How Do I Apply for a Nursing License by 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.

Submit all paper documents, including:

• two fingerprint cards
• criminal history background waiver form
• all criminal history documentation
  • For more information, visit our Criminal Conviction Eligibility page

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

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

• Electronic transcripts may be sent through the National Student Clearinghouse ONLY.
  • For those educated in a foreign country, your CGFNS report meets these requirements. 

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 “Verification of Original License” form from your packet to your original state. If you are able to apply through Nursys, discard the form.

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

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

If you would like to see the status of your license, visit our online portal and log into your account.