North Dakota Nurse License Overview
Getting your North Dakota 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 North Dakota 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, North Dakota 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 | $115 | $115 |
| Renewal | $75 | $75 |
| Temporary Permit | $30 | $30 |
| Background Check | ~$39 | ~$39 |
Key Sections:
North Dakota License Renewal
- Renewal cadence: Your first North Dakota 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: North Dakota Nurse Licenses (2026)
| Feature | RN (Registered Nurse) | LVN (Vocational Nurse) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Board | North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) | North Dakota Board of Nursing (NDBON) |
| Compact Status | Yes (NLC) | Yes (NLC) |
| Background Check | Required (Fingerprinting) | Required (Fingerprinting) |
| License Verification | Via Nursys | Via Nursys |
| Education Standards | Approved nursing program | Approved nursing program |
| Application Portal | NDBON Online Portal | NDBON Online Portal |
| Criminal History | Must be disclosed and reviewed | Must be disclosed and reviewed |
| Processing Time | 2–3 weeks | 2–3 weeks |
ND Licensure by Endorsement
Process: Permanent License
- 1.
Online Application
- Submit through NDBON portal
- 2.
Verification of Licensure
- Completed through Nursys
- Official transcripts sent directly to NDBON
- 3.
Education & Documentation
- Graduation from an approved nursing program
- Transcripts (if required)
- 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
- Fingerprint-based background check required
- May be required case-by-case
- Keep your fingerprint receipt until your license has been issued
Temporary License
- 1.
Availability
- Issued case-by-case basis after application review
- Must have a pending permanent application
- 2.
Validity & Use
- Valid for up to 6 months
- Usually issued within 3–5 business days after application review
North Dakota Continuing Education Requirements
Your Guide to Continuing Education Requirements in North Dakota
Quick Reference Table
| License Type | Hours Required | First Renewal (0-2 Years) | Standard Renewal (2+ Years) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RN | 12 contact hours | First renewal may be exempt from CE requirements depending on license issue date — contact board for CE waiver information | No mandatory topics required beyond general CE — CE required |
| LPN | 12 contact hours | First renewal may be exempt from CE requirements depending on license issue date — contact board for CE waiver information | No mandatory topics required beyond general CE — CE required |
| APRN | 15 contact hours (pharmacology focus) | Must maintain current national certification | 4 hours in opioid prescribing (if prescribing) — role-specific requirements apply |
Key Notes for North Dakota
- CE requirements are 12 hours every 2 years — among the lowest in the nation for RNs/LPNs
- No mandatory topics for RNs/LPNs beyond general CE
- APRNs with prescriptive authority need 4 hours of opioid prescribing CE
- First renewal may be exempt from CE requirements depending on license issue date
- All nurses must retain CE records for 4 years in case of audit
- Each licensee is responsible for maintaining records of completion of continuing education for at least 2 renewal cycles
- North Dakota nursing licenses renew every 2 years — renewal deadlines typically fall on December 31 of even-numbered years for RNs and LPNs
- No grace period after expiration — license becomes inactive immediately; must apply for reinstatement to return to practice
- You have 1 year from the date your application is received to complete the application process
- In addition to CE hours, nurses must meet practice hour requirements: 400 hours of licensed nursing practice within the past 4 years, OR completion of nursing program within past 4 years, OR completion of board-approved refresher course
- Renewal processing is typically completed within 3–5 business days after submission
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Download CerTracker for FreeFAQs About North Dakota Nursing License
How much does a North Dakota nursing license cost?
North Dakota nursing license renewal typically costs $75 every two years for both RNs and LPNs. Initial application fee is $115 for both RNs and LPNs.
How long does it take to get a North Dakota nursing license?
Processing typically takes 2–3 weeks, depending on document submission and verification. Permanent license is issued approximately 1 week after all documents are received.
How many CE hours are required to renew a nursing license in North Dakota?
Nurses must complete 12 contact hours every two years, with higher requirements for APRNs.