Idaho nursing license rules
Compact stateRN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources
Idaho is a compact state (since January 2018). If your primary state of residence is another compact state and you hold a multistate license, you can work in Idaho in person or by telehealth without a new license. If you live in Idaho, your multistate license is issued here.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years (birthdate-based 2-year licenses phased in from April 1, 2026)
- When it expires
- Licensee's birthdate; transition dates assigned by birth year (rule table still lists Aug 31 of odd years for RN)
- Renewal fee
- $70
- Continuing education
- No set number of CE hours. The state may require other proof of competence (such as practice hours or a certification) or specific courses; check the board's renewal page.
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $102
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. Temporary license $25 (rule: up to 90 days, extendable at Board discretion, on proof of good-standing license elsewhere)
- How to apply
- Apply in eDOPL portal; verify license via Nursys; employer-completed employment verification form; fingerprints (LiveScan or card), results valid 6 months.
- Renewal cycle
- Every 2 years (birthdate-based 2-year licenses phased in from April 1, 2026)
- When it expires
- Licensee's birthdate; transition dates assigned by birth year (rule table still lists Aug 31 of even years for PN)
- Renewal fee
- $70
- Continuing education
- No set number of CE hours. The state may require other proof of competence (such as practice hours or a certification) or specific courses; check the board's renewal page.
- Required CE topics
- None found on the board's pages.
- Endorsement fee
- $102
- Fingerprints for endorsement
- Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
- Temporary permit
- Available. Temporary license $25 (rule: up to 90 days, extendable at Board discretion)
- How to apply
- Same as RN: eDOPL application, Nursys verification, employment verification, fingerprints.
Moving or traveling
Moving to Idaho from another compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state within 60 days (rule effective 2024-01-02). May keep practicing on the old multistate license until the new one is issued; the old one is then deactivated. Can apply before moving.
Moving here from a non-compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new home state; a multistate license may be issued if residency and uniform requirements (incl. state and federal fingerprint background checks) are met. The old single-state license is unaffected.
Board of nursing
Idaho Board of Nursing (Division of Occupational and Professional Licenses, DOPL)
Licenses: RN, LPN
Board home · Renewal · EndorsementSources
- https://dopl.idaho.gov/bon/
- https://dopl.idaho.gov/pressrelease/big-changes-are-on-the-way-stay-informed-about-important-licensure-updates-that-may-impact-your-renewal-cycle-28/
- https://files.dfm.idaho.gov/dfm-admin-website/rules/current/24/243401.pdf
- https://legislature.idaho.gov/statutesrules/idstat/title54/t54ch14/sect54-1401/
- https://www.nursecompact.com/files/NLC_Map.pdf
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