How to get your license in

Download Process PDF

1. Complete an application for Licensure by Endorsement online

2. Pay the associated fees

A packet of other required materials, forms (referenced below) and instructions will automatically be sent to you by ground mail.

3. Two completed fingerprint cards

• These must be the cards you receive from the nursing board office; other fingerprint cards cannot be accepted. 
• You can get fingerprinted at your local sheriff's office, police station or any authorized fingerprinting center. It doesn’t matter what state you get them done in.

4. A signed criminal history background waiver form.

5. Verification of original license

• If the state participates in Nursys, you must complete the Nursys verification process, pay their fee and designate Iowa as the receipt of the verification.
• If the state does not participate in Nursys, you must contact their state Board directly for further instructions. You will need to send them the Verification of License form to complete and submit to the Iowa Board of Nursing on your behalf.

6. Request an official transcript to be sent. (see step 7)

You now qualify to request a temporary license and must complete the remaining tasks before your temporary license expires in order to receive your permanent license.

7. An official nursing transcript. 

• Forward the Request for Nursing Transcript form to the original nursing program from which you graduated, or the institution maintaining your official records, unless you can apply for the transcript online. 
• A hard copy of the transcript must be sent by ground mail and directly from the program. 

8. Information regarding any criminal convictions and out of state discipline must be submitted (if applicable). 

9. Active military or federal government employee identification (if applicable).

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