Idaho Registered Nurse Licensing Guide

Idaho RN License Overview

Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member. Idaho residents can learn more and apply for a Compact License through NCSBN.

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. If you make Idaho your primary state of residence, you must apply for an Idaho license by endorsement.

How to Get an Idaho RN License by Endorsement

Idaho uses an online 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 $102 application fee.

1. Submit the endorsement application online through the Nurse Portal
2. Request license verification from current state (via Nursys; direct only for California, Michigan, Pennsylvania) (can run concurrently)
3. Await board review and license issuance

License verification is handled through Nursys license verification for endorsement; for California, Michigan and Pennsylvania, the verification is requested directly from the state board. Request verification early so your application is not delayed.

Confirm the current fingerprinting and background check steps with the Idaho Board of Nursing. Where fingerprinting applies, submit your authorization as early as possible.

Check the Idaho Board of Nursing website for status updates on your application.

Idaho RN License Fees

Travelers should factor these licensing costs into their assignment budgeting.

Idaho Temporary RN License

Idaho issues temporary nursing licenses, 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.

Duration: Up to 90 days; may be extended at the Board's discretion.

Eligibility requirements:

• Proof of current licensure in good standing in another nursing jurisdiction
• Submit temporary license application concurrently with full endorsement application

Issuance timeline:

• Complete temporary license application received with all required documentation
• Full endorsement application also submitted

Denial risks:

• False or incomplete information on temporary license application

Important for travelers: The temporary license is issued for no more than 90 days and may be extended at the board's discretion.

Idaho RN License Processing Time

Idaho registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 2-8 weeks to process.

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

We have not found an expedited processing option on the Idaho Board of Nursing's site. 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.

Idaho RN Continuing Education

Idaho does not require continuing education hours for registered nurse license renewal (from our records; confirm with the board).

Idaho RN License Renewal

• Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring August 31 of odd years — $70 via Idaho Board of Nursing portal
• Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
• Late penalty: License lapses, and to reinstate it you pay the $35 reinstatement fee in addition to renewal fees

Idaho Licensing Board and Resources

Idaho Board of Nursing

Board Website · Application Portal · License Verification

Phone: (208) 334-3233

Email: [email protected]