Indiana Nurse License Overview
Getting your Indiana 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 Indiana 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, Indiana 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:
Indiana License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Indiana 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: Indiana Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency | Indiana Professional Licensing Agency |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC member state) | Yes (eNLC member state) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | PLA Online Portal | PLA Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed | Must be disclosed |
| Processing Time | 3–6 weeks | 3–6 weeks |
IN Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Indiana PLA Online Services portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Complete license verification through Nursys
- Provide manual verification if your original board does not participate
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduate from an approved nursing program
- Submit any supporting identity or education documents requested by the board
- 4.
Disclosure of Discipline
- Applicants must disclose any prior disciplinary actions or criminal history.
- Supporting documentation is required, and applications are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background check required
- Follow Indiana-approved instructions for completing fingerprinting
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Available on a limited basis depending on application status and board approval
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Used in limited circumstances while full review is pending
- Applicants should confirm eligibility directly with the Indiana board
Indiana Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Indiana
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No CE required for renewal | No fixed CE requirement for first renewal | No fixed CE hours required. Renewal is competency-based and may rely on practice or other board-accepted compliance methods. |
| LPN | No CE required for renewal | No fixed CE requirement for first renewal | No fixed CE hours required. Renewal is competency-based and may rely on practice or other board-accepted compliance methods. |
| APRN | 30 hours | Requirements may vary based on prescriptive authority and certification timing | 30 contact hours, including 8 pharmacology hours when prescriptive authority applies. National certification and additional APRN requirements may also apply. |
Key Notes for Indiana
- Indiana is part of the eNLC for eligible multistate practice
- Renewal cycle: every 2 years
- No CE required for RN/LPN renewal
- Temporary permits are limited
- Background check (fingerprinting) is required
- APRNs require CE + pharmacology
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How much does a Indiana nursing license cost?
The cost is typically $50–$100 for application, with ~$65 for renewal and a small fee for temporary permits.
How long does it take to get a Indiana nursing license?
It takes 3–6 weeks, depending on how quickly all documents are submitted.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Indiana?
Indiana does not set a fixed CE hour requirement for RN or LPN renewal, though APRNs may have additional continuing education and pharmacology requirements.