Last Updated: April 2026
Practicing in the Hoosier State offers high mobility since Indiana participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Getting your Indiana nursing license is straightforward through the MyLicense portal, but the process has a specific sequence you must follow to avoid delays. The most common bottleneck for applicants is attempting to schedule fingerprints too early. You cannot book your appointment until the Board emails you a unique service code after they receive your initial application.
This guide provides the practical steps for managing your credentials with the Indiana State Board of Nursing. You will find specific details on the $50 endorsement fee, the state’s zero-CE renewal framework, and temporary permit eligibility.
For clinicians exploring travel assignments with Advantis, our licensing specialists provide guidance through the licensing process to reduce stress and help shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your IN license & connect you to top contracts in the state.
Our licensing specialists are your partners in navigating the complexities of state licensing so you can move forward with confidence. From understanding state requirements to submitting documentation, our team works closely with you to keep the process simple, organized, and efficient.
Indiana Government Center South Building 402 W. Washington St., Room W072 Indianapolis, IN 46204
Indiana requires a state and federal criminal background check for all new applicants. Fingerprinting is managed through IdentoGO, but the timing of this step is critical to avoid rejection.
You must wait until you receive an email titled “Indiana Licensure Application Received” before scheduling your appointment. This email contains the specific service code required to route your results to the PLA. If you submit fingerprints before receiving this code, the results will not be linked to your file, and you will be required to pay the fee and repeat the process.
Licensure by Endorsement (Single-State): $50
Licensure by Endorsement (Multistate): $75
Temporary Permit Fee: $10
Licensure by Examination: $50
RN License Renewal (Single-State): $50
RN License Renewal (Multistate): $75
Late Renewal Penalty: $50
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Indiana nursing licenses renew every two years on a synchronized schedule. All RN licenses expire at 11:59 p.m. EDT on October 31st of odd-numbered years. Indiana does not offer a grace period, and you must stop practicing immediately if your license expires.
Indiana is one of the few states that doesn’t require continuing education (CE) hours for standard RN or LPN license renewals. While you are not required to submit CE units to the Board, you are still expected to maintain professional competency within your specific area of clinical practice.
Licensure by endorsement allows nurses with an active license in another state to obtain an Indiana license without retaking the NCLEX. Because Indiana is a compact state, this process is primarily for nurses relocating to Indiana permanently or those from non-compact states.
You qualify if you hold an active, unencumbered license in another U.S. jurisdiction. If you are moving from another compact state, your previous multistate license remains valid for practice for 60 days until you establish Indiana as your primary state of residence.
Indiana offers temporary permits to help nurses start working while their permanent license is under review. Endorsement applicants must hold an active license in another state to qualify. Examination applicants may receive a permit while awaiting their NCLEX results.
Monitor your portal for any requested documentation or residency proof.
First-time RN or LPN applicants who have completed an approved nursing program and have never been licensed in any state.
Application Fee: $50
NCLEX Exam Fee: $200
Indiana’s status as a compact state allows travel nurses holding a multistate license to begin assignments immediately without a separate nursing license. Demand is high across systems such as IU Health and Ascension St. Vincent in Indianapolis, and Parkview Health in Fort Wayne.
Nurses relocating permanently must establish Indiana as their primary state of residence to maintain multistate privileges. With your licensing steps underway, you can search travel nursing jobs in Indiana in our job center to find your next contract.
Traveler Tip
The most common delay in Indiana is scheduling fingerprints too early. Wait for the official email from the PLA to get your service code; otherwise, your background check will not link to your application, and you will have to pay for a second appointment.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Indiana to find your next great assignment.
All Indiana RN licenses expire on October 31 of odd-numbered years at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. This expiration date is synchronized across the state regardless of when your individual license was first issued.
No. You must wait until after you submit your application and receive the email titled Indiana Licensure Application Received. That email contains a unique service code required to schedule your IdentoGO appointment; fingerprints submitted without this code will be rejected.
Yes. Indiana is an active member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). This allows nurses holding a valid multistate license from another compact state to practice in Indiana without applying for a separate state license.
Indiana charges $50 for a single-state license and $75 for a multistate license. This fee structure applies to applications for licensure by endorsement, licensure by examination, and biennial renewals.
A temporary permit for endorsement applicants is valid for 90 days. For examination applicants awaiting NCLEX results, the permit can be valid for up to 6 months. These permits cannot be renewed or extended.
To obtain an Indiana multistate license, you must establish Indiana as your Primary State of Residence (PSOR). You are required to submit proof of residency, such as a W-2, Indiana driver's license, or voter registration, through the MyLicense portal.
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