Illinois Nursing License: NLC Status, Endorsement, and BON
Last reviewed: by Jayson Minagawa, BSN, RN
Illinois Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) status
Illinois is currently Non-compact (single-state license required). A single-state Illinois RN license is required to practice in Illinois. Compact-state nurses cannot use a multistate license here. As of 2026, 41 states are NLC-implemented; review the interactive compact map for current status nationwide.
Illinois Board of Nursing
The Illinois Board of Nursing (BON) regulates RN, LPN/LVN, and APRN practice in the state. Official website: idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/nursing.html. The BON sets initial licensure requirements, renewal cycle and CE hours, scope of practice, and disciplinary actions. Always verify current fees and forms on the BON website — fees and processing times change annually.
License by endorsement (moving to Illinois)
If you hold an active RN license in another U.S. state and want to practice in Illinois, you apply for a license by endorsement. You must submit a license-by-endorsement application directly to the Illinois BON. Typical timeline: 6-16 weeks. Required: verification of license from your prior state via Nursys, fingerprint background check (where required), application fee, and proof of education. The Nursys verification system (run by NCSBN) is the standard cross-state license-verification tool used by every state BON.
Continuing education and renewal
RN license renewal in Illinois is on a 2-year cycle in most cases (verify on the BON website). CE hour requirements vary by state — most require 20-30 hours per cycle, with specific topic requirements (pain management, opioids, infection control, ethics) common. Many states accept ANCC-accredited CE; some require state-board-approved providers specifically. The free nurse CEU finder indexes free CE by state.
Travel nursing in Illinois
Illinois requires a single-state Illinois RN license for travel nurse assignments. Travel agencies often expedite this for $200-500 with a 4-8 week timeline. See the travel nursing in Illinois guide for state-specific pay rates, top hospitals, and tax considerations.