Minnesota Nurse License Overview
Getting your Minnesota 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 Minnesota 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, Minnesota 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 / Endorsement Application | $105 | $105 |
| Temporary Practice Permit | Available (no separate BON-listed fee) | Available (no separate BON-listed fee) |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $85 | $85 |
| Background Check | ~$32 | ~$32 |
Key Sections:
Minnesota License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Minnesota 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: Minnesota Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Minnesota Board of Nursing | Minnesota Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Required (Criminal Background Check with fingerprinting) | Required (Criminal Background Check with fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Board-approved or equivalent nursing program | Board-approved practical nursing program |
| Application Portal | Minnesota Board of Nursing Online Services | Minnesota Board of Nursing Online Services |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review | Must be disclosed; subject to Board review |
| Processing Time | Varies (typically 5–10 business days after all requirements are met) | Varies (typically 5–10 business days after all requirements are met) |
MN Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit your application through the Minnesota Board of Nursing online portal
- Pay the required application fee
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Request license verification via Nursys from your original state of licensure
- If your state does not participate in Nursys, submit manual verification
- 3.
Employment Verification
- If you have practiced as a nurse, you may be required to submit verification of employment from your most recent employer
- 4.
Background Check & Fingerprinting
- Complete a criminal background check with fingerprinting
- Follow instructions provided by the Board to complete fingerprinting
- 5.
Education & Additional Requirements
- Provide proof of graduation from a Board-approved or equivalent nursing program
- Additional requirements may apply if you have not practiced recently (e.g., refresher course or continuing education)
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- A temporary (provisional) permit may be requested during application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid for 60 days
- Non-renewable
Minnesota Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Minnesota
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 24 contact hours | Must complete CE within the renewal period | 24 contact hours every 2 years. CE must be relevant to nursing practice. Must complete CE within the renewal period and retain proof for audit. CE is not submitted unless audited. |
| LPN | 12 contact hours | Must complete CE within the renewal period | 12 contact hours every 2 years. CE must be relevant to practical nursing practice. Must complete CE within the renewal period and retain proof for audit. CE is not submitted unless audited. |
| APRN | Varies by certification and role | Must maintain national certification | Must meet CE and practice requirements set by certifying body. |
Key Notes for Minnesota
- Continuing education is audit-based, you are not required to submit CE during renewal, but you must retain proof in case of audit
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Minnesota Nursing License
How much does a Minnesota nursing license cost?
Endorsement costs about $105, while renewal fees are typically around $85 for RNs and LPNs, excluding background check costs.
How long does it take to get a Minnesota nursing license?
Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks, depending on how quickly verification and background check results are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Minnesota?
RNs must complete 24 CE hours, and LPNs must complete 12 CE hours every two years.