Minnesota nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Minnesota license by endorsement: the application fee ($105 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Not in the compact |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $105 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $105 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. State (BCA) and FBI fingerprint-based check required for endorsement; exempt if already done for a license from the same board. |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 60 days. Nonrenewable; for endorsement applicants currently licensed in another state; valid until board action or 60 days, whichever is first. |
How to get your Minnesota license, step by step
- Plan for endorsement. Minnesota is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact as of October 15, 2026. A nurse licensed elsewhere applies to the Minnesota 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.
- 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 permit valid up to 60 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 $105 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 Minnesota
- Licenses of residents of Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin are recognized as a licensure privilege to practice in Minnesota (border state reciprocity).
- Nurses practicing without current registration pay a penalty of twice the renewal fee for the first month.
What RNs earn in Minnesota
The BLS median for registered nurses in Minnesota is $48.50 per hour, about $100,870 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Minnesota.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| St. Cloud, MN | $49.95 | $103,890 |
| Mankato, MN | $49.52 | $103,000 |
| Rochester, MN | $49.32 | $102,580 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $49.16 | $102,240 |
| Duluth, MN-WI | $40.03 | $83,270 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Minnesota · Minnesota state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Minnesota Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/148.211 (endorsement application)
- revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/148.212 (temporary license)
- revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/148.243 (fees)
- revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/214.075 (background check)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Minnesota 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 Minnesota nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Minnesota Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $105 for an RN and $105 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Minnesota a nurse licensure compact state?
Minnesota 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 Minnesota while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 60 days. Nonrenewable; for endorsement applicants currently licensed in another state; valid until board action or 60 days, whichever is first. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How long does it take to get a Minnesota license?
The Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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 reportMinnesota · pay published by hospitals, collected October 15, 2026
1Pay for your role at other hospitals
- Fairview Health ServicesMinneapolis, MN · 89 postings$59.50/ hr$35–$76
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