Licensure By Endorsement - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the requirements for applying for Iowa licensure from another state?
Q. What is application process for license by endorsement to Iowa?
Q. How do I check on the progress of my application?
Q.Can I verify my temporary license online?
Q. Can I verify my newly issued license online?
Q. How can I be issued a temporary license?
Q. How long is a temporary license valid?
Q. What if I have had a felony conviction or have current disciplinary action against
      my license in another state?
Q. What if I have a change of name and/or address after I have applied for Iowa licensure?
Q. How soon will my Iowa license be issued after I apply?
Q. Endorsement Important Information

Q. What are the requirements for licensure into Iowa from another state??

A. Graduation from an approved LPN/LVN program if you are an LPN/LVN or graduation from an RN Program if you are an RN.

Having held the same type of licensure in another state.

Having passed the national licensure examination in effect at the time of licensure.

Q. What is the application process for license by endorsement to Iowa?

A.
1. Complete the application for Licensure by Endorsement into Iowa.
2. Complete the waiver form for criminal history background check.
3. Complete all areas of the two fingerprint cards and be fingerprinted by a authorized professional.
4. Fee of $169.00 (personal checks accepted) payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
5. An official nursing transcript received by mail directly from your school of nursing or the institution maintaining the record. Transcripts in sealed envelopes received from the graduate WILL NOT be accepted. Faxed transcripts are also unacceptable.
6. Verification of Original License - Use this form if your original state board of licensure is not listed on the License Verification Request Form through the National Council of State Boards of Nursing. Please contact your original state of licensure to verify the fee required for license verification.
7. License Verification through NURSYS.com - The quickest and easiest way to verify your original license (if possible) is to go online to www.nursys.com. To verify that your state of original license is a NURSYS participant go to NURSYS.com and click on Licensure participating boards of nursing.

Q. How do I check on the progress of my application?

A. Please contact the board office at newnurs@iowa.gov or (515) 281-6488

Q. Can I verify my temporary license online?

A.. No, you will have to contact the board office.

Q. Can I verify my newly issued license online?

A.  Not without the license number.  You will receive the license by mail delivery.

Q. How can I be issued a temporary license?

A. A temporary license is issued when the board office has received:
1. Application for licensure by endorsement
2. Completed fingerprint cards and the waiver form.
3. $169.00 Fee
4. Verification of original license
5. You have no felony conviction(s)
6. You have no current disciplinary action against your license in another state.

Q. How long is a temporary license valid?

A. 30 days.

Q. What if I have had a felony conviction or have current disciplinary action against
my license in another state?

A. A license will not be issued until the board has received all required documentation and the board has reviewed the case file and voted to approve Iowa licensure.

Q. What if I have a change of name and/or address after I have applied for Iowa licensure?

A. Please email the change to newnurs@iowa.gov or fax to (515) 281-4825 to the
Attention of the Endorsement Division.

Q. How soon will my Iowa license be issued after I apply?

A. The timeframe to receive all documentation is usually 2 to 8 weeks.  Upon receiving all required documentation, your Iowa license will normally be issued within 5 business days. If you have not heard anything from the board office in five weeks from the date mailed it would be advisable to contact the endorsement division at newnurs@iowa.gov or (515)281-6488.

Q. Endorsement Important Information!

1. If you apply for licensure by endorsement into Iowa and currently reside in another compact state, you MUST provide an Iowa address on your application.

2. If you do not know if you reside in a compact state, you can access that information at www.ncsbn.org.

3. If you have a change of address after filling out the application but prior to mailing, please DO NOT cross out the old address and write the new one above it. PLEASE include a separate note in writing with your new information and forward with the application.

4. Please DO NOT fold or bend your fingerprint cards. Use an envelope large enough to accommodate the size without folding or bending the fingerprint cards. Fingerprint cards that are folded or bent will be rejected and returned to the applicant.

5. Ensure the section for HIGH SCHOOL is completed on the application. Check the appropriate box for Diploma or GED.

6. If you move to the State of Iowa from another compact state and hold active license in that state, you are allowed to practice in the State of Iowa for 30 days using that multi-state license.