Montana Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

Approximately 30 days upon receipt of all required materials

Permanent License

1. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. Submit an application online or download a paper application and pay the fee. An online application is recommended.
2. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and all states where you have held a professional license, whether active or inactive. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the Montana BON via the Verification of Licensure form.
3. If the verification from your original state of licensure does not provide proof of your nursing education, you will be contacted by the board office for further instructions.
4. You must have a valid US Social Security Number or complete the attestation on page 8 of the application.
5. Submit documentation, including jurisdiction and date, of any previous professional license denial or withdrawal of application.
6. Provide a background check with fingerprints. Instructions for fingerprinting can be found in the Montana endorsement application (PDF), on pages 11-13. Provide the technician with a copy of a Fingerprint Card Example on page 13 of the application. for the license type you are applying for that contains information unique to your license type. The fingerprint card must have all fields correctly filled out to be accepted by the MDOJ.

• Request the technician to capture your fingerprints TWICE and create TWO fingerprint cards to help avoid unnecessary delay due to the rejection of poor-quality prints. This is especially important if your fingerprints are ink-rolled.

Endorsement application: $200.00

Fees are the same for RNs and LPNs.

• The applicant will be notified of any deficiencies in their application.
• The licensure status can be viewed at Licensee Lookup or within 24 hours of license issuance on www.nursys.com
• It is the responsibility of the applicant to keep the Board office informed of any name changes, address changes, changes in licensure status, complaints or proposed disciplinary action against you in this or any other state.
• Your application is valid for 12 months. If incomplete after 12 months have passed, your application will be discarded and you must reapply and repay the application fee.
• View the Montant BON’s FAQ section on the Montana board website.

1. Renewal cadence: Renewal of your RN or LPN license occurs every 2 years, on December 31. If you were originally licensed in an even-numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years during even years. If you were originally licensed in an odd-numbered year, your license will expire every 2 years in odd-numbered years.
2. Renewal fee: $100.00
3. Required contact hours: Continuing education hours are no longer required for the renewal of LPN or RN licenses.
4. Renewal notices are mailed 45 days prior to the expiration date to your address of record.