Illinois Nursing License Guide: Getting Licensed for Travel Nursing
Thinking about taking your nursing skills to Illinois? Whether you’re drawn to the excitement of Chicago, the charm of small-town communities, or the career opportunities at top-ranked hospitals, working as a travel nurse in Illinois starts with one essential step: getting your Illinois nurse license.
If you’re already licensed in another state, the process is straightforward—but there are a few state-specific rules you should know. This guide breaks down the requirements, timelines, costs, and tips for avoiding common application headaches so you can get licensed faster and start your travel nursing journey.
Why Get Licensed as a Travel Nurse in Illinois?
Illinois offers an exciting mix of career benefits and lifestyle perks for nurses:
- Consistent demand for RNs across many travel nurse specialties
- Opportunities to work at Magnet® designated hospitals and major academic medical centers
- Assignments in both urban hubs like Chicago and scenic rural areas
- Competitive pay rates for travel nurses
- Easy access to neighboring Midwest states for quick weekend getaways
Note: Illinois is , so even if you have a compact license, you’ll still need to apply for an Illinois license to work here.
The top Illinois travel nursing specialities include:
Step-by-Step: How to Get Your Illinois Nurse License
The process depends on whether you’re applying for your first RN license or transferring an existing license from another state.
If You’re a New RN (Licensure by Examination):
- Graduate from an Approved Nursing Program: Make sure your school is recognized by the Illinois Board of Nursing.
- Create an account and submit the Online Application: Apply through the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).
- Register with Pearson VUE to take the NCLEX-RN exam: You will receive an Authorization to Test (ATT) from the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN).
- Pass the NCLEX-RN: Schedule your exam and send results directly to the board.
- Complete Fingerprinting: Use an IDFPR-approved fingerprint vendor.
- Pay the Fee: Expect ~$100 depending on application type.
If You’re Already Licensed in Another State (Licensure by Endorsement):
- Apply Online via IDFPR: Select “Licensure by Endorsement.”
- Verify Your License: Use Nursys for quick electronic verification.
- Complete Fingerprinting: Must be done through an approved vendor.
- Pay the Application Fee $50
See our highest paying travel nurse jobs
Illinois RN Licensing Requirements
To qualify for a license in Illinois, you must:
- Graduate from a board-approved nursing program
- Pass the NCLEX-RN (if not already licensed)
- Complete a fingerprint-based background check
- Provide license verification if licensed elsewhere
- Submit all required documentation (proof of education, ID, transcripts)
How Long Does It Take to Get an Illinois Nurse License?
Most nurses receive their license within several weeks after submitting a complete application. Delays often happen when:
- Transcripts aren’t sent directly from the school
- License verification is missing
- Fingerprints are taken by a non-approved vendor
If you are applying under the Endorsement method, you may be eligible for a Temporary Nursing Permit that will enable you to practice temporarily while your permanent license is pending.
Pro Tip: Gather all your documents before applying to speed things up.
How Much Does an Illinois Nurse License Cost?
Getting an Illinois nursing license typically costs $150–$210, including application, fingerprinting, and biennial renewal fees. Many travel nurse agencies, such as Nomad Health, may reimburse these expenses for nurses who take an Illinois assignment.
Fee Type | Estimated Cost |
Application Fee | $50-$100 |
Fingerprinting | $60-$70 |
Renewal (every 2 years) | $40 |
Some travel nurse agencies (including Nomad Health) may reimburse your licensing costs when you take an Illinois assignment.
Continuing Education and Renewal
- Renewal cycle: Every two years
- CEUs required: 20 contact hours per renewal period
- Additional training requirements include: Sexual Harassment Prevention; Implicit Bias; Child Abuse and Neglect and Diagnosis, Treatment and Care of Alzheimer's disease and other Dementia (may vary by patient population you provide care to)
- Renewal is completed through the IDFPR online portal.
Overcoming Common Licensing Challenges
Challenge | Solution |
Delayed transcripts | Contact your school early. |
Missing license verification | Use Nursys for faster processing. |
Name mismatches | Ensure all documents match your legal name exactly. |
Failed Exam | Wait to receive a Candidate Performance Report (CPR) from the Illinois Nursing Board. The report details learning needs and should guide preparation for the retake. There’s a 45-day waiting period. Re-register with Pearson VUE and pay the fee. |
Helpful Resources for Your Illinois Nurse License
- Illinois Nursing Board (IDFPR) – Official licensing portal
- Nursys – License verification system
- Online nurse communities and Illinois travel nurse groups for peer tips
How Nomad Health Can Help
Applying for an Illinois nurse license doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Nomad Health supports nurses every step of the way by:
- Providing step-by-step application guidance
- Offering licensing fee reimbursement in some cases
- Matching you with high-paying travel nurse assignments across Illinois
FAQS: Illinois Nurse License
- No. You’ll need an Illinois-specific license even if you hold a compact license.
- Around 4–6 weeks if all documents are submitted correctly.
- Expect to spend between $110–$170 for application and fingerprinting.
- 20 contact hours every two years from an approved provider.
- Yes — with application guidance, resources, and possible fee reimbursement.
- No. You must have an active Massachusetts RN license before beginning work as a nurse in the state.
- Yes. Nomad Health provides guidance, resources, and fee reimbursement to help nurses obtain their Massachusetts license quickly and efficiently.
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License and Certifications
Certifications
Certified Lacatation Counselor (CLC)
Certified Wound Care Nurse (CWCN)
Emergency Nursing Pediatric Certification (ENPC)
Inpatient Obstetrics Nursing Certification (RNC-OB)
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
Wound Care Certification (WCC)
State Certifications