Illinois Nursing
License Requirements &
Renewal Guide
Illinois Nurse License Overview
Getting your Illinois 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 Illinois 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, Illinois 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 | $50.00 | $50.00 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | ~$25.00 | ~$25.00 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $80.00 | $80.00 |
| Background Check | ~$30–$60 | ~$30–$60 |
Key Sections:
Illinois License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Illinois 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: Illinois Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) |
| Compact Status | No | No |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Required |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | IDFPR Online Portal | IDFPR Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 2–4 weeks | 2–4 weeks |
IL Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the IDFPR portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Manual verification required if needed
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Proof of graduation
- Transcripts (if required)
- Additional documents for foreign graduates
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions and criminal convictions.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprinting required
- Must submit proof during application
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Yes (Temporary Permit) — issued on a case-by-case basis
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid up to 6 months
- Allows practice while application is processed
- 3.
Background Check Requirement
- Application submitted
- Background check initiated
Illinois Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Illinois
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 20 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal (depending on timing of licensure) | 20 contact hours — must include 1 hr Implicit Bias + 1 hr Sexual Harassment Prevention every cycle |
| LPN | 20 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal (depending on timing of licensure) | 20 contact hours — must include 1 hr Implicit Bias + 1 hr Sexual Harassment Prevention every cycle |
| APRN | 80 contact hours | CE may be waived for first renewal (depending on timing of licensure) | 80 contact hours — must include 1 hr Implicit Bias + 1 hr Sexual Harassment Prevention + 20 hrs pharmacotherapeutics + 10 hrs opioid/substance abuse |
Mandatory CE Requirements (Each Renewal Cycle)
Illinois requires all nurses to complete specific mandatory trainings included within their total CE hours. These are not additional hours — they must be completed as part of the standard 20-hour requirement.
Required Mandatory Trainings
- 1 Hour: Implicit Bias (required every cycle for all license types)
- 1 Hour: Sexual Harassment Prevention (required every cycle for all license types)
- Alzheimer's training (1 hour) — required only for nurses caring for patients aged 26+
- Mandated Reporter training — required every 6 years for nurses working with children
- 3 Hours: Opioid prescribing CE — required for nurses with controlled substance privileges
- APRN only: 20 hrs pharmacotherapeutics + 10 hrs opioid/substance abuse + up to 30 hrs from teaching/research + additional role-based requirements
Key Notes for Illinois
- CE requirements must be completed every 2-year renewal cycle
- Mandatory trainings are included within total CE hours (not additional)
- APRN requirements are more advanced and include pharmacology and specialty-based learning
- First renewal may be exempt from CE requirements depending on license issue date
- All nurses must retain CE records in case of audit by the state
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Illinois Nursing License
How much does an Illinois nursing license cost?
Illinois nursing license renewal typically costs $80 every two years for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get an Illinois nursing license?
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on document submission and verification.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Illinois?
Nurses must complete 20 contact hours every two years, with higher requirements for APRNs.