Last Updated: April 2026
The Delaware nursing license process is centralized through a single online system that manages most licensing activity for the state. The Delaware Board of Nursing, operating under the Division of Professional Regulation, oversees applications, renewals, and documentation through the Delaware Professional Regulation Online Services portal (DELPROS). Most nurses interact with DELPROS at every stage of the licensing lifecycle.Â
Delaware is a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses who hold an active multistate license from another compact state may practice in Delaware without applying for a separate license if their primary state of residence remains in that state. Nurses relocating to Delaware must apply for a Delaware nursing license through the Board. This guide explains renewal requirements, endorsement steps, fees, and common issues that can slow the licensing process.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 DE 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.
Delaware Board of NursingÂ
861 Silver Lake Boulevard, Suite 203Â
Dover, Delaware 19904Â
Delaware requires a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprinting for new applicants.Â
Fingerprinting must be completed through approved vendor locations before a license can be issued. Background check processing is one of the steps that most often slows application approval.Â
RN / LPN Licensure by Examination: $156Â
RN / LPN Licensure by Endorsement: $156
RN License Renewal: $135Â
RN License Reinstatement: $180
Fees vary and are subject to change. Always verify the most current pricing directly with the Board of Nursing.
All Delaware RN licenses expire February 28 or February 29 of odd-numbered years.Â
Renewal must be completed before the expiration deadline to maintain an active license.Â
To renew a Delaware nursing license, nurses must:Â
Delaware requires 30 continuing education contact hours every two years.Â
Within those 30 hours, nurses must complete:Â
Licensure by endorsement allows nurses who hold an active license in another U.S. state to obtain a Delaware nursing license without retaking the NCLEX examination.Â
You can apply for a Delaware nursing license by endorsement if you hold an active license in another state.
Since Delaware is part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), nurses moving from another compact state must apply for a Delaware license within 60 days of making Delaware their Primary State of Residence (PSOR). If you keep your legal residency in another compact state and hold a multistate license, you can practice in Delaware without applying for a new license.
The Delaware Board of Nursing may issue temporary permits to endorsement applicants while the full license application is under review.Â
Applications are reviewed once all required materials are received through the DELPROS system.Â
This pathway applies to graduates of approved nursing education programs who have not previously held a nursing license.Â
Application Fee:Â $156
NCLEX Exam Fee:Â $200Â
Travel nurses frequently accept assignments in Delaware’s largest healthcare systems, including ChristianaCare, Bayhealth Medical Center, and Nemours Children’s Health, with major clinical hubs located in Wilmington, Newark, Dover, and Middletown.Â
Because Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact, nurses who hold an active multistate license from another compact state can usually begin working without applying for a separate Delaware license. Nurses establishing Delaware as their primary state of residence must apply for licensure through DELPROS before accepting assignments. Once your licensing is in place, browse our travel nursing jobs in Delaware to see available contracts across the state.Â
Licensure by examination and licensure by endorsement both cost $156. RN license renewal costs $135, and license reinstatement costs $180. The NCLEX exam fee is $200 and is paid separately to Pearson VUE.Â
Delaware nursing licenses expire February 28 or February 29 of odd-numbered years. Nurses must complete renewal through the DELPROS portal before the deadline.Â
Delaware requires 30 continuing education contact hours every two years. These must include 3 hours of substance abuse education and 2 hours covering Delaware nursing law and regulations.Â
Yes. Delaware participates in the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). Nurses with a multistate license issued by another compact state can practice in Delaware if their primary state of residence remains in that state.Â
Yes. Delaware requires a state and federal criminal background check with fingerprinting for nursing license applicants.Â
Processing times vary depending on application volume and background check processing. Applications are reviewed after all required documentation has been submitted through DELPROS.Â
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