Indiana nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Indiana 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 | Indiana |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Indiana State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $50 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $50 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. National criminal background check required for initial licensure; submit after application is received; vendor fee paid separately. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 90 days. Requires active license elsewhere and pending endorsement application; $10 fee; Board may extend up to 90 more days. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $50 |
| Continuing education per renewal | None required |
How to get your Indiana 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 Indiana without applying again. If you move your residence to Indiana, you apply for a Indiana 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 $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 Indiana
- Verification required from every state or territory where you hold or ever held a nursing license, active or not.
- Other health licenses and certificates held (CNA, EMT, LPN when applying for RN) must also be verified.
- Application is abandoned if requirements are not completed within one year of filing.
What RNs earn in Indiana
The BLS median for registered nurses in Indiana is $38.82 per hour, about $80,740 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Indiana.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| South Bend-Mishawaka, IN-MI | $41.18 | $85,660 |
| Kokomo, IN | $40.81 | $84,880 |
| Elkhart-Goshen, IN | $39.16 | $81,450 |
| Indianapolis-Carmel-Greenwood, IN | $39.09 | $81,310 |
| Michigan City-La Porte, IN | $38.21 | $79,470 |
| Terre Haute, IN | $38.05 | $79,140 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Indiana · Indiana state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Indiana State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- in.gov/pla/professions/nursing-home/nursing-licensing-information/ (fees, Nursys verification, temporary license, renewal, renewal fee, continuing education, state notes)
- in.gov/pla/professions/criminal-background-checks/ (background check)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Indiana State 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 Indiana nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Indiana State 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 Indiana a nurse licensure compact state?
Indiana 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 Indiana while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 90 days. Requires active license elsewhere and pending endorsement application; $10 fee; Board may extend up to 90 more days. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Indiana nurses need?
The board does not require continuing education hours for RN renewal. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Indiana license?
The Indiana State 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 Indiana 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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