Idaho Nurse License Overview
Getting your Idaho nursing license can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be.
Whether you're applying for the first time, endorsing from another state, or renewing your license, this guide covers everything you need to know—requirements, fees, timelines, and continuing education.
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How long does it take to get a Idaho Nursing License?
Permanent License
RN (BRN): Approximately 10–12 weeks once all materials (transcripts, fingerprints, and verification) are received.
LVN (BVNPT): Currently faster, averaging 3–4 weeks for endorsement applications as of early 2026.
Temporary License
RN (BRN): Yes. Valid for 6 months. It takes approximately 2–3 weeks to issue, but only after your fingerprints (Live Scan or Hard Card) have been processed by the DOJ and FBI.
LVN (BVNPT): No. Unlike RNs, Idaho does not currently offer a temporary license for LVNs/LPNs coming from out of state. However, they do offer an Interim Permit ($50) for new graduates waiting to take the NCLEX-PN.
Board of Nursing
FEES
Fees Breakdown
Detailed overview of applicable fees and charges
| Item | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Application (Endorsement) | $90–$120 | $90–$120 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $65 | ~$65 |
| Temporary Permit | $25 | $25 |
| Background Check | $50 | ~$50 |
Key Sections:
Idaho License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Idaho RN or LPN license is issued for two birthdays, not two years. It will expire on the last day of the month following your birth date. From that date forward, the license expires every two years if renewed timely.
- RN Renewal fee: $190.00 Note: If you have prescriptive authority, an additional $30.00 CURES fee is assessed, bringing the total to $220.00.
- LPN Renewal fee: $305.00
- Late fee: If renewed after the expiration date, a delinquent fee is added (+$90 for RNs / +$150 for LPNs).
Required contact hours:
- Standard Requirement: 30 contact hours every two years.
- First-Time Renewal: While the 30-hour requirement is generally waived for your very first renewal, you are now required to complete 1 hour of Implicit Bias training within the first two years of licensure per California AB 1407.
Renewal Process:
- Renewal of your license is done exclusively online through the BreEZesystem. It is highly recommended to renew at least 4–8 weeks before your expiration date to ensure your "Active" status updates in the system.
Working Status:
- You may work while your license renewal is pending, provided that the renewal fee and all requirements (including the mandatory implicit bias hour for first-timers) were submitted on or before the expiration date.
- Important Note:Most employers verify status via the online DCA search. If your license reaches its expiration date without the Board processing the renewal, your status will show as "Delinquent," which may prevent you from being scheduled for shifts.
Important Things to Know: Idaho Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Idaho Board of Nursing | Idaho Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC State) | Yes (NLC State) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Idaho Online Licensing Portal | Idaho Online Licensing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
ID Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Apply via Idaho licensing portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification via Nursys
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions, criminal convictions, and active RN/LPN license in another U.S. state.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Required
- Fingerprint-based background check
- Proof of residency (for multistate license eligibility)
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available for endorsement applicants
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid for up to 90 days or until permanent license is issued
- Allows you to start working while waiting for approval
Idaho Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Idaho
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No fixed CE hours required | No fixed CE hour requirement for first renewal | No fixed CE hours required. Renewal is competency-based and may be met through practice, education, or certification. |
| LPN | No fixed CE hours required | No fixed CE hour requirement for first renewal | No fixed CE hours required. Renewal is competency-based and may be met through practice, education, or certification. |
| APRN | CE required (varies) | Requirements may vary based on certification timing and prescriptive authority | Continuing education requirements vary, with pharmacology education applying to prescribers and national certification expected for APRN practice. |
Key Notes for Idaho
- Idaho is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC)
- Licenses must be renewed every 2 years
- Uses a competency-based renewal system (not CE-only)
- Nurses must demonstrate continued competency, which can include: Practice hours, Continuing education, National certification
- Temporary permits are available
- Background check (fingerprinting) is required
- CE/competency records must be kept for at least 4 years
- APRNs require pharmacology-related CE for prescribing
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Idaho Nursing License
How much does a Idaho nursing license cost?
The cost is typically $90–$120 for application, with ~$65 for renewal and a small fee for temporary permits.
How long does it take to get a Idaho nursing license?
It usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly all documents are submitted.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Idaho?
Idaho does not require a fixed number of CE hours. Instead, nurses must demonstrate continued competency through practice, education, or certification.