Registered Nurse / Idaho
2026 data Idaho board official source

Idaho Registered Nurse License Requirements

Compiled from official public sources by the publisher.

Official regulator records behind the requirements, fees, and renewal cycle for this license.

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Provides patient care, administers medications, and coordinates with physicians. Requires NCLEX-RN exam.

What the Idaho data shows for Registered Nurses

Idaho sets the entry bar for registered nurses at 2,135 training hours and a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A background check is a standard part of the process, and applicants must be 18 or older. The credential is administered under Idaho's licensing regime, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

Upfront cost is $90, with renewal running $90 on a 2-year cycle. Expect roughly 3 weeks of processing once a complete application is submitted. Continuing education is not a listed requirement for this profession in Idaho, so the annualized maintenance burden is lower than in states that mandate ongoing hours.

On reciprocity, registered nurses should know: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

C-
Licensing Ease Score
53/100
Registered Nurse · Idaho

A higher score means this specific license is LESS burdensome to obtain and maintain here than the national requirement corpus, based on education hours, fees, continuing education, and experience requirements, not an overall judgment of the profession or the state.

Education & Training F
2,135 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee C-
$99
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden B
$34/yr
$67 every 2 years
Continuing Education F
15.0 hrs/yr
30 hours every 2 years
Experience Required A+
None required
Supervised work experience required before licensure

Licensing Requirements in Idaho

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,135 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$99
Renewal Fee
$67
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
3 wks
Continuing Education
30 hrs/cycle
Criminal History Check
Required
Minimum Age
18 years
Compare fees across all states for Registered Nurse →

Compare & Explore

Compare all states for Registered Nurse All Idaho licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Idaho licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Idaho? ▼
Idaho requires 2135 education/training hours, passing an exam (NCLEX-RN), and an initial fee of $99. A criminal background check is also required.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Idaho? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Idaho, you must meet the state's requirements including 2135 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Idaho licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Idaho from another state? ▼
For registered nurses, the reciprocity landscape looks like this: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Many professions are also covered by interstate licensing compacts that facilitate portability between states. Contact the Idaho licensing board to confirm how it applies to your specific credential.
Does Idaho require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Background screening is part of the registered nurse licensing process in Idaho. The state licensing board determines which offenses disqualify an applicant and how appeals are handled.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Idaho? ▼
Idaho ties continued registered nurse licensure to 30 continuing-education hours, due every 2 years, alongside a $67 renewal fee.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Idaho? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Idaho is $90. The renewal fee is $90 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 3 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Idaho? ▼
In Idaho, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 3 weeks after your complete application is submitted. Processing times may vary based on application volume and completeness of documentation.

Related Guides

What to do with this registered nurse license

Registered Nurse in Idaho, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Idaho's registered nurse requirements compare to every other state before relocating. Registered Nurse in every state
  • Confirm whether your out-of-state registered nurse license transfers under an interstate compact before starting a new application. Reciprocity guide
  • See how Idaho's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Idaho overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Idaho licensing board before making career decisions.

Source: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice License to Work (3rd Ed.), state licensing board websites

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Institute for Justice, the PlainCredential comparison corpus (current as of May 15, 2026) maps 4,947 state licensing requirement records; see the methodology.

Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.