New IDFPR Fingerprinting Requirements for Temporary Nursing Licenses
Nurses applying for a Temporary Registered Professional Nurse (RN) License or Temporary Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License in Illinois should be aware that fingerprint-based criminal background checks are now part of the application process.
The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) requires applicants for nursing licensure and temporary nursing permits to complete fingerprint processing through an approved Illinois Livescan vendor.
For nurses seeking employment in Illinois while their permanent license application is being processed, completing fingerprinting quickly can help avoid unnecessary delays.
Who Needs Fingerprinting under the Illinois Nurse Practice Act?
Anyone applying for:
- Temporary Registered Professional Nurse (RN) License
- Temporary Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) License
- Registered Professional Nurse License
- Licensed Practical Nurse License
- for others please see the Illinois Nurse Practice Act (225 ILCS 65/)
What Is a Temporary Nursing License?
A Temporary RN License or Temporary LPN License allows eligible nurses to begin practicing in Illinois while their full endorsement application is under review by IDFPR.
Temporary licenses are commonly used by:
- Nurses relocating to Illinois
- Travel nurses accepting Illinois assignments
- Nurses licensed in another state seeking Illinois licensure by endorsement
- Healthcare facilities needing to onboard nurses quickly
Because temporary licenses are often issued on tight timelines, completing fingerprinting early in the application process is highly recommended.
You will need to submit the application through the IDFPR CORE website. Before submitting the application, you will need to provide your TCN, date fingerprinted and upload a copy of your fingerprint receipt.
Generally, fingerprints must be taken within 60 days of the application submission date. Completing fingerprinting early helps prevent application deficiencies and processing delays.
Out-of-State Nurses Applying for Illinois Licensure
Many applicants for Temporary RN and Temporary LPN licenses are nurses relocating from another state.
Illinois regulations allow out-of-state applicants to have fingerprints taken outside Illinois. For more information, please call us or click here for our out of state instructions.
Needless to say, if you are applying for a Temporary Registered Professional Nurse (TRN) License or Temporary Licensed Practical Nurse (TLN) License, completing your fingerprinting requirement early is one of the most important steps in the application process.
If you need fingerprints for the Temporary RN License, to ensure you get fingerprinted for the correct license, please let our team know that it is for Purpose Code: TRN.
If you need fingerprints for the Temporary LPN License, to ensure you get fingerprinted for the correct license, please let our team know that it is for Purpose Code: TLN.