Idaho nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Idaho license by endorsement: the application fee ($70 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Idaho |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Idaho Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $70 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $70 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Listed $102 endorsement fee includes a $32 fingerprint processing fee; results valid up to 6 months. |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license, up to 90 days. May be issued to endorsement applicants with a current, good-standing license elsewhere; $25 fee; extendable at Board discretion. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $70 |
| Processing time, per the board | Once all documents are received, final review takes up to 5 business days. |
How to get your Idaho 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 Idaho without applying again. If you move your residence to Idaho, you apply for a Idaho license as your new home state.
- Start the application on the board's site. Use the board's licensure by endorsement page.
- Send license verification. Ask each state where you are or were licensed to verify your license to the board. Follow the board's instructions for how it wants to receive it.
- 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 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 $70 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 Idaho
- Applications and fees remain valid for one year from submittal.
- Starting April 1, 2026, DOPL is moving nursing licenses to 2-year terms expiring on the licensee's birthday.
What RNs earn in Idaho
The BLS median for registered nurses in Idaho is $41.39 per hour, about $86,100 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Idaho.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Coeur d'Alene, ID | $45.61 | $94,870 |
| Boise City, ID | $45.11 | $93,830 |
| Lewiston, ID-WA | $40.54 | $84,310 |
| Twin Falls, ID | $38.92 | $80,950 |
| Idaho Falls, ID | $37.92 | $78,880 |
| Pocatello, ID | $37.60 | $78,220 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Idaho · Idaho state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Idaho Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- dopl.idaho.gov/bon/ (fees, background check, renewal fee, processing time)
- legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title54/T54CH14/SECT54-1401/ (background check)
- adminrules.idaho.gov/rules/current/24/243401.pdf (endorsement application, temporary license)
- legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/Title54/T54CH14/SECT54-1411/ (renewal)
- dopl.idaho.gov/pressrelease/big-changes-are-on-the-way-stay-informed-about (state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Idaho 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 Idaho nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Idaho Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $70 for an RN and $70 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Idaho a nurse licensure compact state?
Idaho 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 Idaho while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license, valid up to 90 days. May be issued to endorsement applicants with a current, good-standing license elsewhere; $25 fee; extendable at Board discretion. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Idaho license?
The board says: Once all documents are received, final review takes up to 5 business days.
Does Valorem Health help with Idaho 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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Your RN pay reportIdaho · employer-reported wage offers in federal filings, July 2025 – June 2026
1Pay for your role at other employers
- Idaho Healthcare InstituteIdaho · 1 wage offer$50.00/ hr$50–$50
- Idaho Healthcare InstituteIdaho Falls, ID · 5 wage offers$35.88/ hr$34–$41
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- Idaho Falls Community HospitalIdaho Falls, ID · 4 wage offers$32.69/ hr$30–$37
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3 RN postings with published pay in Idaho, 3 of them posted in the last 30 days. Month-by-month history by employer comes with your full report.
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