Kansas nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Kansas license by endorsement: the application fee ($100 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Kansas |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Kansas State Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $100 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $75 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprints and $57 KBI background check fee submitted to KSBN; new fingerprints required for every multi-state application. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $85 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 30 contact hours. 30 contact hours from approved providers; not required if license expires within 9 months after endorsement or reinstatement. |
How to get your Kansas 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 Kansas without applying again. If you move your residence to Kansas, you apply for a Kansas 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.
- Pay the fee and send documents. The application fee is $100 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 Kansas
- Single-state license application fee: $100 RN, $75 LPN; multi-state license application fee is $125 for both.
- Applications awaiting documentation stay active for 6 months, then a new application and fee are required.
- Proof of a Kansas driver's license is required for multi-state applications.
What RNs earn in Kansas
The BLS median for registered nurses in Kansas is $37.53 per hour, about $78,060 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Kansas.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Lawrence, KS | $38.23 | $79,510 |
| Topeka, KS | $37.92 | $78,870 |
| Manhattan, KS | $37.29 | $77,570 |
| Wichita, KS | $35.48 | $73,790 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Kansas · Kansas state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Kansas State Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- ksbn.kansas.gov/fees/ (fees, background check, renewal, renewal fee)
- ksbn.kansas.gov/endorsement-application/ (background check, state notes)
- ksbn.kansas.gov/cnes/ (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Kansas 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 Kansas nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Kansas State Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $100 for an RN and $75 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Kansas a nurse licensure compact state?
Kansas is in the Nurse Licensure Compact. A nurse whose home state is also a compact state can practice here on a multistate license.
How much continuing education do Kansas nurses need?
RN renewal requires 30 contact hours of continuing education. 30 contact hours from approved providers; not required if license expires within 9 months after endorsement or reinstatement. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Kansas license?
The Kansas 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 Kansas 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 reportKansas · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
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- Veterans Health AdministrationTopeka, KS · 4 postings$50.03/ hr$34–$66
- Lawrence Memorial HospitalLawrence, KS · 2 wage offers$41.82/ hr$41–$42
- CommonSpirit HealthGarden City, KS · 9 postings$39.14/ hr$28–$52
- Lifeline Nursing Solutions, LLCKansas City, KS · 3 wage offers$36.62/ hr$37–$37
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