Illinois nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Illinois license by endorsement: the application fee ($50 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Illinois |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Board of Nursing) |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Not in the compact |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $50 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $50 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Proof of fingerprint submission required; fingerprints taken by an IDFPR-licensed vendor (vendor fee paid separately). |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit. Valid six months or until license issued or denial notice; $25 fee; requires a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years |
| Continuing education per renewal | 20 contact hours. Includes 1 hour implicit bias and 1 hour sexual harassment prevention training; 1 hour dementia course if treating adults 26+. First Illinois renewal exempt. |
How to get your Illinois license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Illinois is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Board of Nursing) for licensure by endorsement before working here, even with a multistate license.
- 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 while the application is processed. Check the conditions before you plan a start date.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $50 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 Illinois
- Nurses working with children must complete mandated reporter training at least every 6 years.
- Verification of licensure required from original state, current state, and any jurisdiction practiced in within last 5 years.
- RN licenses expire May 31 of even years; LPN licenses expire in January of odd years.
What RNs earn in Illinois
The BLS median for registered nurses in Illinois is $41.54 per hour, about $86,410 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Illinois.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $46.38 | $96,480 |
| Peoria, IL | $40.72 | $84,690 |
| Decatur, IL | $40.44 | $84,120 |
| Kankakee, IL | $39.96 | $83,110 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | $39.40 | $81,960 |
| Springfield, IL | $39.27 | $81,680 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Illinois · Illinois state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Board of Nursing) web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/renewals/apply/forms/RN-EN.pdf (fees, background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, state notes)
- idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/online/(043)%20Licensed% (fees)
- idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/forms/online/-041-registered-n (background check)
- idfpr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/idfpr/faq/dpr/rn-ce-faqs.pdf (renewal, continuing education, state notes)
- nursing.illinois.gov/nursing-licensure/continuing-education.html (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (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 Illinois nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (Board of Nursing) lists an application fee of $50 for an RN and $50 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Illinois a nurse licensure compact state?
Illinois is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A license by endorsement is the route for nurses licensed elsewhere.
Can I work in Illinois while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit. Valid six months or until license issued or denial notice; $25 fee; requires a current license in another U.S. jurisdiction. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Illinois nurses need?
RN renewal requires 20 contact hours of continuing education. Includes 1 hour implicit bias and 1 hour sexual harassment prevention training; 1 hour dementia course if treating adults 26+. First Illinois renewal exempt. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Illinois license?
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (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 Illinois 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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