Minnesota Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for permanent licensure.

Temporary

The BON does not commit to a timeframe for temporary licensure.

Permanent License

1. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. Submit an application online or mailed in and pay the fee.
2. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and the state where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Minnesota BON via the Verification of Licensure form (p. 6).
3. If you have ever worked as a nurse, you must have your most recent employer complete and submit a Confirmation of Nursing Employment for Licensure by Endorsement form. Print the form from the Board’s website (Confirmation of Nursing Employment form, PDF) and submit to your current nursing employer.
4. Provide a background check with fingerprints. The BON will send you a fingerprinting card to complete. Do not complete fingerprints until you receive this card from the Board or your fingerprints will be rejected.For more information, contact Criminal.Background.Check@state.mn.us
5. You may need to report continuing education or successfully complete a refresher course depending on how long it has been since you last practiced nursing. The Board will contact you if you are required to report continuing education.

Temporary License

1. If you wish to be issued a provisional license, please indicate this on your application.
2. Temporary permits are valid for 60 days and are non-renewable.

Endorsement Application: $105

Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs

Temporary permit: No extra charge

• Paper licenses or cards are not provided. You can verify check the status or verify a nursing license in the Minnesota license lookup.
• Minnesota currently has NLC legislation pending.
• Click through to the Minnesota licensure pageto view the Minnesota BON’s FAQs.

• Renewal cadence: Renewal of your RN or LPN license occurs every 2 years during your birth month. If you were born in an even numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years during even years. If you were born in an odd numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years in odd numbered years.
  - If you received your initial credential greater than 6 months before your renewal window, you are still required to renew your license and begin the 2-year renewal cycle.
• Renewal fee: $85
• Required contact hours: RNs need 24 contact hours of continuing education, and LPNs need 12 contact hours during the 2-year renewal period.
• Paper renewals are not accepted, but a reminder postcard will be mailed to you 3 full calendar months before your license expires. A notice is also emailed to you.