Oklahoma nursing license by endorsement
How a nurse licensed in another state gets a Oklahoma license by endorsement: the application fee ($85 for an RN), the steps, background check, temporary license, renewal and continuing education, with the board's own sources.
| At a glance | Oklahoma |
|---|---|
| Licensing board | Oklahoma Board of Nursing |
| Nurse Licensure Compact | Compact state |
| RN license by endorsement, application fee | $85 |
| LPN/LVN license by endorsement, application fee | $85 |
| Fingerprint background check | Required. Fingerprint-based OSBI and FBI check; instructions sent via Nurse Portal after application is submitted. |
| Nursys license verification | Accepted |
| Temporary license while you wait | Temporary license, up to 90 days. Optional $10 add-on; requires current unrestricted license elsewhere and fingerprints; not issued with arrest, charge or discipline history. |
| RN renewal cycle | Every 2 years, fee $75 |
| Continuing education per renewal | 24 contact hours. Within 2 years: 24 contact hours applicable to nursing, or 520 work hours, specialty certification, refresher course, or 6 academic credit hours; options cannot be combined. |
| Processing time, per the board | Board publishes average days by application type: endorsement from another board of nursing, 5.08 days (3rd quarter FY 2026). |
How to get your Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma without applying again. If you move your residence to Oklahoma, you apply for a Oklahoma 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 license 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 $85 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 Oklahoma
- Multistate endorsement application fee is $150 versus $85 for single-state; temporary license adds $10.
- Endorsement applicants must show continued qualifications for practice within the last 5 years (e.g., 520 work hours or 24 CE hours).
- Licenses go only to U.S. citizens, nationals, permanent residents or qualified aliens; qualified aliens present documents in person.
What RNs earn in Oklahoma
The BLS median for registered nurses in Oklahoma is $39.02 per hour, about $81,160 a year. See the full RN salary guide for Oklahoma.
| Metro area | Median / hr | Median / year |
|---|---|---|
| Lawton, OK | $40.94 | $85,150 |
| Tulsa, OK | $39.48 | $82,130 |
| Oklahoma City, OK | $38.68 | $80,460 |
| Enid, OK | $36.10 | $75,090 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS, May 2024.
RN jobs in Oklahoma · Oklahoma state guide · Nurse Licensure Compact guide · Endorsement checklist
Sources
These facts come from the Oklahoma Board of Nursing web pages below. Checked 2026-10-16.
- oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/endorseused07.pdf (endorsement application, fees, background check, Nursys verification, temporary license, state notes)
- oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/485rulesunofficialagenc (fees, renewal fee)
- oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/cqlicenserenewal.pdf (renewal, continuing education)
- oklahoma.gov/nursing/agency-data-and-reports.html (processing time)
- oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/nursing/documents/endorseMSLused.pdf (state notes)
Requirements change. Always confirm with the Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma nursing license by endorsement cost?
The Oklahoma Board of Nursing lists an application fee of $85 for an RN and $85 for an LPN/LVN. Fingerprint and vendor fees can be charged separately.
Is Oklahoma a nurse licensure compact state?
Oklahoma 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 Oklahoma while my license is processed?
The board offers a temporary license, valid up to 90 days. Optional $10 add-on; requires current unrestricted license elsewhere and fingerprints; not issued with arrest, charge or discipline history. Confirm the conditions with the board.
How much continuing education do Oklahoma nurses need?
RN renewal requires 24 contact hours of continuing education. Within 2 years: 24 contact hours applicable to nursing, or 520 work hours, specialty certification, refresher course, or 6 academic credit hours; options cannot be combined. Licenses renew every 2 years.
How long does it take to get a Oklahoma license?
The board says: Board publishes average days by application type: endorsement from another board of nursing, 5.08 days (3rd quarter FY 2026).
Does Valorem Health help with Oklahoma 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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