South Carolina License Overview
Compact / eNLCYes — Compact
Endorsement Fee$100
Typical Timing30-60 days
NursysYes
Temporary LicenseYes
Board Phone(803) 896-4550
How Long Does It Take?
Typical timing: 30-60 days.
TGL Recruiter tip: Processing estimates change with fingerprint delays, missing documents, and application volume. Confirm the current timeline with the Board before promising a start date — and always start early.
Step-by-Step Licensing Process
✓ South Carolina is an eNLC compact state. Nurses holding a multistate license from a compact primary state may practice in South Carolina without a separate license.
Permanent License — Endorsement
- Apply online through the South Carolina Labor, Licensing and Regulation (LLR) portal and pay the $100 fee.
- Request license verification via Nursys. South Carolina participates in Nursys.
- Submit fingerprints for a background check — South Carolina uses SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division). Out-of-state applicants may submit FBI fingerprint cards.
- Processing typically takes 30–60 days.
Temporary License
- South Carolina offers a temporary authorization valid for 90 days.
- Request the temporary authorization with your endorsement application.
TGL Recruiter tip: Start the licensing process as early as possible — especially for non-compact states, which can take 8–12 weeks. Your TGL recruiter will track your application status and help you time your assignment start date.
Fees
Endorsement fee is $100. Temporary authorization is included. Biennial renewal is $75. Background check fees are separate.
Fees change. Always verify current amounts at the official South Carolina Board of Nursing website before applying.
License Renewal
South Carolina RN licenses renew biennially. Renewal requires no continuing education (verify current requirements). Renewal fee is $75.
Important Notes for Travel Nurses
- South Carolina is a compact (eNLC) state — nurses with a multistate license from a compact home state may practice without endorsement.
- Charleston and Greenville/Spartanburg have strong travel nurse markets.
- The LLR portal provides online license verification for facilities.
Last reviewed by TGL MedStaff: September 2026 —
Licensing requirements change. Always verify with the
South Carolina Board of Nursing.
