Idaho Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
2-8 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$138
Renewal: $90 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
Yes
Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
15 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. Nurses holding a multistate license from another NLC state can practice immediately in Idaho under compact privilege if they maintain their home state residency or apply for an Idaho multistate license if establishing Idaho as primary residence. Single-state licensure requires 2-8 weeks for endorsement processing.
For travelers, this means you can begin an Idaho 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 Idaho residency during your assignment, your compact privilege becomes invalid and you must apply for an Idaho license through endorsement.
Endorsement Process
Idaho 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 $138.25 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application by mail
- Request license verification from current state (via Nursys or direct) (can run concurrently)
- Await board review and license issuance
License verification is handled through Nursys or direct board verification. Idaho 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 Idaho 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 Idaho Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $138.25 |
| Renewal | $90 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $193.25–$243.25 |
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.
Temporary License
Idaho 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 another state
- Submit temporary license application concurrently with full endorsement application
- Pass background check screening
Issuance timeline:
- Complete temporary license application received with all required documentation
- Criminal background check clears or shows no disqualifying history
- Full endorsement application also submitted
Denial risks:
- Unresolved criminal history that disqualifies licensure
- False or incomplete information on temporary license application
- Outstanding disciplinary action in any state
Important for travelers: Temporary license expires after exactly 90 days with no extension option; if full endorsement is delayed beyond day 90, temporary license is automatically revoked and applicant cannot continue practicing. If full endorsement application is denied, temporary license is immediately revoked even if days remain. If applicant fails to maintain compact privilege status or misrepresents residency, temporary license may be revoked during the 90-day period.
Processing Time
Idaho registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 2-8 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 10 business days if application is complete, background check clears immediately, and home state verification responds within 5 business days.
Common sources of delay:
- Board verification with home state board can add 1-2 weeks if the originating state is slow to respond to verification requests
- Background check completion is required before license issuance; any criminal history disclosure triggers additional review that adds 2-4 weeks
- Mail-based application process creates processing bottleneck; applications submitted after board review cutoff may wait until next review cycle, adding 2-4 weeks
Idaho 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.
Continuing Education
Idaho requires 15 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Idaho may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring August 31 of odd years — $90 via Idaho Board of Nursing portal
- Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must pay late fee and reinstate
- Traveler tip: Track your Idaho license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Idaho Board of Nursing
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (208) 577-2476
Email: [email protected]
Frequently Asked Questions
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 Idaho Board of Nursing's official website.
