North Dakota nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a North Dakota license by endorsement: the application fee ($150 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | North Dakota |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | North Dakota Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $150 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Criminal history record check with fingerprint cards through the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation; results from other agencies not accepted. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary permit, up to 90 days. Single-state, nonrenewable; issued after application, transcript and license verifications are received; background check need not be complete. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $140 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 12 contact hours. 12 contact hours in the preceding 2 years, plus 400 practice hours in the preceding 4 years; no CE needed at first renewal after exam licensure. |
How to get your North Dakota 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 North Dakota without applying again. If you move your residence to North Dakota, you apply for a North Dakota 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 $150 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 North Dakota
- U.S. Social Security number required (NDCC 43-50-02); ITIN not accepted.
- Endorsement requires 400 nursing practice hours in last 4 years, or recent graduation or board-approved refresher course.
- Initial endorsement licenses expire December 31 of the following year.
What RNs earn in North Dakota
The BLS median for registered nurses in North Dakota is $37.62 per hour, about $78,260 a year. See the full RN salary guide for North Dakota.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Fargo, ND-MN | $37.98 | $78,990 |
| Minot, ND | $37.65 | $78,310 |
| Bismarck, ND | $37.52 | $78,040 |
| Grand Forks, ND-MN | $36.80 | $76,550 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in North Dakota · North Dakota state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the North Dakota Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/54-02-06.pdf (fees)
- ndbon.org/licensing/endorsement/endorsement-us-educated/ (background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, state notes)
- ndbon.org/licensing/endorsement/endorsement-faq/ (temporary license)
- ndlegis.gov/information/acdata/pdf/54-02-05.pdf (renewal)
- ndbon.org/licensing/renewal/nursing-renewal/ (renewal fee, continuing education)
- ndbon.org/licensing/renewal/ce/ (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the North Dakota 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 North Dakota nursing license by endorsement cost?
The North Dakota Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $150 for an RN and $150 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is North Dakota a nurse licensure compact state?
North Dakota 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 North Dakota while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary permit, valid up to 90 days. Single-state, nonrenewable; issued after application, transcript and license verifications are received; background check need not be complete. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do North Dakota nurses need?
RN renewal requires 12 contact hours of continuing education. 12 contact hours in the preceding 2 years, plus 400 practice hours in the preceding 4 years; no CE needed at first renewal after exam licensure. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a North Dakota license?
The North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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 reportNorth Dakota · pay published by employers and employer-reported wage offers in federal filings
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