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Delaware Board of Nursing
Processing time
4–8 weeks
Temporary licenses usually issued within one week
Fees
License RN: $181
License LPN: $181
Renewal RN: $165
Renewal LPN: $165
Temporary license: $40
Compact state
Yes
Application links
Delaware license
Biennially, every two years in EVEN-numbered years
RN
Every two years prior to February 28th, May 31st of ODD-numbered years, or September 30th of ODD-numbered years
LPN
Every two years prior to February 28th of EVEN-numbered years
Yes
Temporary Permits are valid for a period of 90 days
Applicants must provide a job offer letter from an employer in Delaware
RN
30 hours of continuing education required within a 2-year licensure period
These hours may be reduced depending on when in the renewal cycle and applicant was issued a license
LPN
24 hours of continuing education required within a 2-year licensure period
These hours may be reduced depending on when in the renewal cycle and applicant was issued a license
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 Fusion Medical Staffing is not liable for any outdated information or errors in the guide.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
4-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$181
Renewal: $165 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
30 hours
Every 2 years
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.
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.
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.
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $181 |
| Renewal | $165 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $236–$286 |
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.
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:
Issuance timeline:
Denial risks:
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 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:
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 requires 30 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
Delaware Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (302) 744-4500
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 Delaware Board of Nursing's official website.
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