Montana Nurse License Overview
Getting your Montana 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 Montana 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, Montana 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 (Exam) | $100 | $100 |
| Application by Endorsement | $200 | $200 |
| Renewal (2-year cycle) | $100 | $100 |
| Background Check | ~$30–$40 | ~$30–$40 |
Key Sections:
Montana License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first Montana 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: Montana Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | Montana Board of Nursing | Montana Board of Nursing |
| Compact Status | Yes (eNLC Member) | Yes (eNLC Member) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprint-based) | Required (Fingerprint-based) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | Montana eBiz / Board of Nursing Portal | Montana eBiz / Board of Nursing Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | Varies based on application completeness and verification | Varies based on application completeness and verification |
MT Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Application Submission
- Montana accepts both online and paper applications for RN and LPN licensure by endorsement
- Online application submission through the Montana Board of Nursing portal is recommended
- Applicants must pay the required endorsement application fee at the time of submission
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- License verification must be completed through Nursys for all states where a nursing license has been held, whether active or inactive
- If a state does not participate in Nursys, verification must be sent directly to the Montana Board of Nursing using the Board's verification form
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Applicants must graduate from an approved nursing program
- Additional education verification or transcripts may be requested if prior license verification does not confirm nursing education
- Internationally educated nurses may be required to submit credential evaluation reports from approved agencies
- 4.
Disclosure Requirements
- Applicants must disclose: criminal convictions, prior disciplinary actions, and previous professional license denial or withdrawal of application.
- Additional supporting documentation and Board review may be required depending on the disclosure.
- 5.
Background Check & Fingerprints
- Fingerprint-based criminal background checks are required for all endorsement applicants
- Applicants must first submit a licensure application before completing fingerprinting
- Fingerprints are processed through the Montana Department of Justice (MDOJ)
- Montana recommends submitting two fingerprint cards to reduce delays caused by unreadable prints
- Fingerprint processing timelines vary depending on the submission method and print quality
Montana Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in Montana
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | No CE hours currently required for renewal | No CE requirement | No CE hours currently required by the Montana BON. No mandatory CE topics required. License renews every 2 years based on odd/even licensure cycle. Nurses are still expected to maintain professional competency and comply with practice standards. |
| LPN | No CE hours currently required for renewal | No CE requirement | Same renewal structure applies as RN. No CE hours currently required by the Montana BON. |
| APRN | No general CE hours currently required by the Montana BON for renewal | Must maintain national certification applicable to APRN role | Must maintain national certification applicable to APRN role. Additional requirements may apply depending on certification type and prescriptive authority. |
Key Notes for Montana
- APRNs must still maintain national certification for renewal eligibility
- Nurses should retain professional education records even though CE submission is not routinely required
- Name or address changes should be updated promptly through the Montana licensing portal to avoid renewal or communication delays
- Applications with disciplinary history, criminal disclosures, or missing documentation may require additional Board review and longer processing times
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About Montana Nursing License
How much does a Montana nursing license cost?
Montana endorsement application costs about $200 for both RNs and LPNs. Renewal fees are approximately $100 every 2 years for both license types.
How long does it take to get a Montana nursing license?
Processing usually takes a few weeks after all required documents and fingerprint results are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in Montana?
Montana does not currently require CE hours for RN or LPN license renewal.