How to Obtain Your Illinois Nursing License
License by Endorsement
ASSOCIATED FEES | |
Application | $50 |
Temporary License | $25 |
License Renewal
ASSOCIATED FEES | PROCESS | |
Timely Renewal | $60 | About 4-6 Weeks |
Late Renewal | $30 per year | |
Reinstatement (Licenses expired more than 5 years) | $20 + Payment of all renewal and late fees | |
Temporary Fee | $25 |
See Illinois State Board of Nursing website for all fee scheduling and please note these fees are subject to change.
Temporary License Processing
It takes approximately 2-4 weeks to receive a temporary license in Illinois after all documents have been received and the license will last for up to 6 months (must not have any prior convictions or disciplinary action to obtain).
NECESSARY DOCUMENTS | TEMPORARY | PERMANENT |
Completed Application | Yes | Yes |
Proof/Verification of Original State License and Current License – Send proof of NURSYS receipt | No | Yes |
Copies of All Current Licenses | Yes | Yes |
Proof of Fingerprint | Yes | Yes |
Verification of Licensure in All States where You Practiced within the Last 5 Years | No | Yes |
Certificate of Education Signed by Director of Nursing School – Submit through app **OR official transcripts can be sent with official school seal affixed | No | Yes |
Verification of Employment – Submit through app | No | Yes |
Supporting Document CCA – Submit through app | Yes | Yes |
Temporary licenses are only issued while other required documents are being processed. There are additional steps that must be completed to receive a permanent license.
Additional Information
Reinstatement:
- All licenses expire on ay 31st of each even year.
- Nurses must contact the board of nursing for a Restoration Form at 1-800-560-6420
- 20 hours of approved CEs are required per the 2-year license renewal cycle
If license is expired for more than 5 years:
- Verification of original state and current license are required (must send proof of NURSYS receipt in addition).
- Verification of licenses used to practice in any state over the past 5 years.
- Verification of employment is also required.
- Lastly, nurses must provide copies of all current active licenses (only if applying for a temporary license).
- View license verification information here.
Check for proper mailing address when sending in applications as it may differ from the physical address provided.
Contact Information & Mailing Address
Illinois State Board of Nursing
James R Thompson Center
100 West Randolph Street, Suite 9-300
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: 312-814-2715