How Do I Apply for a Nursing License by Endorsement?

Endorsement is the process a nurse from another state uses to become licensed in Iowa. Nurses may work on their active multistate license while waiting for their Iowa multistate license. 

If you have not held an active license in any jurisdiction within the previous 5 years, you will need to complete a nurse refresher course within 12 months of applying for a license by endorsement. For course suggestions, visit our  Nursing Refresher Course page. 

To endorse in Iowa, you must qualify for licensure in Iowa. For more information, visit our Licensure page.

For questions, please email us at: ibn@dial.iowa.gov

1

Apply for Endorsement

Complete an Iowa Board of Nursing application online and pay the fee of $169. This fee is non-refundable. This fee covers your application fee and criminal background check. 

  • Provide a mailing address on your application where the Board can send you documentation.
  • If your residential address differs from your mailing address, provide both addresses.
  • A packet of information will be sent after you have completed the application and paid the fee.
Access the Licensing Portal Instructions for Licensure by Endorsement
2

IBN Criminal History Background Check

The Iowa Board of Nursing now utilizes Fieldprint as the primary means of completing the fingerprinting requirement for applications. Fieldprint allows the applicant to schedule an appointment in any state in the U.S., to have their fingerprints collected digitally and sent electronically directly to the Board. Instructions for scheduling your appointment can be found in this document.

For those applicants located outside of the U.S. or otherwise unable to use Fieldprint, a paper background check packet can be requested by emailing us at ibn@dial.iowa.gov. Please include your mailing address in this request, and allow at least 5-7 business days for arrival of your fingerprint packet.

Visit our Criminal Conviction Eligibility page, for more information, 

Note: Your application cannot be processed if all documents are not received.

3

Request Official Transcripts

Request official transcripts from your nursing program/school with a conferred degree. Please note: your transcript must be sent directly from your school. Unofficial transcripts are not accepted. 

  • Electronic transcripts may be sent through the National Student Clearinghouse ONLY.
  • All other transcripts should be mailed to the address below:
    Iowa Dept of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing
    ATTN: Nursing
    6200 Park Ave, Ste 100
    Des Moines, IA 50321
    • For those educated in a foreign country, your CGFNS report meets these requirements. 
4

Verify Original License

Iowa only requires verification from your original state of licensure. Printing an online verification through a board of nursing website is not accepted. Apply online for original license verification through Nursys.

  • If you are endorsing from a state that does not use Nursys, send the ā€œVerification of Original Licenseā€ form from your packet to your original state. If you are able to apply through Nursys, discard the form.
Nursys Verification Application
5

Military or Federal Identification

Active military or current federal employees may be required to submit identification. You may need to submit additional information, such as military orders.

6

Nurses Educated Outside the U.S.

Foreign educated exam applicants will need to request an NCLEX Score Transfer, as well as your CGFNS report.

Endorsement Checklist and Instructions for Foreign-Educated Nurses
7

Check Your Application Status

If you would like to see the status of your application, visit our online portal and log into your account. Select ā€œLicensing Servicesā€ and then ā€œCheck the Status of an Application in Process.ā€

Board of Nursing Online Portal