States That Make It Possible
If you’re a Canadian or Mexican nurse looking to get licensed in the U.S. but don’t have a Social Security Number (SSN), you might think you’re out of luck. Many state nursing boards require an SSN for licensure, but there are some states that allow alternative options, such as an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), affidavits, waivers, or other documentation.
Below we have included a list of all the states territories and whether they will allow a nurse to obtain a state license without a SSN as of March 2025. It is essential to consult the respective State Boards of Nursing for the most current information.​
| State | eNLC. Need a SSN for Compact License | SSN required for Single State License | Documents Needed in lieu of SSN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Yes | No | Request for Exception from Social Security Number Requirement" form |
| Alaska | No | No | Request for Exception from Social Security Number Requirement |
| American Somoa | No | unknown | |
| Arizona | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Arkansas | Yes | No | Federal Form I-766, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services-issued Employment Authorization Document |
| California | No | No | ITIN |
| Colorado | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Connecticut | eNLC enacted, awaiting implementation | No | None needed |
| Delaware | Yes | No | Request for Exemption from Social Security Number Requirement |
| District of Columbia | No | No | notarized SSN Affidavit Form |
| Florida | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Georgia | Yes | Yes | |
| Guam | No | No | None needed |
| Hawaii | Pending legislation | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Idaho | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Illinois | Pending legislation | No | Affidavit in lieu of an SSN. |
| Indiana | Yes | Yes | |
| Iowa | Yes | No | None needed |
| Kansas | Yes | Yes | |
| Kentucky | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Louisiana | Yes | Yes | |
| Maine | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Maryland | Yes | No | ITIN or applicants must complete and submit a paper application along with a signed affidavit. |
| Massachusetts | eNLC enacted, awaiting implementation | No | Denial letter from the Social Security Administration |
| Michigan | No | No | Affidavit in lieu of an SSN. |
| Minnesota | No | Yes | |
| Mississippi | Yes | Yes | |
| Missouri | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Montana | Yes | No | None needed |
| Nebraska | Yes | No | Alien Registration Number or an I-94 Number as alternatives |
| Nevada | Pending legislation | No | ITIN |
| New Hampshire | Yes | Yes | |
| New Jersey | Yes | No | In the absence of an SSN, applicants may be required to provide alternative identification or documentation as specified by the New Jersey Board of Nursing. It's advisable to contact the Board directly to obtain the most current and accurate information regarding acceptable forms of identification. |
| New Mexico | Yes | No | None needed |
| New York | Pending legislation | No | None needed |
| North Carolina | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| North Dakota | Yes | Yes | |
| Northern Mariana Islands | No | No | None needed |
| Ohio | Yes | Yes | |
| Oklahoma | Yes | Yes | |
| Oregon | Pending legislation | No | ITIN |
| Pennsylvania | Yes | No | Provides a waiver process |
| Puerto Rico | No | No | None needed |
| Rhode Island | Yes | No | Notarized affidavit |
| South Carolina | Yes | No | None needed |
| South Dakota | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Tennessee | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | Notarized affidavit |
| Texas | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | none needed |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | eNLC enacted, awaiting implementation | Yes | |
| Utah | Yes | Yes, required before license issued | |
| Vermont | Yes | No | ITIN |
| Virginia | Yes | No | If you do not currently have an SSN, you must contact the Board at (804) 367-4515 or nursebd@dhp.virginia.gov for instructions to apply online for licensure by examination. Include in the subject line: "Application Process – W/O SSN." |
| Washington | Yes | No | Declaration of No Social Security Number form |
| West Virginia | Yes | Yes | |
| Wisconsin | Yes | No | Notarized affidavit |
| Wyoming | Yes | No | notarized SSN Affidavit Form |
What You Should Do Next
If you’re considering applying for a U.S. nursing license but don’t have an SSN, research each state’s specific requirements and processes. Some may require additional documentation, such as an ITIN, affidavits, or official letters from the Social Security Administration.
For the latest information, always check with the respective state board of nursing before applying.
If you’re an international nurse looking for placement in the U.S., IntelliStaff Medical can help guide you through the process. Contact us today to explore your options!
