Illinois LPN License: Lookup, Renewal, CE, and Fees

Illinois is not a member of the Nurse Licensure Compact, so an LPN licensed in another state cannot practice in Illinois on a multistate license. Instead, a nurse moving to Illinois must apply for licensure by endorsement through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation before practicing in the state.

Endorsement applicants apply online through the IDFPR licensing portal or by mail, pay a $50 fee, and provide proof of graduation from an approved practical nursing program, evidence of passing the NCLEX-PN, and verification of every license held in other states. Illinois also requires a fingerprint-based criminal history check. A $25 temporary permit, valid for six months, is available while the endorsement application is pending. The board does not list a separate state law or jurisprudence exam for endorsement applicants.

Illinois requires graduation from a Department-approved practical nursing program, shown by an ED-NUR certification form or official transcripts with the school seal, or a certificate of completion of pre-licensure requirements from another US jurisdiction. Applicants educated abroad need a Department-approved credentials evaluation and an English proficiency exam, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, if English is not their first language. All candidates must pass the NCLEX-PN, registered through Continental Testing Services for Illinois applicants; the board does not list a separate state jurisprudence exam.