Registered Nurse / Minnesota
2026 data Minnesota board official source

Minnesota 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.

PlainCredential home → About this data

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

What the Minnesota data shows for Registered Nurses

To practice as a registered nurse in Minnesota, the state licensing board requires 2,351 documented education or training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN. A criminal history background check is also part of the application. Applicants must be at least 18 years old. The regulation sits under Minnesota's professional licensing framework, which classifies the training track as "Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing".

The initial price tag is $105, and renewal costs $88 every 2 years. Applications usually take around 4 weeks to process once complete. Renewal isn't the end of the cost: 24 hours of continuing education are due every 2-year cycle, a recurring time commitment worth planning for.

For registered nurses, the reciprocity picture is: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice.

Licensing Ease Score

D
Licensing Ease Score
47/100
Registered Nurse · Minnesota

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
2,351 hours
Documented education/training hours required
Initial Fee F
$136
One-time application/license fee
Renewal Burden C
$47/yr
$94 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 Minnesota

Education / Training Hours
Associate or Bachelor of Science in Nursing
2,351 hours
Exam Requirement
NCLEX-RN
Required
Initial License Fee
$136
Renewal Fee
$94
Renewal Cycle
Every 2 years
Processing Time
After complete application submitted
4 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 Minnesota licenses
Data sources: NCSL Occupational Licensing Database, Institute for Justice, state licensing boards. Verify current requirements with Minnesota licensing authorities before making career decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What license do I need for Registered Nurse in Minnesota? ▼
In Minnesota, the license path calls for 2351 education/training hours, a passing score on NCLEX-RN, and a $136 initial fee. A criminal background check is required as well.
How do I get certified as a Registered Nurse in Minnesota? ▼
To become a licensed registered nurse in Minnesota, you must meet the state's requirements including 2351 hours of education. You must also pass the required examination. Contact the Minnesota licensing board to verify current requirements.
Can I transfer my Registered Nurse license to Minnesota from another state? ▼
Registered Nurse licenses generally reciprocate as follows: NLC Compact: 41 states allow multistate practice. Interstate licensing compacts cover many professions and can further ease a move between states. The Minnesota licensing board can confirm the current rules for your credential.
Does Minnesota require a background check for Registered Nurse licensing? ▼
Minnesota does require a background check before issuing a registered nurse license. What counts as disqualifying, and how it's reviewed, is up to the state licensing board.
What are the continuing education requirements for Registered Nurse in Minnesota? ▼
To stay licensed as a registered nurse in Minnesota, plan on 30 hours of continuing education per 2-year renewal cycle; renewal itself runs $94.
How much does it cost to get a Registered Nurse license in Minnesota? ▼
The initial licensing fee in Minnesota is $105. The renewal fee is $88 every 2 years. Processing typically takes 4 weeks after submitting your complete application.
How long does Registered Nurse license processing take in Minnesota? ▼
In Minnesota, license processing for registered nurses typically takes approximately 4 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 Minnesota, with a documented reciprocity path, is one requirement row in a registered nurse-wide, 50-state comparison.

  • See how Minnesota'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 Minnesota's overall licensing burden compares to other states, not just this one profession. Minnesota overview

Requirements shown are compiled from NCSL and Institute for Justice research; verify current rules with the Minnesota 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.