Illinois • RN • LPN • IDFPR • Nursys • Fingerprints
Illinois nursing license by endorsement: apply without losing time on missing verification
Illinois endorsement is the path for a nurse who already holds a nursing license in another U.S. jurisdiction and needs Illinois RN or LPN authority. The important pieces are the correct IDFPR application, license verification, fingerprint background check, education records, and knowing that a pending file is not the same as an issued Illinois license.
Quick answer
Who should use Illinois license by endorsement?
Registered nurse endorsement
Use the Registered Professional Nurse endorsement route on IDFPR’s Nurses page if you already hold an RN license in another jurisdiction and need Illinois RN authority.
Licensed practical nurse endorsement
Use the LPN online application route listed under IDFPR RN & LPN Applications. Do not use an RN application for a practical nurse credential.
Temporary nursing permit
IDFPR’s RN user guide says endorsement applicants may be eligible for a temporary nursing permit after a completed endorsement application, supporting documents, fees, active-license copies and fingerprints are submitted.
Do not begin independent Illinois nursing practice just because you filed an application. Verify that Illinois authority, a temporary permit, or another official permission is actually issued and visible through the official system.
Comparing endorsement rules across states? See related guides for California nursing license by endorsement, Alaska nursing license by endorsement, Wyoming Board of Nursing, Vermont Board of Nursing and Alaska Board of Nursing.
Local route finder
Choose the correct Illinois endorsement action
This tool does not query IDFPR. It points you to the official route based on your credential and goal.
Application sequence
How to apply for an Illinois nursing license by endorsement
Start at the official IDFPR Nurses page
Use IDFPR’s Nurses page and choose the correct RN or LPN application under “RN & LPN Applications.” This is safer than starting from a recruiter checklist or old PDF link.
Open IDFPR Nurses pageComplete the online endorsement application
The RN user guide lists required online information such as date and place of birth, SSN or SSN affidavit, name-change information and record of licensure.
Open IDFPR online application portalSend license verification
IDFPR’s RN guide lists Nursys identification number or the state’s licensure verification process. If your board participates in Nursys, order verification to Illinois and keep the receipt.
Use Nursys verificationSubmit education documents
Domestically educated RN applicants may need the ED-NUR education form signed by the dean or director with school seal plus official transcripts. Internationally educated nurses should follow IDFPR’s foreign-education instructions.
Read international education instructionsComplete fingerprint background check
IDFPR says applicants for fingerprinted professions must submit criminal background check evidence from a fingerprint vendor licensed by the Department. The RN guide asks for the fingerprint Transaction Control Number from the receipt.
Find IDFPR nursing fingerprint resourcesTrack the license after submission
Use IDFPR license lookup for public verification after issuance. IDFPR says its license lookup is approved for primary-source verification and may take time to show a newly issued license.
Check Illinois license lookupDocuments and checks
Illinois endorsement documents that commonly slow approval
| Item | What Illinois is checking | Applicant action |
|---|---|---|
| Record of licensure | All related or non-related professional licenses held in Illinois or other states. | List every license accurately and order Nursys or state-board verification where required. |
| Active license copies | Temporary permit eligibility can require photocopies of active nursing or temporary licenses from other jurisdictions. | Upload clear copies and make sure names match the IDFPR application. |
| Education form and transcripts | Domestic nursing education and school-sealed records where applicable. | Ask the school for correct sealed or official documents before IDFPR sends a deficiency notice. |
| Foreign credential report | Foreign nursing education equivalency and, where required, English-language evidence. | Follow IDFPR’s international nurse instructions and do not assume IDFPR will pre-review the report before application. |
| Fingerprint TCN | Evidence of fingerprint processing by an Illinois-licensed fingerprint vendor. | Keep the 16-character Transaction Control Number from your fingerprint receipt. |
Costs and timing
Illinois endorsement fees, temporary permit cost and application window
| Cost or timing item | Published information | Practical note |
|---|---|---|
| RN/LPN licensure application fee | Illinois administrative fee language lists $50 for application for a registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse license. | Confirm the live portal amount before paying because fees can change. |
| Temporary permit | IDFPR international nurse guidance describes temporary license cost as license $50 plus temporary extra $25. | Temporary permission is not automatic; it depends on submitted documents, fingerprints and eligibility. |
| Fingerprinting | Vendor cost varies. | Use a fingerprint vendor licensed by IDFPR and save the TCN. |
| Application completion window | The RN user guide says applicants have three years from receipt of the application to complete the process. | If the process is not completed in three years, the application may be denied and the fee forfeited. |
Do fingerprints, license verification and school/credential documents early. Illinois endorsement delays usually come from one outside sender, one name mismatch or one missing background-check detail.
Compact status
Do not assume a multistate license lets you work in Illinois
Check active compact status first
NurseCompact lists active participating jurisdictions and says nurses moving from one compact state to another must apply in the new primary state of residence within 60 days. Before relying on any compact privilege in Illinois, confirm Illinois is active on the official NLC map and IDFPR guidance.
Separate Illinois license may be needed
If Illinois is not active as a compact jurisdiction at the time you plan to work, use Illinois licensure by endorsement instead of relying on another state’s multistate license.
After filing
How to handle a delayed Illinois endorsement application
Match every missing item to a sender
For verification, transcripts, credential reports or fingerprints, confirm the exact sender, date, name used and destination. Keep receipts and confirmation numbers.
Use official license lookup after approval
IDFPR says license lookup is approved as primary-source verification and is updated regularly. Allow time after issuance before assuming the record is public.
Open IDFPR license lookupSchedule a virtual licensing appointment if needed
IDFPR says the Division of Professional Regulation requests virtual appointments for licensure updates on Wednesdays instead of visiting the Springfield office.
Open IDFPR contact informationLive location and official contact
IDFPR nursing licensing office, map and contact route
For nursing licensure questions, IDFPR lists Springfield and Chicago offices. The Springfield office is the main licensing and testing location for Division of Professional Regulation matters.
Professional Licensing
1-800-560-6420
Use for professional licensing questions.
All inquiries
1-888-473-4858
IDFPR general inquiry line.
TTY/TDD
1-866-325-4949
Accessibility phone line listed by IDFPR.
Springfield office
Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
320 West Washington Street, 3rd Floor
Springfield, IL 62786
Chicago office:
555 West Monroe Street, 5th Floor
Chicago, IL 60661
Check the portal and license lookup before visiting or calling.
Official references
Official sources used for this Illinois endorsement guide
Top questions
Illinois nursing license by endorsement FAQ
Who should apply for an Illinois nursing license by endorsement?
Use endorsement if you already hold a nursing license in another U.S. jurisdiction and need Illinois RN or LPN authority. New graduates seeking first licensure usually use examination instead.
Where do I apply for Illinois RN endorsement?
Start at the IDFPR Nurses page and choose “Registered Professional Nurse (RN) – Endorsement: Online Application” under RN & LPN Applications.
Where do I apply for Illinois LPN endorsement?
Use the Licensed Practical Nurse online application link listed under IDFPR’s RN & LPN Applications. Match the application type to your LPN credential.
Does Illinois use Nursys for endorsement verification?
IDFPR’s RN guide lists either a Nursys identification number or the state’s licensure verification process. Use Nursys when your licensing board participates.
Does Illinois require fingerprints for nursing endorsement?
Yes. IDFPR’s RN guide requires security clearance documents in the form of a fingerprint background check and asks for the fingerprint Transaction Control Number from the receipt.
Can I get a temporary nursing permit in Illinois?
IDFPR’s RN guide says endorsement applicants may be eligible for a temporary nursing permit if the completed endorsement application, supporting documents, fees, active-license copies and fingerprints have been submitted.
How much is Illinois nursing license by endorsement?
Illinois fee language lists $50 for application for a registered professional nurse or licensed practical nurse license. Temporary permit and fingerprint vendor costs are separate, and applicants should confirm live portal fees before paying.
How long do I have to complete the Illinois application?
The RN user guide says applicants have three years from the date the application is received to complete the process. If not completed, the application may be denied and the fee forfeited.
Can I practice in Illinois with another state’s multistate license?
Do not assume compact privilege applies. Confirm Illinois status on the official NurseCompact map and IDFPR guidance. If Illinois is not active for compact practice, apply for Illinois licensure by endorsement before working.
How do employers verify an Illinois nursing license?
Use IDFPR’s official license lookup. IDFPR says its license lookup is approved for primary-source verification and that data is maintained by the State of Illinois.
Independent note
Nursing-License-Lookup.org is not IDFPR, the Illinois Board of Nursing, NCSBN or Nursys. Use this guide to avoid common filing mistakes, then confirm final requirements through the official Illinois links above.