Initial License by Endorsement from Another State

NOTE: The License by Endorsement Application Packet is NOT available on this website. Upon request, an Endorsement Packet will be mailed; fees cannot be paid with a credit card over the phone.

An endorsement packet may be requested from the Iowa Board of Nursing by sending an email to Iowa Board of Nursing or calling 515/281-4826. You may also email Email Request or call 515/281-6488.

Please review the instructions below regarding the requirements for license by endorsement. This information will also be included in the packet you will receive by mail.

Applicants MUST provide an Iowa or a Non-Compact state mailing address when applying for license by endorsement. If you reside in a state that is a member of the Nurse License Compact agreement and submit your application for licensure using that address, the application will be returned to you. Before applying for license by endorsement please ensure you have an Iowa or non-compact state address. The list of states that are currently members of the Nurse License Compact Agreement can be found at the following link www.ncsbn.org.

Applicants MUST provide a Social Security Number when applying for license by endorsement. If a Social Security Number is not available the applicant will need to submit the documentation that allows them access to the United States.

Foreign Educated Nurses:

• If the certificate program was completed through CGFNS apply for the Verification of certificate letter to be submitted to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
• If the full education course-by-course report requirements of the CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) has been completed apply for the Re-evaluation of a Full Education Course-By-Course Report be submitted to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
• If neither has been completed apply for the full education course-by-course report requirements of the CGFNS Credentials Evaluation Service (CES) for practical nurse and registered nurse applicants be submitted to the Iowa Board of Nursing.
• The English language proficiency exam may be required as part of the report.
  
  Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools
  ATTN: Credential Evaluation Service
  3600 Market Street, Suite 400
  Philadelphia, PA 19104-2651 U.S.A.
  
  
  Customer Service:
  Telephone: 215.349.8767
  (Between 8 - 12 Eastern Time US)
  
  CGFNS Web site http://www.cgfns.org/

Qualifications for Licensure in Iowa:

1. Graduation from a board-approved RN or LPN nursing program. (RN Program applicants or RN graduates who did NOT complete or graduate from an LPN Program are not eligible for to be licensed as an LPN in Iowa)

2. Prior to being licensed, the board may consider the past criminal record of an applicant or a record of prior disciplinary action, regardless of jurisdiction.

3. Passing the appropriate (LPN/RN) NCLEX examination as prescribed by the board.

The following items are required before a license by endorsement will be issued:

• Iowa Application for Licensure by Endorsement
• Two Completed Fingerprint Cards and Signed Waiver Form
• Total fee of $169, payable to the Iowa Board of Nursing Personal check, money order or cashier’s check is acceptable
• Official Transcripts sent directly from the School of Nursing (Transcripts received in a sealed envelope from the applicant are NOT acceptable. Transcripts are NOT acceptable by FAX.)
• Verification of Original License
  

The Fees are Non-Refundable

To avoid confusion and unnecessary delays in processing, PLEASE submit the application, the fee, the fingerprint cards, and the waiver form in the same envelope.

Questions about the application process or status may be directed to Email or 515/281-6488.

Updated 5/10