Last Updated: April 2026
Practicing in Idaho is seamless for nurses, especially since the state participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact. Getting your Idaho nursing license can be a quick process, but the most common bottleneck occurs during background checks.Â
This guide provides everything you need to manage your credentials through the Idaho Board of Nursing, specific details on licensing fees, mandatory fingerprinting ORI codes, temporary permit rules, and the renewal timeline. Following these steps helps you navigate the online portal and avoid errors that delay assignments.Â
As a dedicated service for clinicians taking future assignments with Advantis Medical, our licensing experts provide 1-on-1 support to reduce stress and shorten processing times.
We’ll help you quickly get your ID license & connect you to top contracts in the state.Â
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.
Idaho Board of Nursing 11341 W Chinden Blvd, Building 4 Boise, ID 83714Â
Idaho requires a state and federal criminal background check for all applicants through the Idaho State Police and the FBI. Applicants can complete this requirement via electronic LiveScan locations or by submitting hard FD-258 fingerprint cards.Â
Licensure by Endorsement: $102Â
Licensure by Examination: $102Â
RN License Renewal: $70Â
Temporary Permit Fee: $25Â
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
Idaho RN licenses currently expire on August 31st of odd-numbered years. The state operates on a two-year biennial renewal cycle. Idaho offers no grace period; practicing with an expired license is strictly prohibited.Â
Idaho does not require continuing education hours for standard RN or LPN license renewals. The state eliminated several prescriptive CE rules during recent zero-based regulation updates, shifting toward broader professional competency standards.Â
Licensure by endorsement allows nurses who hold an active license in another state to obtain an Idaho license without retaking the NCLEX. If you are establishing residency in Idaho or moving from a non-compact state, you must apply for endorsement.Â
You qualify if you hold an active, unencumbered RN or LPN license in another U.S. jurisdiction and meet Idaho’s background check standards. The Board aims to complete its final review within five business days once all required documentation is received.Â
Idaho offers temporary licenses that allow nurses to begin working while their permanent license application is processed.Â
Out-of- State:Â
Track your application status until the permanent license is issued.Â
This pathway applies to graduates of approved nursing programs who have not previously held a nursing license in another jurisdiction and must take the NCLEX exam.
Application Fee:Â $102
NCLEX Exam Fee:Â $200Â
Idaho’s participation in the Nurse Licensure Compact makes it highly traveler-friendly, allowing clinicians holding a multistate license to begin working immediately without applying for a separate nursing license. Demand for travel nurses remains consistently high across major healthcare hubs, including St. Luke’s Health System and Saint Alphonsus Health System in Boise, Kootenai Health in Coeur d’Alene, and Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center in Idaho Falls.Â
Nurses who plan to relocate to Idaho permanently must apply for a new multistate license and establish residency within a 60-day window. Fortunately, Idaho offers an inexpensive temporary permit and rapid processing times to bridge the gap. With your licensing plan in place, you can find assignments that match your experience by exploring travel nursing jobs in Idaho.Â
Pro Tip: The most common delay for Idaho applicants is submitting fingerprint cards with blank or incorrect routing fields. Always verify that your ORI code (ID920220Z) and Reason Fingerprinted code (IDC-54-1401 License) are entered exactly as required to avoid an immediate rejection.
Explore our travel nurse jobs in Idaho to find your next great assignment.
Yes. Idaho participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing nurses with a multistate license from another compact state to practice in Idaho without applying for a separate license.
Idaho RN licenses currently expire August 31 of odd-numbered years. The state is transitioning toward a birthday-based expiration structure for future cycles.
No. Idaho does not currently require continuing education hours for standard RN or LPN license renewal under its updated zero-based regulation guidelines.
Final license review occurs within 5 business days after all required documentation and background checks are received by the Board.
An Idaho temporary nursing permit is valid for up to 90 days, costs $25, and cannot be renewed.
The application fee for both licensure by endorsement and examination is $102. The biennial renewal fee is $70, and fingerprint processing costs an additional $32.Â
Advantis Medical helps you leverage your license with 4,000+ high-paying travel nurse jobs & fast starts —trusted by thousands and backed by 700+ 5-star reviews.
