Complete requirements guide for traveling healthcare workers
Application Fee
$50
Processing Time
4–6
weeks
Renewal Period
2
years
Renewal Fee
$80
Illinois is currently non-compact, though NLC legislation is enacted and awaiting implementation. The $50 fee is among the lowest in the country, making it an affordable state for travel nursing.
License by Endorsement
Available for out-of-state licensees
Temporary License
Available while full license processes
Background Check
Required
Fingerprinting
Required
Jurisprudence Exam
Not required
Endorsement Fee: $50
Requires fingerprinting via an Illinois-approved vendor. If outside IL, you must use a 'card scan' vendor. Transcripts must be uploaded to the portal by the nurse (unusual compared to other states).
Temporary permits are available for $25. They are valid for 6 months while the endorsement application is processed.
Processing can be delayed by fingerprinting issues. Ensure the '60-day rule' is followed (fingerprints must be recent relative to application submission).
20 hours required every 2 years
20 contact hours of CE are required for each 2-year renewal. Includes mandatory training on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Implicit Bias.
All RN licenses expire on May 31 of even-numbered years regardless of when they were issued.
Join TravTrak to get reminders before your license expires and manage all your healthcare credentials in one place.
Sign Up Free →Information last verified: March 29, 2026