How to get your RN license in Idaho

Built by Keegan, a travel RN · verified against official board sources

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

To get your first RN license in Idaho, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Idaho Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Idaho requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Fingerprints (FD-258 card or Livescan) are submitted to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history check coordinated with the FBI.

Getting licensed in Idaho at a glance

Background check: Yes. Idaho requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Fingerprints (FD-258 card or Livescan) are submitted to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history check coordinated with the FBI.
Application fee: $90 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Idaho may issue a temporary (Graduate Nurse) license, valid up to 90 days, to an applicant for licensure by examination beginning 30 days before graduation, valid until NCLEX results and the criminal background check are complete.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Idaho Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Idaho

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Idaho Board of Nursing and pay the $90 application fee.
3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.
7The Idaho Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Idaho Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Idaho RN licensing FAQ

Does Idaho require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Idaho requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Fingerprints (FD-258 card or Livescan) are submitted to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history check coordinated with the FBI.
How much does the Idaho RN license application cost?: The initial Idaho RN license-by-examination application fee is $90. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the Idaho Board of Nursing portal before you pay.
Can I work in Idaho before my RN license is issued?: Idaho issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Idaho may issue a temporary (Graduate Nurse) license, valid up to 90 days, to an applicant for licensure by examination beginning 30 days before graduation, valid until NCLEX results and the criminal background check are complete. Confirm the exact conditions with the Idaho Board of Nursing.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Idaho?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Idaho Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

Related guides

Idaho license renewal & CE requirements

Moving an out-of-state license to Idaho (endorsement)

How to become a registered nurse (national roadmap)

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How to get your RN license in Idaho

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Idaho at a glance

Background check: Yes. Idaho requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Fingerprints (FD-258 card or Livescan) are submitted to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history check coordinated with the FBI.
Application fee: $90 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Idaho may issue a temporary (Graduate Nurse) license, valid up to 90 days, to an applicant for licensure by examination beginning 30 days before graduation, valid until NCLEX results and the criminal background check are complete.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Idaho Board of Nursing, last checked 2026-07-08. Fees and rules change; confirm with the board before you rely on a figure.

Steps to get licensed in Idaho

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Idaho Board of Nursing and pay the $90 application fee.

3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.

4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.

5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.

6Apply for a temporary/graduate-nurse permit if you need to work before the permanent license issues.

7The Idaho Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Idaho Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Idaho? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Idaho RN licensing FAQ

Does Idaho require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?

Yes. Idaho requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. Fingerprints (FD-258 card or Livescan) are submitted to the Idaho State Police Bureau of Criminal Identification for a nationwide fingerprint-based criminal history check coordinated with the FBI.

How much does the Idaho RN license application cost?

The initial Idaho RN license-by-examination application fee is $90. This is separate from the NCLEX-RN exam fee ($200 to Pearson VUE) and any fingerprint/background-check vendor fee. Confirm the current amount on the Idaho Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

Can I work in Idaho before my RN license is issued?

Idaho issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Idaho may issue a temporary (Graduate Nurse) license, valid up to 90 days, to an applicant for licensure by examination beginning 30 days before graduation, valid until NCLEX results and the criminal background check are complete. Confirm the exact conditions with the Idaho Board of Nursing.

How do I apply for my first RN license in Idaho?

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Idaho Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.