North Carolina — Blue Ridge Parkway mountain mist

North Carolina Dietitian License

North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition

Total Fee

$248

Processing Time

4 to 6 Weeks (includes background check)

Fingerprints

Required

Local Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs)

Temp License

Available

$133,

What You'll Need

Official College Transcripts — Must show a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
CDR Registration Verification — Proof of current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (for Category A applicants).
Government-Issued Photo ID — A clear copy of a valid, government-issued identification.
Criminal Background Check Authorization — Completed authorization form and associated $38 fee.

How to Apply

Total Fee

$248

Processing Time

4 to 6 Weeks (includes background check)

Fingerprints

Required

Temp License

Available

Transfer License

Requirements ▾

North Carolina offers licensure by reciprocity under Category D for applicants currently licensed in another state whose qualifications do not fit into other categories (non-RD, non-CNS). Category D does not have an online application; applicants must contact the NCBDN directly. All RD/RDNs applying from out of state should apply under Category A, the standard pathway. The Board may grant a license if the other state's requirements are substantially the same as North Carolina's.

Steps

Submit Your Application ▾

Apply through the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition (NCBDN). The application fee is $60.
Provide License Verification ▾

North Carolina requires official verification of your active out-of-state license. This must be sent directly to the board from your current state board or its official online verification system before your file can be considered complete.
Request Official College Transcripts ▾

Must show a master's or doctoral degree in nutrition or a related field from a regionally accredited institution.
Provide CDR Registration Verification ▾

Proof of current, active registration with the Commission on Dietetic Registration (for Category A applicants).
Provide Government-Issued Photo ID ▾

A clear copy of a valid, government-issued identification.
Provide Criminal Background Check Authorization ▾

Completed authorization form and associated $38 fee.
Complete Fingerprinting and Background Screening ▾

North Carolina requires a criminal background check for all applicants. Out-of-state applicants can use IdentoGO Out-of-State Live Scan (adds ~$39.95 fee) OR FD-258 hard card via mail (tip: moisturize hands for days prior to reduce smudge rejects). Completing prints outside North Carolina can add 2-4 weeks to your processing time.
Await Board Processing ▾

Plan for a processing timeline of about 3 to 5 Weeks once your file is complete. If you need to start working immediately, most states do not offer temporary practice authorization during the endorsement process. Contact the state board directly for current policies on practice authorization while your application is pending.
Create an Account and Apply Online ▾

Create a new user account on the NCBDN Licensure Portal (https://ncbdn.elicensure.net/) and complete the online application for initial licensure.

Total Fee

$95

Renewal Cycle

Annual (by March 31) + 30 CE hours per 2 years

Compact

Board

North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition

Keeping Your License Active

North Carolina Dietitian licenses renew Annual (by March 31) + 30 CE hours per 2 years. Contact the North Carolina Board of Dietetics/Nutrition for continuing education requirements and renewal deadlines.

Visit board site

Fees

Item	Amount
Application	$248
Endorsement application	$248
Fingerprint check	Varies by location (typically $10–$30 paid to the law enforcement agency)
Temporary permit	$133,
Renewal	95.0