North Dakota Nurse Licensing Guide

Permanent License

1. Submit an application online and pay the fee. The process is the same for RNs and LPNs. 
2. You must have a United States Social Security Number.
3. Request your college to send your official transcript of your grades with the degree posted directly to the North Dakota Board of Nursing office. Copies of transcripts sent by applicants or faxed transcripts will not be accepted.

• Transcripts may be sent electronically through National Clearing House, E-Script, Parchment, or another secure transcript service.

4. Request verification of licensure via Nursys from your original state of licensure and the state where you are currently employed. If these states do not participate in Nursys, you will need to contact that state's BON and request verification be sent to the North Dakota BON.
5. Provide a background check with fingerprints. Instructions for fingerprinting can be found here. Submit the completed background check form and fingerprints to the North Dakota Board of Nursing at:

• 919 S 7th Street, Suite 504; Bismarck, ND 58504

6. You must provide evidence of one of the following:

• Four hundred hours of licensed nursing practice in the last four years and complete the Verification of Employment Form.
• You must have completed your nursing program in the past four years.
• You must have completed a board-approved refresher course within the past four years.

7. Additional requirements for international educated applicants can be found here. 

Temporary License

1. Temporary permits are valid for 90 days and are non-renewable.
2. Once your online application, verification of active license, and official transcripts are received, you may be issued a temporary license.
3. Temporary permits are posted online in the Verify section of this site.  There are no paper temporary permits issued.  

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