How to get your RN license in Illinois

Getting licensed in Illinois at a glance

Steps to get licensed in Illinois

1. 1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2. 2Apply for licensure by examination through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and pay the $98 application fee.
3. 3Register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE and pay the $200 exam fee.
4. 4Complete the required fingerprint-based criminal background check.
5. 5Receive your Authorization to Test (ATT), then schedule and pass the NCLEX-RN.
6. 6The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Illinois? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Illinois RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Illinois requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. All initial RN applicants must submit to a criminal background check via fingerprint processing through an IDFPR-licensed fingerprint vendor (Illinois State Police, which also relays to the FBI), with fingerprints taken within 60 days of the application date.

How much does the Illinois RN license application cost?

The initial Illinois RN license-by-examination application fee is $98. 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 Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) portal before you pay.

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

Whether Illinois issues a temporary or graduate-nurse permit varies; confirm with the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) before you accept a start date, and never practice as an RN until you are authorized.

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

Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

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