Ohio nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Ohio license by endorsement: the application fee ($75 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Ohio |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Ohio Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $75 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $75 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Ohio law requires every applicant for a license to submit fingerprints for criminal record checks by Ohio BCI and the FBI (ORC 4723.091). |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Nonrenewable temporary permit, up to 180 days. Board may issue to RN/LPN endorsement applicants holding a current, valid license elsewhere; expires 180 days after issue or on licensure, and ends automatically if the criminal records check disqualifies the applicant. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $65 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 24 contact hours. 24 contact hours per two-year renewal, at least 1 hour Category A (Ohio nursing law and rules); none for the first renewal after licensure by exam; a nurse licensed by endorsement for one year or less needs 12 hours. Endorsement applicants also need 2 Category A hours before licensure. |
How to get your Ohio 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 Ohio without applying again. If you move your residence to Ohio, you apply for a Ohio 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 nonrenewable temporary permit valid up to 180 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 $75 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 Ohio
- RN licenses renew in odd-numbered years and LPN licenses in even-numbered years, due September 15; unrenewed licenses lapse after October 31.
- Ohio also charges a $3.50 state transaction fee per application; single-state renewal is $65 and rises to $115 from Sept 16-Oct 31 (multistate renewal is $75).
- Verification for endorsement is requested through Nursys ($30 fee) and sent to Ohio.
What RNs earn in Ohio
The BLS median for registered nurses in Ohio is $39.06 per hour, about $81,250 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Ohio.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Sandusky, OH | $39.93 | $83,060 |
| Columbus, OH | $39.67 | $82,520 |
| Cleveland, OH | $39.41 | $81,970 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $39.32 | $81,790 |
| Akron, OH | $39.19 | $81,520 |
| Dayton-Kettering-Beavercreek, OH | $38.94 | $80,990 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Ohio · Ohio state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Ohio Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-and-certification/licensing-forms-and-guidelines/ (endorsement application)
- nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-and-certification/fees (fees)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4723.08 (fees)
- nursing.ohio.gov/licensing-and-certification/background-check (background check)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4723.091 (background check)
- nursing.ohio.gov/page/tkyzHbl_BWMMzFs3ckTVc (Nursys verification)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4723-7-05 (temporary license)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4723-7-06 (temporary license)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-revised-code/section-4723.24 (renewal)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4723-7-09 (state notes)
- codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/rule-4723-14-03 (continuing education)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Ohio 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 Ohio nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Ohio Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $75 for an RN and $75 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Ohio a nurse licensure compact state?
Ohio 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 Ohio while my license is processed?
The board offers a nonrenewable temporary permit, valid up to 180 days. Board may issue to RN/LPN endorsement applicants holding a current, valid license elsewhere; expires 180 days after issue or on licensure, and ends automatically if the criminal records check disqualifies the applicant. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Ohio nurses need?
RN renewal requires 24 contact hours of continuing education. 24 contact hours per two-year renewal, at least 1 hour Category A (Ohio nursing law and rules); none for the first renewal after licensure by exam; a nurse licensed by endorsement for one year or less needs 12 hours. Endorsement applicants also need 2 Category A hours before licensure. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Ohio license?
The Ohio 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 Ohio 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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