board.

Looking up a multistate compact license?

Massachusetts does not issue multistate compact licenses directly. If you're trying to verify a nurse who practices in Massachusetts under a multistate license from another NLC state, use Nursys QuickConfirm, the national database operated by NCSBN.

Open Nursys QuickConfirm

Massachusetts nurse aide (CNA) registry lookup

Looking up a certified nursing assistant? CNAs are not in the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing RN/LPN lookup. Massachusetts keeps a separate nurse aide registry, run by Massachusetts Department of Public Health / Nurse Aide Registry, that shows certification status, expiration, and any findings of abuse or neglect.

Open the Massachusetts nurse aide registry → Registry phone: (617) 753-8144 Massachusetts CNA certification guide →

Getting licensed in Massachusetts?

Requirements, fees, processing times, and renewal rules for each Massachusetts nursing license.

Comparing states? Nursing license cost by state, cheapest RN license states, and fastest RN license states.

Checking for disciplinary actions

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing lookup tool shows any disciplinary actions (suspensions, revocations, probation, consent orders) as part of the public record. If you need more detail on a specific disciplinary case, most state boards publish formal action documents on their enforcement page.

Visit the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing website →

Massachusetts License Lookup FAQs

How do I look up a nurse license in Massachusetts?

Use the official Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing license verification tool. Enter the nurse's full name (or license number if you have it) and the tool will show current license status, expiration date, and any disciplinary actions. Results are free and updated in real time from the state board's records.

Is Massachusetts nursing license lookup free?

Yes. The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing provides free public license verification. There is no cost to search, and you do not need to create an account for a basic lookup.

What does each license status mean?

Active means the nurse is licensed and in good standing. Inactive means the license is not currently in use but may be reactivated. Lapsed or Expired means the license was not renewed on time. Suspended or Revoked means disciplinary action was taken by the board and the nurse cannot legally practice.

Can I use Massachusetts license lookup results for hiring decisions?

No. Information from this page and from state board lookup tools is for general reference only. It is not a consumer report and cannot be used to make employment, tenant, credit, or insurance decisions. Employers who need FCRA-compliant background checks should use a licensed consumer reporting agency.

How current is the license information in Massachusetts?

The Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing maintains the authoritative record. Nursys, NCSBN's national database, shows what this board has submitted to it: NCSBN states that it posts information "when, and as, submitted by the individual boards of nursing" and displays the date each board last updated. That date is the one to check — NCSBN publishes no standard refresh interval, and submission gaps do happen. When a status matters for a decision, verify it against the board's own record.

How do I look up a CNA in Massachusetts?

Certified nursing assistants are listed on the Massachusetts nurse aide registry, run by Massachusetts Department of Public Health / Nurse Aide Registry, not on the nursing board's RN/LPN lookup. Search the registry by name or certificate number to confirm the CNA is active and in good standing.

Can I look up a multistate (compact) license from Massachusetts?

Massachusetts is not currently a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), so licenses issued in Massachusetts are single-state only. You can still verify the license through the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing directly.