RN Warehouse

Illinois nursing license rules

Not in the compact

RN and LPN · Last checked October 29, 2026 · Sources

Illinois is not in the Nurse Licensure Compact. To work here, including travel contracts and telehealth to patients in Illinois, you need a Illinois license. A multistate license from another state does not cover it.

RN renewalEvery 2 years
RN CE hours per cycle20
RN endorsement fee$50
Renewal cycle
Every 2 years
When it expires
May 31 of even-numbered years
Renewal fee
$80
Continuing education
20 contact hours per renewal cycle
Required CE topics
  • Sexual harassment prevention (1)
  • Implicit bias awareness (1)
  • Cultural competency (1, once every 6 years)
  • Alzheimer's disease and other dementias (1, if direct care of adults 26+)
  • Mandated reporter training (every 6 years, if working with children)
Endorsement fee
$50
Fingerprints for endorsement
Yes, a criminal background check with fingerprints
Temporary permit
Available. $25 temporary endorsement permit, issued within 14 days of complete application, valid up to 6 months
How to apply
Verify licensure from original, current and other practice jurisdictions; Nursys disciplinary check; fingerprints via Illinois Livescan vendor taken within 60 days before applying.

Moving or traveling

Moving to Illinois from a compact state? Apply by endorsement in the new state and notify the former board; the former multistate license converts to single-state.

Travel nurses on a temporary contract keep their home state; see how the compact works.

Check another state

Board of nursing

Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Division of Professional Regulation - Board of Nursing

Licenses: RN, LPN

Board home · Renewal · Endorsement · CE rules
This page summarizes Illinois's rules from the board's own pages as of October 29, 2026. Fees and rules change, so confirm with the board before you apply or renew. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected].

Sources