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Colorado State Board of Nursing
Processing time
4–6 weeks
Fees
License: $70
Renewal: $70
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Colorado license
Biennially, every two years
RN
Every two years prior to September 30th
Individual renewal could fall on an ODD- or EVEN-numbered year depending on date of initial issuance
LPN
Every two years prior to August 31st on EVEN-numbered years
No
20 hours of continuing education required within a 2-year renewal period
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information in our Nursing Licensing Guide, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Regulations, requirements, and processes can change frequently. Healthcare travelers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult directly with the respective state board's official website to ensure they have the most accurate and up-to-date information. Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.
Processing Time
2-4 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$70
Renewal: $70
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
20 hours
Every 2 years
Colorado is an NLC (Nurse Licensure Compact) member. If you hold a multistate license from another NLC state AND declare Colorado as your primary state of residence, you can practice immediately under compact privilege without waiting for endorsement. If Colorado is not your primary state, you must endorse as a single-state licensee (4-6 weeks, $70 fee).
For travelers, this means you can begin a Colorado assignment immediately if your home state is also a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member and your license is set to multistate status. However, if you establish Colorado residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Colorado license through endorsement.
Colorado uses a mail/pdf application endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $70 application fee.
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Colorado requires verification from every state where you hold or have held a registered nurse license, so request verification early to avoid delays.
Background check requirements vary by applicant — confirm the current fingerprinting and screening steps with the Colorado Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible, since background check processing is one of the most common sources of delay.
After all components are received, the Board reviews applications on a rolling basis. Check the Colorado Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $70 |
| Renewal | $70 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $125–$175 |
Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting. Many staffing agencies, including Fusion Medical Staffing, offer licensure reimbursement programs to help offset these expenses.
Colorado does not issue temporary nursing licenses. Your permanent license must be fully issued before you can begin working on assignment. Travelers should plan their start dates accordingly and allow the full processing window before their expected first day.
Colorado registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 2-4 weeks to process. The timeline is subject to moderate variability depending on the completeness of your application and external factors.
In the best-case scenario, processing can be as fast as 14 days if primary state verification arrives immediately and background check clears without flags.
Common sources of delay:
Colorado does not offer an expedited processing track. The best way to minimize your wait time is to ensure all application components — fingerprints, verification, and any required exams — are completed before or immediately after submitting your application.
Colorado requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Colorado Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (303) 894-2430
Email: [email protected]
Please note that while Fusion Medical Staffing strives to provide the most current and accurate information, we cannot guarantee the completeness or timeliness of the information provided. Requirements and processes can change frequently. Healthcare professionals are strongly encouraged to verify details directly with Colorado Board of Nursing's official website.
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