Illinois Registered Nurse Licensing Guide
License Snapshot
Processing Time
6-10 weeks
From complete application
Application Fee
$50
Renewal: $40 · Temp license available
Compact (Nurse Licensure Compact)
No
Not a Nurse Licensure Compact member state
Renewal
20 hours
Every 2 years
Overview
Illinois is not a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state. Travelers must obtain an Illinois-specific license through the endorsement process to practice here.
Endorsement Process
Illinois uses an online portal endorsement process for registered nurses already licensed in another state. You'll need to submit your completed application along with supporting documents and the $50 application fee.
- Submit endorsement application online
- 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. Illinois 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Division of Professional Regulation. 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation — Division of Professional Regulation website for status updates on your application.
Fees
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
| Endorsement Application | $50 |
| Renewal | $40 (every 2 years) |
| Fingerprinting | $25-75 (fingerprinting) |
| Nursys verification | $30 |
| Estimated First-Time Cost | $105–$155 |
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
Illinois issues temporary nursing licenses valid for 6 months, 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:
- Complete endorsement application submitted to Illinois IDFPR
- Valid license in good standing from another U.S. state or territory
- No unresolved disciplinary actions or criminal history that would disqualify permanent licensure
Issuance timeline:
- Complete endorsement application received and initial completeness review passed
- Background check initiated (check does not need to be fully resolved)
- Verification request sent to original state board
Denial risks:
- Applicant discloses criminal history that fails Illinois character and fitness review
- Applicant has unresolved disciplinary action, suspension, or revocation in any jurisdiction
- Applicant's original state license is not currently valid or is on probation
Important for travelers: Temporary license expires automatically at 6 months with no extension option; if permanent license is delayed beyond 6 months, nurse cannot legally practice and must stop working. Temporary license is revoked immediately upon permanent license denial. Any disciplinary action taken against applicant during temporary license period can trigger revocation before 6-month expiration.
Processing Time
Illinois registered nurse endorsement applications typically take 6-10 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 5-6 weeks if all documents are complete at submission, original state board verifies immediately, and background check processes without delay.
Common sources of delay:
- Board reviews applications in batches; submissions after monthly cutoff may wait 4-6 weeks for next review cycle
- Verification delays from original state boards—some states take 3-4 weeks to respond to Illinois IDFPR verification requests via Nursys
- Criminal background check is sequential and cannot start until application is submitted; fingerprinting scheduling can add 1-2 weeks beyond baseline processing
- Online portal document requests may be missed if applicant does not check portal every 3-5 days—delayed responses extend timeline by 1-3 weeks per missed request
Illinois 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
Illinois requires 20 contact hours of continuing education every 2 years for registered nurse license renewal.
- Mandatory topics: sexual harassment prevention — 1 hour, implicit bias training — 1 hour
- Traveler tip: Keep all CE documentation organized and easily accessible — Illinois may audit compliance at any time
Renewal Process
- Renewal cycle: Every 2 years, expiring May 31 of odd years — $40 via IDFPR portal
- CE topics: sexual harassment prevention — 1 hour and implicit bias training — 1 hour
- Renewal window: Opens 90 days before expiration
- Late penalty: License becomes expired, and must restore and pay late fee
- Traveler tip: Track your Illinois license expiration date carefully — a lapsed license can disrupt active assignments
Official Resources
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation -- Division of Professional Regulation
Board Website·Application Portal·License Verification
Phone: (888) 473-4858
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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation -- Division of Professional Regulation's official website.
