Delaware nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Delaware license by endorsement: the application fee ($181 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Delaware |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Delaware Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $181 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $181 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. State and FBI fingerprint check through IdentoGO; checks done for other purposes (employment, other states) are not accepted. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 90 days. Endorsement permit expires 90 days after issue; requires pending application, Delaware job offer letter and fingerprint check; $40 fee. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. Includes at least 3 hours substance abuse and 1 hour on recognizing/reporting abuse, exploitation, trafficking or domestic violence; first renewal after endorsement may need only 15 hours. |
How to get your Delaware 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 Delaware without applying again. If you move your residence to Delaware, you apply for a Delaware 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 permit valid up to 90 days while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $181 for an RN. 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 Delaware
- Endorsement applicants need 1,000 practice hours in 5 years or 400 in 2 years, or recent graduation or refresher program.
- Applicants who meet the practice requirement must show CE in past 2 years: 30 hours (RN), 24 hours (LPN).
- Nursys e-Notify account with workforce data is required before renewal.
What RNs earn in Delaware
The BLS median for registered nurses in Delaware is $44.53 per hour, about $92,610 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Delaware.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | $41.48 | $86,280 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Delaware · Delaware state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Delaware Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/reciprocity/ (endorsement application)
- dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/fees/ (fees)
- dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/rnlpntemppermit/ (temporary license)
- dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/renewal/ (renewal)
- dpr.delaware.gov/boards/nursing/continuing-education-and-audit-information/ (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Delaware Board of Nursing before you apply or accept a start date. This guide is general information and not legal advice.
Common questions
How much does a Delaware nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Delaware Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $181 for an RN and $181 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Delaware a nurse licensure compact state?
Delaware 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 Delaware while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 90 days. Endorsement permit expires 90 days after issue; requires pending application, Delaware job offer letter and fingerprint check; $40 fee. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Delaware nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. Includes at least 3 hours substance abuse and 1 hour on recognizing/reporting abuse, exploitation, trafficking or domestic violence; first renewal after endorsement may need only 15 hours. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Delaware license?
The Delaware Board of Nursing does not publish a fixed time. It depends on how fast your verification and background check arrive, so apply before you accept a start date.
Does Valorem Health help with Delaware 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.
Moving to Delaware? See what RNs get paid near you.
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The hourly pay at named employers near you, so you see who pays most.
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Your RN pay reportDelaware · pay published by hospitals, collected October 15, 2026
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- ChristianaCareNewark, DE · 73 postings$54.74/ hr$35–$67
- AccentCareNewark, DE · 3 postings$44.50/ hr$43–$48
- AmedisysBear, DE · 4 postings$44.36/ hr$40–$48
Median posted pay per hour, with the range each employer published.
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84 RN postings with published pay in Delaware, 80 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
3Open now: 84 RN roles
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Heart Failure (Part Time)Permanent$42.11–$67.37/ hour
- Registered Nurse (RN) - Electrophysiology LabPermanent$42.11–$67.37/ hour
+ 82 more in your report. Each one has pay, shift and start date.