Idaho Nursing License
How to get your Idaho nursing license
- Complete an approved nursing program (RN or LPN/LVN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN or NCLEX-PN examination.
- Apply to the Idaho Board of Nursing for licensure by examination or endorsement.
- Complete the required criminal background check and pay licensure fees.
- If your primary residence is Idaho, you may apply for a multistate (compact) license.
Idaho licensing at a glance
| Initial license fee | $102 (incl. $32 fingerprint) |
|---|---|
| Renewal fee | $70 / 2 years |
| Continuing education | Competency: 2 activities / 2 years (15 contact hours = one activity) |
| Compact (NLC) member | Yes |
Idaho moved RN renewal from annual to biennial in 2026 ($70 biennial); the $102 initial fee includes a $32 fingerprint fee. No flat CE-hour mandate — two continuing-competency activities per 2-year cycle, where 15 contact hours counts as one activity (IDAPA 24.34.01). eNLC member.
Official resources
- Idaho Board of Nursing — apply, renew, and check requirements.
- Verify a nursing license (Nursys)
- Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) map — which states honor a multistate license.
- Directory of state boards of nursing (NCSBN)
Idaho nursing license FAQ
- Does my compact nursing license let me work in Idaho?
- Yes. Idaho is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) member state, so a multistate license issued by your compact home state covers practice in Idaho without a separate application.
- How much does a Idaho nursing license cost?
- The initial RN licensure fee in Idaho is $102 (incl. $32 fingerprint), and renewal is $70 / 2 years.
- How many continuing-education hours does Idaho require?
- Idaho requires Competency: 2 activities / 2 years (15 contact hours = one activity) for RN license renewal.
- How do I verify a Idaho nursing license?
- Verify any U.S. nursing license through Nursys, the national verification system operated by the state boards of nursing.