Colorado nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Colorado license by endorsement: the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Colorado State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. FBI and CBI fingerprint check required before applying; results are available to the Board for 90 days. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license (endorsement). Statute lets the Board issue a four-month temporary license to endorsement applicants under the occupational credential portability program. |
| Continuing education per renewal | None required. Board states CE hours are not currently required for RN or LPN renewal. |
| Processing time, per the board | Board review process typically takes a minimum of three weeks (for applications sent to program review). |
How to get your Colorado license, step by step
- Check the compact first. If your primary state of residence is a compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can practice in Colorado without applying again. If you move your residence to Colorado, you apply for a Colorado license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Verify your license through Nursys. Request verification from each state where you are or were licensed. Boards that use Nursys receive it electronically.
- Complete the fingerprint background check. The board requires fingerprints for endorsement applicants. Follow its instructions for where to get them taken.
- Ask about the temporary license. The board offers a temporary license (endorsement) while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be separate. Keep copies of everything you submit.
- Tell your recruiter your status. Employers set their own start dates around licensing, so your recruiter needs to know where your application stands.
Specific to Colorado
- Applicants who have not worked on an active nursing license in two years must show continued competency, such as a refresher course.
- Endorsement applicants must verify ALL current and past nursing licenses through Nursys (Pennsylvania excepted).
- Do not fingerprint until ready to apply; applications expire one year after submission.
RN jobs in Colorado · Colorado state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Colorado State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing (board website)
- dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/Applications (endorsement application)
- drive.google.com/file/d/1XUWVoJSKm06kbhiH-WBNJ8OqolFRmXwD/view (background check, Nursys verification)
- drive.google.com/file/d/0B-K5DhxXxJZbelVEMkEwa29TYjQ/view (temporary license)
- dpo.colorado.gov/Nursing/FAQ (continuing education, processing time, state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Colorado State Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
Is Colorado a nurse licensure compact state?
Colorado is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
Can I work in Colorado while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license (endorsement). Statute lets the Board issue a four-month temporary license to endorsement applicants under the occupational credential portability program. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Colorado nurses need?
The board does not require continuing education hours for RN renewal. Board states CE hours are not currently required for RN or LPN renewal.
How long does it take to get a Colorado license?
The board says: Board review process typically takes a minimum of three weeks (for applications sent to program review).
Does Valorem Health help with Colorado licensing?
Your recruiter tells you which license each role needs and what the facility requires. You apply to the board, and our credentialing team helps with documents for onboarding.
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