How to get your RN license in Utah

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 Utah, you graduate from an approved nursing program, apply for licensure by examination through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, and pass the NCLEX-RN. Yes. Utah requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DOPL requires initial RN (licensure-by-examination) applicants to submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258), used for a criminal history search through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI; the RN/LPN application form states this is used to complete a search through both agencies' files.

Getting licensed in Utah at a glance

Background check: Yes. Utah requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DOPL requires initial RN (licensure-by-examination) applicants to submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258), used for a criminal history search through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI; the RN/LPN application form states this is used to complete a search through both agencies' files.
Application fee: $92 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Utah issues a non-renewable Registered Nurse Apprentice license (only to students still enrolled in their final semester/quarter/competency experience) that lets the holder practice under indirect RN/APRN/MD supervision through graduation and remains valid until the earlier of one year, 75 days after failing the NCLEX, or issuance of the full RN license; it is explicitly NOT available to anyone who has already graduated.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), 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 Utah

1Graduate from a state-approved RN nursing program (ADN or BSN).
2Apply for licensure by examination through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing and pay the $92 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 Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Start at the source: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing. Already licensed elsewhere and moving to Utah? See licensure by endorsement instead.

Utah RN licensing FAQ

Does Utah require fingerprinting or a background check for a nursing license?: Yes. Utah requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DOPL requires initial RN (licensure-by-examination) applicants to submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258), used for a criminal history search through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI; the RN/LPN application form states this is used to complete a search through both agencies' files.
How much does the Utah RN license application cost?: The initial Utah RN license-by-examination application fee is $92. 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 Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing portal before you pay.
Can I work in Utah before my RN license is issued?: Utah issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Utah issues a non-renewable Registered Nurse Apprentice license (only to students still enrolled in their final semester/quarter/competency experience) that lets the holder practice under indirect RN/APRN/MD supervision through graduation and remains valid until the earlier of one year, 75 days after failing the NCLEX, or issuance of the full RN license; it is explicitly NOT available to anyone who has already graduated. Confirm the exact conditions with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing.
How do I apply for my first RN license in Utah?: Graduate from an approved nursing program, register for the NCLEX-RN with Pearson VUE, apply for licensure by examination through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing, complete the required background check, then pass the NCLEX-RN. The board issues your license once every requirement clears.

Related guides

Utah license renewal & CE requirements

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

How to become a registered nurse (national roadmap)

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How to get your RN license in Utah

Initial licensure by examination · Verified 2026-07-08

Getting licensed in Utah at a glance

Background check: Yes. Utah requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DOPL requires initial RN (licensure-by-examination) applicants to submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258), used for a criminal history search through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI; the RN/LPN application form states this is used to complete a search through both agencies' files.
Application fee: $92 (initial license by examination)
Temporary permit: Available. Utah issues a non-renewable Registered Nurse Apprentice license (only to students still enrolled in their final semester/quarter/competency experience) that lets the holder practice under indirect RN/APRN/MD supervision through graduation and remains valid until the earlier of one year, 75 days after failing the NCLEX, or issuance of the full RN license; it is explicitly NOT available to anyone who has already graduated.
Exam: NCLEX-RN, administered by Pearson VUE ($200 exam fee)

Source: Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), 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 Utah

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

2Apply for licensure by examination through the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing and pay the $92 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 Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing issues your RN license once the exam and background check clear.

Utah RN licensing FAQ

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

Yes. Utah requires a fingerprint-based criminal background check to get an initial RN license. DOPL requires initial RN (licensure-by-examination) applicants to submit two fingerprint cards (FD-258), used for a criminal history search through the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI; the RN/LPN application form states this is used to complete a search through both agencies' files.

How much does the Utah RN license application cost?

The initial Utah RN license-by-examination application fee is $92. 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 Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing portal before you pay.

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

Utah issues a temporary/graduate-nurse permit so you can work under supervision while your license is pending. Utah issues a non-renewable Registered Nurse Apprentice license (only to students still enrolled in their final semester/quarter/competency experience) that lets the holder practice under indirect RN/APRN/MD supervision through graduation and remains valid until the earlier of one year, 75 days after failing the NCLEX, or issuance of the full RN license; it is explicitly NOT available to anyone who has already graduated. Confirm the exact conditions with the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL), Board of Nursing.

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

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