If you have never held an RN/LPN license in North Dakota complete ALL of the following four (4) items.  Complete all four (4) of these items as soon as possible to avoid any delay of license issuance.

1. Official Transcripts

• The Board requires an official transcript from your "basic" education program.  Request your college to send the official transcript of your grades with the degree posted directly to the ND Board of Nursing office.  If your nursing program is closed, it is your responsibility to locate the custodian of the school records.  Copies of transcripts sent by applicants or faxed transcripts will not be accepted.  Only official transcripts sent directly from the nursing program to the Board office are accepted. 
  • Preferred Method - Transcripts may be sent electronically through one of the following or another secure transcript service. 
    • National Clearing House  Instructions for ordering transcripts from the National Student Clearinghouse  
    • e-script
    • Parchment
      • If prompted by a secure transcript service to enter an email address for ND Board of Nursing use transcripts@ndbon.org
  • You may use the Request for Release of Transcript form if you are requesting a paper copy from the college

2. Verification of Licensure

• Verification of licensure is required from your original state of license by exam.
• If you do not hold an active license in your original state of license by exam, you are required to submit a second verification of licensure from the state in which you hold an active license and were most recently employed.
• To obtain this verification, visit http://www.nursys.com/ to complete the electronic verification process. On this page, click the "Request Verification" button under the Verification of Endorsement box. We will check this website for your verification upon receipt of your application.
• The following states do not participate in the above on-line Nursys verification process:  

CA-LPN, PA

If you need verification from one of these states, print the Verification of Licensure form here.  Complete the top section and forward the form to the appropriate state you are needing a verification from.  Contact the state for fee information as most states charge a fee for completing a verification form.

3. Complete the online Initial RN/LPN Endorsement Application below

• You will be prompted to pay at the end of this online application via credit card or debit card.  The non-refundable initial endorsement/processing fee is $170.  A receipt will display when your application has been submitted.  Print or save this receipt electronically as proof of payment.  
• INITIAL RN/LPN ENDORSEMENT APPLICATION

• Log in here if you previously started your Endorsement Application and chose "Save for Later"

4. Complete a Criminal History Record Check for the ND Board of Nursing. 

• Criminal History Record check Instructions      

A 90-day non-renewable temporary permit is issued to applicants if a portion of the initial requirements listed in items 1-4 under "To Apply" are received in the Board office.  

To receive a 90 day non-renewable temporary permit, the following items below must be received in the Board Office and applicant must provide evidence of meeting all requirements for licensure in North Dakota:

• The online Initial RN/LPN Endorsement Application and fee
• Verification of an active license in a US state or territory
• Official transcript from your basic nursing education program (Internationally educated nurses must request a course by course credentials evaluation from a Board approved credentials evaluation agency with official transcript)

Make sure to complete all four (4) items listed under "To Apply" within 90 days as your temporary permit will expire at that time.

Temporary permits are posted online in the Verify section of this site.  There are no paper temporary permits issued.  

To receive a full license the following must be received and approved in the Board Office: 

• The online Initial RN/LPN Endorsement Application and fee
• Verification of an active license in a US state or territory
• Official transcripts
• Clear or approved criminal history record check

Once all of the above are received in our office and approved, allow up to seven (7) business days for full licensure to be issued.  Applicants for initial licensure by endorsement shall receive a license expiring December 31 of the following year as part of the application fee.  All licenses are posted online in the Verify section of this site.

• Track the progress of your application in the "Application Status" section of this website.  Items without dates next to them have not been received in the Board office yet.