Apply for a Hawaii nursing license by endorsement without missing the Board’s required source documents
Hawaii uses the phrase “without exam” for the RN/LPN endorsement route. If you already hold a nursing license from another U.S. state, territory, jurisdiction, Canadian province or foreign country, the key tasks are the current Hawaii application, license verification, electronic fingerprinting, NPDB self-query, fees and any disclosure documents.
RN endorsement is “without exam”
Use the RN Nursing License “without exam” route on the Hawaii Board application forms page when you already qualify through prior licensure and exam history.
LPN endorsement uses the same core file
Hawaii’s endorsement application covers LPN and RN applicants, with license verification, fingerprinting and NPDB requirements.
Hawaii is not an active compact state
A multistate compact license from another state does not replace a Hawaii license. Apply for Hawaii authority before practicing in Hawaii.
For broader lookup and renewal context, use the related Hawaii Board of Nursing guide. If you are comparing noncompact endorsement rules, the California nursing license by endorsement guide and Alaska nursing license by endorsement guide are useful contrasts.
Hawaii endorsement route finder
This helper does not submit an application. It points you to the official Hawaii route based on your credential and goal.
How to apply for a Hawaii RN or LPN license by endorsement
Open the current Hawaii nursing forms page
Use the current DCCA/PVL Board of Nursing page. Hawaii warns that older application versions will not be accepted and can delay processing.
Open Hawaii Board nursing formsSelect RN or LPN “without exam”
The “without exam” route is the Hawaii endorsement-style route for applicants who already meet exam, education and verification requirements.
Open MyPVL application portalComplete Hawaii Board-specific fingerprints
Use Fieldprint with the Hawaii Board code listed in the official instructions. The application should be filed within 30 days of fingerprinting so the Board can obtain results.
Schedule Fieldprint fingerprintingOrder license verification from the original licensing board
Hawaii requires verification from the original state or jurisdiction of licensure by examination. If the state uses Nursys, request the verification through Nursys and select Hawaii as the receiving board.
Order Nursys license verificationSend the NPDB self-query report
Hawaii’s instructions require an NPDB self-query report for LPN or RN applicants licensed in another jurisdiction. Follow the Board’s instructions for sending the original PDF or hard copy.
Open NPDB self-queryTrack the file and respond to deficiencies
Hawaii says incomplete applications delay processing and that ordinary processing is normally 15 to 20 working days after required materials are complete. Respond to deficiency requests with exact source documents.
Check MyPVL statusDocuments Hawaii may need before issuing the endorsement license
| Item | What Hawaii checks | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Current application | That the form is the current Board-posted version and is fully answered. | Use the latest Hawaii DCCA form or MyPVL route, not a saved old PDF. |
| Government photo ID and SSN card | Identity and Social Security number compliance for licensing. | Upload or include the documents exactly as the official instructions require. |
| Original-state verification | License number, effective and expiration dates, education, exam score or series, discipline and encumbrance information. | Request verification from the original board; use Nursys where the board participates. |
| Any other state license verification | Licenses held in other U.S. jurisdictions, current or expired. | Disclose all relevant nursing licenses and follow the verification instructions. |
| Electronic fingerprints | Federal and Hawaii criminal history record checks through the approved process. | Use Fieldprint and the Board’s code; file the application within 30 days of fingerprinting. |
| NPDB self-query | National Practitioner Data Bank history for licensed applicants. | Order the self-query and send the accepted original PDF or hard copy to the Board. |
| Conviction or discipline records | Any “yes” answers about criminal history, prior discipline, pending investigations or licensing action. | Submit signed explanations and certified court or agency documents where required. |
| Foreign education evaluation | Whether non-U.S. education is comparable to an accredited U.S. nursing program. | Use a professional education credential evaluator recognized by the Board when required. |
Hawaii endorsement fees, fingerprint costs and processing timing
Hawaii’s posted RN/LPN endorsement application lists different fee totals depending on when the license will be issued inside the two-year license cycle. Always confirm the current form and portal amount before payment.
| Cost or timing item | Published information | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| License issued July 1 odd year through June 30 even year | $254 on the posted RN/LPN endorsement application. | Includes application, license, compliance resolution fund, half-renewal and Center for Nursing fee components. |
| License issued July 1 even year through June 30 odd year | $186 on the posted RN/LPN endorsement application. | For many 2026 applicants, the exact amount depends on whether issuance occurs before or after July 1, 2026. |
| Temporary permit fee | $50 is listed in the endorsement application instructions for temporary permit requests. | Temporary permit eligibility also requires a valid unencumbered outside license and Hawaii employment verification. |
| Fingerprinting | Paid directly to Fieldprint. | The application is not complete until the criminal-history results are received by the Board. |
| Normal processing after complete file | The application instructions state processing is normally 15 to 20 working days. | Incomplete applications, missing source documents or disclosure review can extend the timeline. |
| Application abandonment | Hawaii cites a one-year abandonment rule for incomplete applications. | Do not let source verification, NPDB or fingerprint items sit unresolved. |
When a Hawaii temporary nursing permit may help
Employment is required
Hawaii’s temporary permit route is for an RN or LPN who already has a valid unencumbered license outside Hawaii and has been appointed or accepted employment with a single Hawaii health care entity.
Only one permit is allowed
The endorsement instructions state only one temporary permit is allowed and the nurse may practice only for the employer listed on the verification of employment form.
Hawaii endorsement is still needed because Hawaii is not an active NLC state
The official Nurse Licensure Compact map lists active NLC states and implementation categories, and Hawaii is not listed as an active NLC jurisdiction. Proposed compact legislation or policy discussion does not create current Hawaii practice authority.
How to handle a delayed Hawaii endorsement application
Check the MyPVL account first
Use the same account used to file the application. Look for missing uploaded files, payment records and messages.
Open MyPVLConfirm source documents
Ask the original licensing board, Nursys, NPDB or Fieldprint whether the item was sent, when it was sent and under what name.
Match every “yes” answer to documents
If you disclosed discipline, conviction or pending investigation, Hawaii may need signed explanations and certified records before approval.
Use one complete Board contact request
Include your full legal name, application type, filing date, missing item, sender name and delivery details. Do not email full SSNs unless the Board instructs a secure method.
Open Hawaii Board of NursingHawaii Board of Nursing office location, map and mailing route
(808) 586-3000
Listed on the RN/LPN endorsement application form.
335 Merchant Street, Room 301
Honolulu, HI 96813
Board of Nursing
P.O. Box 3469
Honolulu, HI 96801
Helpful related nursing-license pages
Official sources used for this Hawaii endorsement guide
Hawaii nursing license by endorsement FAQ
What is Hawaii nursing license by endorsement called on the forms page?
Hawaii commonly labels the RN and LPN endorsement route as “without exam.” Use the RN or LPN Nursing License “without exam” application route when you already qualify through prior licensure, education and exam history.
Can I apply for Hawaii RN or LPN endorsement online?
Hawaii’s forms page links RN and LPN online application routes through MyPVL. However, the combined temporary nursing permit plus license by endorsement application must be mailed or hand-delivered and cannot be submitted through the online portal.
Does Hawaii require fingerprints for endorsement?
Yes. Hawaii requires nurse license applicants by exam or endorsement to complete electronic fingerprinting for federal and Hawaii criminal history record checks. The Board-specific Fieldprint code is FPHIBrdNursing.
How soon should I file after Hawaii fingerprinting?
Hawaii’s instructions say the license application must be filed within 30 days of fingerprinting to ensure the criminal-history results can be obtained. If results cannot be obtained, the applicant may need to be fingerprinted again.
Does Hawaii require an NPDB self-query for RN or LPN endorsement?
Yes. The RN/LPN endorsement instructions state that applicants licensed as an LPN or RN under another state, territory or foreign country must submit a National Practitioner Data Bank self-query report.
How do I send license verification to Hawaii?
Request verification from the original licensing jurisdiction. If that board uses Nursys, request license verification through Nursys and send it to Hawaii. Hawaii says verifications are valid for one year only.
How much is Hawaii nursing license by endorsement?
The posted RN/LPN endorsement application lists $254 if the license will be issued from July 1 of an odd-numbered year through June 30 of an even-numbered year, and $186 if issued from July 1 of an even-numbered year through June 30 of an odd-numbered year. Confirm the current amount before paying.
Can I get a temporary permit while Hawaii endorsement is pending?
Possibly, if you hold a valid and unencumbered RN or LPN license elsewhere and have been appointed or accepted employment with a single Hawaii health care entity. Hawaii requires employment certification and other temporary-permit materials.
Is Hawaii part of the Nurse Licensure Compact?
No. Hawaii is not listed as an active NLC jurisdiction on the current Nurse Licensure Compact map. A compact multistate license from another state does not replace the need for Hawaii authority.
When do Hawaii RN and LPN licenses expire after endorsement?
Hawaii’s RN/LPN endorsement instructions state that all licenses, regardless of issue date, expire on June 30 of each odd-numbered year and are subject to renewal.