Delaware Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Delaware RN License Overview

Delaware is an NLC member state. RN with a valid multistate compact license from another NLC state with home state as issuing state can practice immediately under compact privilege; simultaneously apply for Delaware endorsement ($181) if planning longer residency or wanting Delaware as primary license.

For travelers, this means you can begin a Delaware 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 Delaware residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for a Delaware license through endorsement.

How to Get a Delaware RN License by Endorsement

Delaware 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 $181 application fee.

1. Submit endorsement application by mail
2. Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Delaware 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 Delaware 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 Delaware Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.

Delaware RN License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Delaware Temporary RN License

Delaware issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 90 days, allowing registered nurses to begin practicing while their permanent endorsement application is being processed. For travelers, this is often the fastest path to starting an assignment.

Eligibility requirements:

• Hold a valid, unencumbered RN license from any U.S. state or territory
• Have a signed job offer letter or employment verification from a Delaware healthcare facility (required to submit application)
• Complete the temporary license application through DelPros portal

Issuance timeline:

• Complete temporary license application received in DelPros with valid job offer documentation attached
• No criminal history flags or licensing disciplinary action identified in initial background screening
• Applicant's current state RN license confirmed active and unrestricted

Denial risks:

• Missing job offer letter or employment verification from Delaware facility
• Active disciplinary action, criminal conviction, or license restriction in any state
• Current RN license inactive, expired, or restricted in issuing state

Important for travelers: Temporary license automatically expires at 90 days; no extension is possible and applicant must cease work immediately unless full endorsement is issued. If full endorsement is denied before 90-day expiration, temporary license is revoked and applicant cannot continue employment. Applicant accepting assignment outside the named employer on the job offer letter may trigger revocation for misrepresentation.

Delaware RN License Processing Time

Delaware registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 4-8 weeks; temporary license usually issued within 1 week 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 1 week for temporary license (with job offer in hand); 4 weeks for full endorsement if applicant has all required documentation (transcript, nursing school reference, clean background) submitted on day 1.

Common sources of delay:

• DelPros portal submission delays occur when nursing school transcripts and institution references are not submitted upfront—many programs take 2-3 weeks to respond, adding 15-21 days to the endorsement timeline
• Background check processing through Delaware's approved provider adds 1-2 weeks after application submission; applicants unaware of this step often assume the 4-8 week timeline is board processing only
• International graduates must obtain CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service report (8-12 weeks) before submitting to Delaware board, making total timeline 12-20 weeks if CES step is not started immediately upon job offer

Delaware 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.

Delaware RN Continuing Education

Delaware requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.

Delaware RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring May 31 of odd years — $165 via Delaware Division of Professional Regulation
• Renewal window: Opens 60 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License becomes inactive, and must pay late fee and reinstate

Delaware Licensing Board and Resources

Delaware Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (302) 744-4500

Email: [email protected]